Which step in film processing is designed to prevent further exposure of the film after developing?

The fixing step is critical in film processing as it serves to prevent further exposure of the film after it has been developed. During this process, the film is immersed in a fixing solution that removes any unexposed silver halide crystals from the film emulsion. This action stabilizes the image and ensures that it will not continue to be affected by light. Once the film has been fixed, it is safe from exposure to light, allowing for handling and further processing without risk of fogging or unwanted development.

In contrast, developing refers to the step where the latent image is converted into a visible image, which does not yet protect the film from exposure. Washing, which follows fixing, is intended to remove any residual chemicals from the film, further ensuring the longevity and clarity of the image but does not prevent exposure. Drying is simply the final step in the process to remove moisture from the film, again not serving to protect it from further exposure.