Question

The cooling agent for the MRI magnet is _______

(a) Helium

(b) Neon

(c) Argon

(d) Xenon

I got this question in examination.

The above asked question is from MRI topic in section Diagnostic Investigation via Imaging Techniques of Clinical Science

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) Helium

For explanation: Helium is a noble gas which is non reactive in nature. A good coolant has a high thermal capacity, low viscosity, non toxic, chemically inert, all the properties that Helium possesses. Another advantage is that Helium does not have the tendency to absorb any neutrons and so it cannot become radioactive. Being a noble gas, it is non reactive and so non corrosive in nature. Thus, it is used a coolant for the MRI machine, especially the magnet.