Comprehensive review of radiology physics concepts for CORE exam success, covering CT physics, MRI principles, ultrasound fundamentals, and radiation protection.
Physics in the CORE Exam
Physics comprises a significant portion of the radiology CORE exam. A solid understanding of imaging physics principles is essential for both exam success and clinical practice.
CT Physics Essentials
Image Formation
Understand how X-ray attenuation, detector technology, and reconstruction algorithms create CT images. Know the relationship between kVp, mAs, and image quality.
Dose Optimization
Master concepts of CTDIvol, DLP, effective dose, and dose reduction techniques including automatic exposure control, iterative reconstruction, and tube current modulation.
Artifacts & Quality Control
Recognize common CT artifacts (beam hardening, metal, motion) and their solutions. Understand quality control procedures and acceptable performance parameters.
MRI Physics
Basic Principles
Know T1 and T2 relaxation, pulse sequences (spin echo, gradient echo, inversion recovery), and factors affecting image contrast, resolution, and acquisition time.
Safety Considerations
Understand MRI safety zones, implant compatibility, SAR limits, and acoustic noise concerns.
Ultrasound Fundamentals
- Wave propagation and acoustic impedance
- Resolution (axial, lateral, temporal)
- Doppler physics and color flow imaging
- Artifacts (shadowing, enhancement, reverberation)
Study Approach
Use a question bank like RadCore to test your understanding. Focus on conceptual understanding rather than formula memorization—the exam tests application of physics principles to clinical scenarios.