How does exposing film to light affect its quality and development process?

Exposing film to light is a crucial step in the development process as it captures the image. When light hits the film, it creates a chemical reaction that forms a latent image. This image is then developed using chemicals to bring out the final picture. If the film is overexposed to light, it can result in a washed-out or blurry image. On the other hand, underexposure can lead to a dark or underdeveloped image. Therefore, controlling the amount of light exposure is essential for achieving high-quality results in film development.