What effect does an increased matrix size have on the spatial resolution of a digital image?

An increased matrix size positively affects the spatial resolution of a digital image. Spatial resolution refers to the ability of an imaging system to distinguish between small details in an image. When the matrix size of a digital image is increased, it means that there are more pixels available to represent the same area. This allows for finer detail to be captured, leading to improved clarity and precision in the resulting image.

With a larger matrix size, each pixel can represent a smaller portion of the image, which enhances the level of detail that can be discerned. Consequently, as the number of pixels increases within the same field of view, the overall resolution improves, allowing for better visualization of subtle structures or features that may have otherwise been undetectable with a smaller matrix size.

In summary, a larger matrix size translates to higher pixel density, resulting in improved spatial resolution and a clearer, more detailed image output.