When the grid is misaligned such that it's not perpendicular to the x-ray beam, which type of grid error occurs?

When the grid is misaligned and is not perpendicular to the x-ray beam, an off-level grid error occurs. This scenario results in uneven exposure across the film or digital receptor because the x-ray beam is not being properly attenuated by the grid. The grid is designed to absorb scattered radiation that could create fog on the image, but if it is misaligned, the amount of scatter reaching different parts of the receptor can vary, leading to a loss of image quality and contrast.

In this case, the misalignment specifically leads to changes in the radiation intensity hitting the receptor, which would manifest as an overall decrease in image density or increased contrast along one edge of the image. This is a direct effect of the beam being angled relative to the grid's intended path, resulting in the grid's effectiveness being compromised.

The other options relate to different types of grid errors. Off-center errors involve misalignment of the grid laterally to the x-ray beam, which affects how the grid interacts with the beam across its width. Off-focus errors occur when the focal range of the grid is not appropriate for the distance between the grid and the x-ray tube. Upside-down errors happen when the grid is reversed, which can lead to significant image artifacts. Each of