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During T₁ Relaxation, what relaxes faster; fat vs. water

A) Fat
B) Water
C) Both equally
D) Neither, they relax at the same rate

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

During T₁ relaxation, water relaxes faster compared to fat due to its molecular structure and physical properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

During T₁ relaxation, water relaxes faster compared to fat. T₁ relaxation, also known as spin-lattice relaxation, is the process by which the nuclear spins in a sample return to equilibrium after being perturbed by an external magnetic field. The relaxation time, T₁, is the time it takes for the nuclear spins to return to 63% of their equilibrium value.

In general, water has a shorter T₁ relaxation time compared to fat. This is because the T₁ relaxation time of a substance is influenced by its molecular structure and physical properties. Water molecules have a higher degree of mobility and more interaction with the surrounding environment, which allows them to relax faster during T₁ relaxation.

On the other hand, fat molecules have a longer T₁ relaxation time due to their larger size and more restricted motion. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Water.