What orientation of the central ray reduces shape distortion?

• A. Perpendicular to the Object and Receptor
• B. Parallel to the Object
• C. Perpendicular to the Receptor Only
• D. Parallel to the Receptor

Answer: (A)

Aligning the central ray perpendicular to both the object and the image receptor minimizes how the projection distorts the object's shape. When the beam hits straight on, the angles and proportions are preserved, reducing foreshortening and elongation. If the ray runs parallel to the object, features can appear shorter due to foreshortening. If it's only perpendicular to the receptor but not to the object, the object may tilt relative to the beam, causing distortion. If the ray is parallel to the receptor, the image can stretch along that plane. Perpendicular intersection with both planes keeps the projection true to the object's dimensions.