When repeating an analog x-ray exposure from a 14 x 17 in. field to a 4 x 4 in. field, what will the second image demonstrate?

When comparing the results of an analog x-ray exposure between a large field size of 14 x 17 inches and a significantly smaller field size of 4 x 4 inches, the smaller field will demonstrate more contrast. This is because a smaller field size reduces scatter radiation, which can obscure image details and lower contrast.

In a smaller field, the primary beam is more focused on the area of interest, leading to a clearer differentiation between various tissues and structures within the image. As a result, more contrast is produced because there are fewer unexposed areas caused by scatter, and the image generally becomes more defined.

While the exposure level may influence receptor exposure, the focal point of this scenario centers on the impact of the field size on the image's contrast, making the choice associated with more contrast the most applicable outcome.