Ultimate FRCR Part 1 Physics Revision Guide: How to Revise and Score Confidently

(https://www.spotters.ai/academy/blog/ultimate-frcr-part-1-physics-revision-guide)

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Revising FRCR Part 1 physics is often more stressful than studying it for the first time.

At the revision stage, FRCR candidates often struggle with information overload, second-guessing concepts, and uncertainty about what to revise - not because physics is difficult, but because revision without structure leads to confusion.

This guide focuses specifically on FRCR Part 1 physics revision, helping you prioritise high-yield topics, avoid common revision mistakes, and revise in a way that improves accuracy under exam conditions.

This guide is aligned with the Royal College of Radiologists FRCR Part 1 physics syllabus.

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Why FRCR Part 1 Physics Revision Feels Hard

Physics revision is challenging because:

• True/False questions punish small misunderstandings

• Over-revision increases doubt

• Concepts are interconnected

Common FRCR physics revision mistakes include:

• Re-reading textbooks late into preparation

• Memorising formulas without context

• Avoiding timed practice

• Revising low-yield topics excessively

Effective revision is about refinement, not expansion.

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What the FRCR Physics Exam Actually Tests (Reminder)

• 40 question stems

• Each with 5 True/False statements

• 120 minutes

• Focus on:

  • image formation

  • dose and safety

  • artefacts

  • cause-effect reasoning

Physics revision should mirror exam logic, not textbook structure.

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How to Revise Physics for FRCR Part 1 (What Actually Works)

1️⃣ Revise Concepts, Not Chapters

At this stage:

• Don’t revise by modality chapters

• Revise by core principles:

  • dose

  • image quality

  • signal generation

  • artefacts

This prevents fragmented understanding.

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2️⃣ Prioritise High-Yield Physics Topics

Some topics deserve disproportionate revision time:

• CT physics and dose (CTDI, DLP)

• Radiation protection principles

• Image quality parameters

• Common artefacts across modalities

• MRI signal basics

Low-yield topics should not dominate revision time.

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3️⃣ Use True/False-Focused Revision

Revision should involve:

• Reviewing incorrect statements

• Understanding why they are wrong

• Identifying pattern errors

Physics revision without question review is incomplete.

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4️⃣ Timed Revision Is Non-Negotiable

Physics accuracy drops without timing practice.

Train yourself to:

• read statements carefully

• decide confidently

• move on without overthinking

Speed and confidence are revision skills.

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How Many Physics Questions Should You Revise Daily?

A realistic revision target:

• 30–60 True/False statements per day

• Reviewed with explanations

• Repeated exposure to weak areas

Consistency matters more than raw volume.

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FRCR Part 1 Physics Revision: High-Yield Topics at a Glance

Topic	Revision Priority
CT physics & dose	Very high
Radiation protection	Very high
Image quality	High
Artefacts	High
MRI basics	Moderate
Ultrasound physics	Moderate

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Common Physics Revision Traps (Avoid These)

• Revising everything equally

• Chasing new resources late

• Ignoring timing

• Over-memorising formulas

Revision should reduce uncertainty, not create it.

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Final-Phase Physics Revision Strategy (Last 2–3 Weeks)

• Stop learning new topics

• Focus on:

  • repeated errors

  • weak concepts

  • rapid True/False drills

• Review explanations, not just answers

Confidence comes from familiarity.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When should I start physics revision for FRCR Part 1?

Revision should run alongside question practice, intensifying in the last 4–6 weeks.

Should I re-read textbooks during revision?

No. At this stage, textbooks offer low return.

Are formulas important for physics revision?

Understanding relationships matters more than memorisation.

What is the most common revision mistake?

Revising without timed question practice.

Can physics scores improve significantly with better revision?

Yes. Strategic revision often leads to substantial score improvement.

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Final Takeaway

Effective FRCR Part 1 physics revision is about:

• clarity

• prioritisation

• confidence

Candidates who revise strategically often outperform those who simply study longer.

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Author

Dr B Gayathri Priyadharshinee
FRCR Radiologist & Educator
Dr Gayathri mentors radiology trainees for international exams, focusing on physics clarity, exam logic, and revision-stage optimisation.