Central ray in bisecting-angle technique is directed how?

• A. Perpendicular to image receptor
• B. Parallel to the tooth long axis
• C. Perpendicular to bisected angle
• D. At a 45-degree angle to the tooth

Answer: (C)

In the bisecting-angle technique, you place the receptor close to the tooth and form an angle between them. The central ray should be directed perpendicular to the line that bisects that angle. This geometry makes the beam strike the tooth and receptor at equal angles, minimizing distortion and giving a more accurate representation of the tooth’s size and shape. Directing the beam perpendicular to the receptor, parallel to the tooth’s long axis, or at a fixed angle like 45 degrees would not balance the angulation and would produce distortion.