# Which of the following describes the etiology of cone-cutting? A. Inadequate exposure time B. Excessive mA C. Excessive kVp D. Incorrect source-object distance E. Incorrect placement of X-ray machine The correct answer is E. Incorrect placement of X Ray machine. Cone-cutting occurs when the X-ray machine is not lined up properly with the X-ray sensor or film. The film or sensor should be placed perpendicular to the X-ray collimator to ensure that all of the necessary information is picked up. External devices are often used to ensure that the film/sensor are perpendicular to the X-ray collimator.