What attribute is used with the <img> tag to provide alternative text?

The alternative text for an image in HTML is specified using the "alt" attribute within the <img> tag. This attribute is essential for accessibility purposes, as it provides a textual description of the image content for users who may have visual impairments and use screen readers. Additionally, if an image fails to load, the alternative text will be displayed in its place, giving users context about what the missing image represents.

The "title" attribute offers additional information, often shown as a tooltip when the user hovers over the image, but it does not serve as a replacement for the image itself. The "src" attribute is used to specify the path to the image file being displayed, while "href" is associated with hyperlinks in the anchor tag <a>, not images. The "alt" attribute distinctly fulfills the critical role of providing alternative text, making it the correct choice in this context.