How do the components of a film's fixer function together?

The function of a film's fixer is crucial in the photographic development process, particularly in radiology. The fixer plays a vital role in the final stages of developing an x-ray film, where it serves two primary purposes. Firstly, it hardens the gelatin emulsion that contains the developed image, ensuring that the film will have greater durability and can withstand handling and storage without degrading. Secondly, the fixer works to remove any unexposed silver halide crystals that are still present on the film after the development process. This step is essential because it prevents any unwanted exposure that could fog the image or lead to inaccuracies when interpreting the radiographic film. By combining these two functions, the fixer ensures that the image is clear and properly preserved for diagnostic use.