MRI QUIZ – IMAGE BASICS & IMAGE
FORMATION PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS
WITH SOLUTIONS 2026
Instructions: This practice exam covers the core concepts of MRI image basics
and image formation, including spatial encoding, gradients, k-space, pulse
sequence parameters, and image contrast.
1. Which element of the MRI system allows encoding spatial origin of
the signal emitted?
A. Main magnet
B. Radiofrequency
C. Gradients x, y, z
D. Shim coils
Correct Answer: C — Gradients x, y, z
Rationale: The gradients (x, y, z) are responsible for spatial encoding of
the MRI signal. They create controlled variations in the magnetic field
that allow the system to determine where the signal originated .
,2. The magnetisation of the tissues occurs when:
A. The MRI sequence is starting
B. The subject receives radiofrequency wave
C. The subject is lying on the table inside the scanner bore
D. The receiver coil is activated
Correct Answer: C — The subject is lying on the table inside the scanner
bore
Rationale: Magnetisation of tissues occurs when the subject is inside
the scanner bore and exposed to the main magnetic field (B0). This
aligns the proton spins before any RF excitation .
3. The echo time (TE) in a spin echo sequence is the time between:
A. The RF excitation pulse and the RF refocusing pulse
B. The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission
C. Two consecutive RF excitation pulses
D. The 90° pulse and the 180° pulse
Correct Answer: B — The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission
,Rationale: TE is the time between the RF excitation pulse (90°) and the
peak of the echo emission. In a spin echo sequence, the 180° refocusing
pulse occurs at TE/2 .
4. The repetition time (TR) is the time between:
A. The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission
B. Two consecutive RF excitation pulses
C. The 90° pulse and the 180° pulse
D. The slice selection and frequency encoding gradients
Correct Answer: B — Two consecutive RF excitation pulses
Rationale: TR is the time between two consecutive RF excitation pulses.
It determines how much longitudinal magnetization recovers between
excitations, affecting T1 weighting .
5. T1-weighted contrast is obtained with:
A. A short TE and a short TR
B. A long TE and a short TR
, C. A long TE and a long TR
D. A short TE and a long TR
Correct Answer: A — A short TE and a short TR
Rationale: T1-weighted images use a short TR (to emphasize T1
differences) and a short TE (to minimize T2 effects). Fat appears bright,
and water/CSF appears dark .
6. For a T2-weighted image, which combination of TR and TE is used?
A. Short TR, short TE
B. Long TR, short TE
C. Long TR, long TE
D. Short TR, long TE
Correct Answer: C — Long TR, long TE
Rationale: T2-weighted images require a long TR (to minimize T1
effects) and a long TE (to emphasize T2 decay differences). Water/CSF
appears bright .
FORMATION PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS
WITH SOLUTIONS 2026
Instructions: This practice exam covers the core concepts of MRI image basics
and image formation, including spatial encoding, gradients, k-space, pulse
sequence parameters, and image contrast.
1. Which element of the MRI system allows encoding spatial origin of
the signal emitted?
A. Main magnet
B. Radiofrequency
C. Gradients x, y, z
D. Shim coils
Correct Answer: C — Gradients x, y, z
Rationale: The gradients (x, y, z) are responsible for spatial encoding of
the MRI signal. They create controlled variations in the magnetic field
that allow the system to determine where the signal originated .
,2. The magnetisation of the tissues occurs when:
A. The MRI sequence is starting
B. The subject receives radiofrequency wave
C. The subject is lying on the table inside the scanner bore
D. The receiver coil is activated
Correct Answer: C — The subject is lying on the table inside the scanner
bore
Rationale: Magnetisation of tissues occurs when the subject is inside
the scanner bore and exposed to the main magnetic field (B0). This
aligns the proton spins before any RF excitation .
3. The echo time (TE) in a spin echo sequence is the time between:
A. The RF excitation pulse and the RF refocusing pulse
B. The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission
C. Two consecutive RF excitation pulses
D. The 90° pulse and the 180° pulse
Correct Answer: B — The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission
,Rationale: TE is the time between the RF excitation pulse (90°) and the
peak of the echo emission. In a spin echo sequence, the 180° refocusing
pulse occurs at TE/2 .
4. The repetition time (TR) is the time between:
A. The RF excitation pulse and the echo emission
B. Two consecutive RF excitation pulses
C. The 90° pulse and the 180° pulse
D. The slice selection and frequency encoding gradients
Correct Answer: B — Two consecutive RF excitation pulses
Rationale: TR is the time between two consecutive RF excitation pulses.
It determines how much longitudinal magnetization recovers between
excitations, affecting T1 weighting .
5. T1-weighted contrast is obtained with:
A. A short TE and a short TR
B. A long TE and a short TR
, C. A long TE and a long TR
D. A short TE and a long TR
Correct Answer: A — A short TE and a short TR
Rationale: T1-weighted images use a short TR (to emphasize T1
differences) and a short TE (to minimize T2 effects). Fat appears bright,
and water/CSF appears dark .
6. For a T2-weighted image, which combination of TR and TE is used?
A. Short TR, short TE
B. Long TR, short TE
C. Long TR, long TE
D. Short TR, long TE
Correct Answer: C — Long TR, long TE
Rationale: T2-weighted images require a long TR (to minimize T1
effects) and a long TE (to emphasize T2 decay differences). Water/CSF
appears bright .
