Which statement is true regarding the contraction porosity in dental alloys?

Contraction porosity in dental alloys primarily relates to the way the metal cools during the solidification process. As the molten metal is poured into a mold, it begins to solidify from the outside inward. If the cooling is uneven or occurs too rapidly, it can lead to the formation of voids or pores within the solidified structure, known as contraction porosity. This phenomenon is often exacerbated by factors such as inadequate feeding of the molten metal to the cooling areas, meaning that as the material shrinks, there may not be enough molten metal to compensate for the volume loss, resulting in voids.

The relationship to cooling is critical because it highlights the importance of managing the temperature and cooling rate during the casting process. Balanced cooling allows the dental alloy to maintain its structural integrity without forming internal defects, ensuring that the final product performs reliably in clinical applications. Thus, the statement reflects the fundamental understanding of how metal solidification can affect the properties of dental alloys.