Which characteristic describes remnant radiation?

Remnant radiation is characterized by its role in the process of imaging, specifically in radiography. After the primary radiation passes through the patient, it interacts with tissues and structures, resulting in a combination of transmitted and scattered radiation. The remnant radiation is the leftover radiation that exits the patient and contributes to forming the radiographic image on film or digital detectors.

This type of radiation is crucial because it carries the information necessary to visualize anatomical structures within the body, helping healthcare professionals to diagnose and assess conditions effectively. It is a key component in capturing the details that are displayed in radiographic images, making it distinct from other types of radiation mentioned in the other choices, such as therapy-related radiation or non-ionizing radiation.