Ace Your ARRT MRI Exam: 2026 Physics &
Safety Practice Test with Answers
Description:
Struggling to master MRI physics and safety for your ARRT registry? Our 2026 MRI Practice
Exam is precisely what you need to succeed. This free resource features 50 challenging
questions mirroring the actual test, complete with detailed explanations for every answer. We
cover all the essentials—from T1/T2 relaxation, pulse sequences (Spin Echo, GRE),
and Larmor equation calculations, to crucial patient safety protocols, FDA SAR limits,
and contrast agent mechanics.
Whether you're prepping for the ARRT, CBMT, or another certification, this test pinpoints your
weak spots and reinforces key concepts. Don't just memorize—understand the 'why' behind the
answers with our clear, expert-written explanations.
Stop guessing and start mastering. Download your free practice test now and walk into your exam
with confidence!
, 2026 MRI Registry Review: Physics & Safety Practice Exam
1. When two different tissues produce signals of similar brightness on an MR image, they are
referred to as:
A) Hypointense
B) Hyperintense
C) Isointense
D) Isodense
Answer: C
Explanation: The term "isointense" is used in MRI to describe tissues that appear with identical
signal intensity on a given sequence. "Isodense" is a term used in computed tomography (CT),
not MRI.
2. The characteristic wobbling motion of a hydrogen proton within a strong magnetic field,
analogous to a spinning top, is known as:
A) Resonance
B) Frequency
C) Precession
D) Angular Momentum
Answer: C
Explanation: Precession is the fundamental motion of atomic nuclei with spin, like hydrogen
protons, when placed in a magnetic field. This precessional frequency is central to the MRI
signal generation.
3. The foundational physical principle from which Magnetic Resonance Imaging is derived is
called:
A) Magnetic Resonance Angiography
B) Magnetic Relaxation Imaging
C) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
D) Nuclear Resonance Imaging
Answer: C
Explanation: MRI is the clinical application of the scientific phenomenon known as Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The "nuclear" refers to the atomic nucleus, but it is often omitted
in the clinical name to avoid patient concerns.
, 4. Immediately after a radiofrequency (RF) pulse displaces the Net Magnetization Vector (NMV)
from its equilibrium state, what occurs?
A) The longitudinal magnetization increases.
B) The transverse magnetization decreases.
C) The longitudinal magnetization remains constant.
D) The transverse magnetization increases.
Answer: D
Explanation: A resonant RF pulse tips the NMV away from the longitudinal axis (B0),
converting some or all of the longitudinal magnetization into transverse magnetization in the
XY-plane, where it can be detected as a signal.
5. The specific oscillating frequency at which hydrogen protons absorb energy and resonate within
a magnetic field is termed the:
A) Magnetic Frequency
B) Radio Frequency
C) Gyro-magnetic Frequency
D) Resonance Frequency
Answer: D
Explanation: The resonance frequency, also known as the Larmor frequency, is the precise
frequency at which protons will absorb RF energy and change their energy state, which is the
core of signal excitation in MRI.
6. Gadolinium-based contrast agents cross from the bloodstream into tissue by passing through a
compromised blood-brain barrier, moving between which compartments?
A) Intravascular to Interstitial
B) Extracellular to Intracellular
C) Hepatobiliary to Renal
D) Extradural to Renal
Answer: A
Explanation: In the presence of pathology, the blood-brain barrier becomes permeable, allowing
the contrast agent to leak from the intravascular space (blood vessels) into the interstitial space
(the fluid-filled space between cells).
Safety Practice Test with Answers
Description:
Struggling to master MRI physics and safety for your ARRT registry? Our 2026 MRI Practice
Exam is precisely what you need to succeed. This free resource features 50 challenging
questions mirroring the actual test, complete with detailed explanations for every answer. We
cover all the essentials—from T1/T2 relaxation, pulse sequences (Spin Echo, GRE),
and Larmor equation calculations, to crucial patient safety protocols, FDA SAR limits,
and contrast agent mechanics.
Whether you're prepping for the ARRT, CBMT, or another certification, this test pinpoints your
weak spots and reinforces key concepts. Don't just memorize—understand the 'why' behind the
answers with our clear, expert-written explanations.
Stop guessing and start mastering. Download your free practice test now and walk into your exam
with confidence!
, 2026 MRI Registry Review: Physics & Safety Practice Exam
1. When two different tissues produce signals of similar brightness on an MR image, they are
referred to as:
A) Hypointense
B) Hyperintense
C) Isointense
D) Isodense
Answer: C
Explanation: The term "isointense" is used in MRI to describe tissues that appear with identical
signal intensity on a given sequence. "Isodense" is a term used in computed tomography (CT),
not MRI.
2. The characteristic wobbling motion of a hydrogen proton within a strong magnetic field,
analogous to a spinning top, is known as:
A) Resonance
B) Frequency
C) Precession
D) Angular Momentum
Answer: C
Explanation: Precession is the fundamental motion of atomic nuclei with spin, like hydrogen
protons, when placed in a magnetic field. This precessional frequency is central to the MRI
signal generation.
3. The foundational physical principle from which Magnetic Resonance Imaging is derived is
called:
A) Magnetic Resonance Angiography
B) Magnetic Relaxation Imaging
C) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
D) Nuclear Resonance Imaging
Answer: C
Explanation: MRI is the clinical application of the scientific phenomenon known as Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The "nuclear" refers to the atomic nucleus, but it is often omitted
in the clinical name to avoid patient concerns.
, 4. Immediately after a radiofrequency (RF) pulse displaces the Net Magnetization Vector (NMV)
from its equilibrium state, what occurs?
A) The longitudinal magnetization increases.
B) The transverse magnetization decreases.
C) The longitudinal magnetization remains constant.
D) The transverse magnetization increases.
Answer: D
Explanation: A resonant RF pulse tips the NMV away from the longitudinal axis (B0),
converting some or all of the longitudinal magnetization into transverse magnetization in the
XY-plane, where it can be detected as a signal.
5. The specific oscillating frequency at which hydrogen protons absorb energy and resonate within
a magnetic field is termed the:
A) Magnetic Frequency
B) Radio Frequency
C) Gyro-magnetic Frequency
D) Resonance Frequency
Answer: D
Explanation: The resonance frequency, also known as the Larmor frequency, is the precise
frequency at which protons will absorb RF energy and change their energy state, which is the
core of signal excitation in MRI.
6. Gadolinium-based contrast agents cross from the bloodstream into tissue by passing through a
compromised blood-brain barrier, moving between which compartments?
A) Intravascular to Interstitial
B) Extracellular to Intracellular
C) Hepatobiliary to Renal
D) Extradural to Renal
Answer: A
Explanation: In the presence of pathology, the blood-brain barrier becomes permeable, allowing
the contrast agent to leak from the intravascular space (blood vessels) into the interstitial space
(the fluid-filled space between cells).
