If the cassette was not closed completely, what is likely to happen to the radiographic film?

When the cassette is not closed completely, it creates an opportunity for the radiographic film to be exposed to ambient light. The primary function of a cassette is to protect the radiographic film from light exposure while allowing the x-rays to penetrate and create an image. If the cassette is not sealed properly, any light exposure can lead to fogging on the film, which can obscure the intended image and render it unusable. This inappropriate exposure often results in a film that has a compromised quality, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the cassette is securely closed before use.

In this context, the other options do not apply. For instance, if the film developed normally, that implies there was no light exposure or issues with the cassette, which isn't the case here. As for overexposure or underexposure, those concepts relate specifically to the amount of x-ray exposure rather than unwanted light exposure, which can affect the film's quality completely and lead to an unclear or illegible image. Therefore, exposure to light is a significant concern when the cassette is not closed properly.