Comprehensive ABR Diagnostic Radiology Core
Exam Q&A: 200 Verified Questions with
Detailed Rationales Covering Physics, Neuro,
Chest, GI, GU, MSK, Breast, Nuclear Medicine,
Pediatric, and Interventional Imaging for
2026/2027 Board Preparation
Physics & Image Production
Question 1: Which of the following best
describes the photoelectric effect?
• A. Incident photon is scattered with reduced
energy
• B. Incident photon is totally absorbed,
ejecting an inner-shell electron
• C. Incident photon pairs produce an
electron and positron
• D. Incident photon causes nuclear excitation
,☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. In the photoelectric
effect, the incident photon is totally absorbed
by the atom when it transfers its energy to an
inner-shell electron, causing it to be ejected.
Question 2: What is the approximate
conversion of energy in an x-ray tube?
• A. 50% heat, 50% x-ray
• B. 99% heat, 1% x-ray
• C. 90% heat, 10% x-ray
• D. 75% heat, 25% x-ray
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Approximately 99% of
the energy is converted to heat, and only about
1% is converted to x-rays.
,Question 3: Why do we use grids in
radiography?
• A. To increase image magnification
• B. To absorb scattered radiation before it
strikes the image receptor
• C. To decrease patient dose
• D. To increase spatial resolution
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Grids absorb scattered
radiation before it strikes the image receptor.
However, use of a grid increases patient dose.
Question 4: The Law of Bergonie and
Tribondeau states that:
• A. Cells are more sensitive when rapidly
dividing
• B. Cells are more sensitive when highly
differentiated
, • C. Radiation effects are proportional to dose
• D. All cells have equal radiation sensitivity
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: A. Cells are more
sensitive to radiation when they are rapidly
dividing, have a long mitotic future, and are less
differentiated.
Question 5: Which of the following occurs at
energies over 1.02 MeV?
• A. Photoelectric effect
• B. Compton scattering
• C. Pair production
• D. Coherent scattering
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Pair production occurs
at energies over 1.02 MeV. Photodisintegration
Exam Q&A: 200 Verified Questions with
Detailed Rationales Covering Physics, Neuro,
Chest, GI, GU, MSK, Breast, Nuclear Medicine,
Pediatric, and Interventional Imaging for
2026/2027 Board Preparation
Physics & Image Production
Question 1: Which of the following best
describes the photoelectric effect?
• A. Incident photon is scattered with reduced
energy
• B. Incident photon is totally absorbed,
ejecting an inner-shell electron
• C. Incident photon pairs produce an
electron and positron
• D. Incident photon causes nuclear excitation
,☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. In the photoelectric
effect, the incident photon is totally absorbed
by the atom when it transfers its energy to an
inner-shell electron, causing it to be ejected.
Question 2: What is the approximate
conversion of energy in an x-ray tube?
• A. 50% heat, 50% x-ray
• B. 99% heat, 1% x-ray
• C. 90% heat, 10% x-ray
• D. 75% heat, 25% x-ray
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Approximately 99% of
the energy is converted to heat, and only about
1% is converted to x-rays.
,Question 3: Why do we use grids in
radiography?
• A. To increase image magnification
• B. To absorb scattered radiation before it
strikes the image receptor
• C. To decrease patient dose
• D. To increase spatial resolution
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B. Grids absorb scattered
radiation before it strikes the image receptor.
However, use of a grid increases patient dose.
Question 4: The Law of Bergonie and
Tribondeau states that:
• A. Cells are more sensitive when rapidly
dividing
• B. Cells are more sensitive when highly
differentiated
, • C. Radiation effects are proportional to dose
• D. All cells have equal radiation sensitivity
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: A. Cells are more
sensitive to radiation when they are rapidly
dividing, have a long mitotic future, and are less
differentiated.
Question 5: Which of the following occurs at
energies over 1.02 MeV?
• A. Photoelectric effect
• B. Compton scattering
• C. Pair production
• D. Coherent scattering
☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C. Pair production occurs
at energies over 1.02 MeV. Photodisintegration
