What happens to remaining silver halide crystals after the developing process?

The remaining silver halide crystals after the developing process are removed by the fixer. During the developing process, exposed crystals are reduced to metallic silver, creating a visible image. However, the unexposed silver halide crystals need to be eliminated to prevent any further development and to stabilize the image. The fixer serves this purpose by dissolving and removing these unexposed crystals from the film, ensuring that only the developed (exposed) areas remain. This step is crucial for creating a permanent and stable photographic image, as it prevents any inadvertent exposure from impacting the developed photograph.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe what happens to remaining silver halide crystals. They do not remain unchanged, as they would continue to be sensitive to light if not fixed. The option mentioning fluorescence does not apply because fixing is a physical and chemical process, rather than one involving light enhancement. Finally, while the concept of a negative image is crucial in photography, it doesn’t accurately describe the fate of the remaining silver halide crystals post-development; it addresses the outcome of the film once fully processed, not the immediate action of the fixer on those crystals.