Integrated-Physical-Sciences WGU Integrated Physical Sciences (MTC1) Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

The formation of sand dunes, as shown in the picture, is primarily due to the process of deposition by wind. Wind transports sand and other fine particles over long distances, and when the wind speed decreases, these particles settle and accumulate, forming dunes. This process is particularly common in arid and semi-arid regions where vegetation is sparse, allowing the wind to move freely.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences documents on erosion and deposition.

Geological studies on desert environments and sand dune formation.

Commercial airline pilots primarily fly in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere to avoid turbulence and ensure smooth flight conditions.

The troposphere is where weather phenomena and turbulence are common, so pilots seek stable conditions typically found at the boundary with the stratosphere.

The stratosphere offers stable atmospheric conditions, ideal for cruising altitudes. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on atmospheric layers and aviation.

Definition of Substance Types:

Element (A): A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom.

Compound (B): A substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded.

Isotope (C): Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Mixture (D): A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded.

Composition of Sand: Sand is composed of various small rock and mineral particles, which are physically combined but not chemically bonded.

Conclusion: Sand is a mixture.

References:

Properties of Mixtures: Characteristics and examples of mixtures in physical science.

Electromagnetic radiation: Different types of electromagnetic radiation have various properties and uses. Gamma rays are highly penetrating and can pass through thick materials, including steel.

Cargo inspection: Inspectors use gamma rays to penetrate steel shipping containers and form images of the contents. Gamma rays can pass through dense materials and reveal hidden objects inside.

Conclusion: The type of electromagnetic radiation used for imaging objects inside large steel shipping containers is gamma rays.

References: Integrated Physical Sciences resources on electromagnetic radiation, uses of gamma rays in industrial applications.

Human activities, such as farming, release significant amounts of methane into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, which traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in the average temperature, thus contributing to climate change. Unlike natural short-term weather changes, such as those caused by cold fronts or cloud cover, the long-term changes in average temperatures from greenhouse gases are examples of human-induced climate change. References:

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Reports

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Climate Change Information

Understanding Atomic Structure: An atom consists of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons that orbit the nucleus.

Identifying Particles:

Protons (C): Positively charged particles located in the nucleus.

Neutrons (D): Neutral particles located in the nucleus.

Electrons (B): Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus in electron shells.

Ions (A): Atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, giving them a net charge.

Analyzing the Model: In atomic models, the particle labeled "B" is typically shown in the electron shell or orbit around the nucleus, indicating it is an electron.

Conclusion: Particle "B" is an electron.

References:

Basic Atomic Structure: Fundamental concepts of atomic particles and their locations.

Energy generated by harnessing powerful ocean currents is known as tidal energy. Tidal energy exploits the kinetic energy of moving water, caused by tidal currents, to generate electricity. Special underwater turbines are placed in areas with strong tidal flows, converting the movement of water into electrical power. References:

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

"Tidal Energy: Technology Brief" - National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

When a scientist’s results differ significantly from those reported by others, the appropriate action is to perform the experiment again. Repeating the experiment helps to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable. It allows the scientist to verify their findings and check for any possible errors in the experimental process. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation

The team of scientists is using the Hubble Space Telescope to search for evidence of planets orbiting distant stars. This method involves observing celestial phenomena without manipulating any variables, making it an observational study. Unlike controlled experiments or laboratory experiments, observational studies rely on gathering data by watching natural occurrences in the environment being studied. In this case, they are observing the light from stars to infer the presence of planets. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation

Human activities, such as farming and the burning of fossil fuels, release greenhouse gases, including nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and contribute to global warming and climate change. Unlike natural variability in weather patterns, human-induced climate change is characterized by long-term changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other climatic factors due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on climate change and human impact.

Scientific studies on the effects of greenhouse gases and global warming.

To determine which graph correctly represents the mass versus acceleration of objects with different masses pulled by the same net force, we must apply Newton's Second Law of Motion. Newton's Second Law states: \[ F = m \cdot a \] where \( F \) is the net force, \( m \) is the mass, and \( a \) is the acceleration. If we rearrange this equation to solve for acceleration, we get: \[ a = \frac{F}{m} \] This shows that acceleration is inversely proportional to mass when the net force is constant. Therefore, as mass increases, acceleration decreases, and this relationship is not linear but rather a hyperbolic curve. Let's analyze each graph: - **Graph A:** Shows a linear relationship between mass and acceleration, which contradicts the inverse relationship dictated by Newton's Second Law. - **Graph B:** Shows a curve where acceleration increases with mass, which again contradicts the expected inverse relationship. - **Graph C:** Shows a constant mass for all acceleration values, which is not applicable in this context. - **Graph D:** Shows a hyperbolic relationship, where acceleration decreases as mass increases, which is consistent with the equation \( a = \frac{F}{m} \). Thus, **Graph D** correctly represents the mass versus acceleration for objects pulled by the same net force, demonstrating the inverse relationship between mass and acceleration. **References:** - Newton's Second Law of Motion, Integrated Physical Sciences Learning Resources

Locations in the southern hemisphere receive the most direct sunlight when the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun.

In the diagram, position D represents this orientation, where the southern hemisphere is experiencing summer and receiving direct sunlight. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on seasonal changes and Earth's tilt.

1. **Understanding the Graph**: The graph provided shows the speed of a sound wave (in m/d) versus frequency (in Hz). The x-axis represents frequency, and the y-axis represents the speed of the sound wave. 2. **Observing the Trend**: The graph shows a series of data points that remain relatively constant across different frequencies. There is no visible trend or significant change in speed as the frequency varies. 3. **Sound Waves in a Medium**: In a given medium (such as air at constant temperature), the speed of sound is typically constant and does not depend on the frequency of the sound wave. 4. **Conclusion**: The graph indicates that there is no correlation between the speed of the sound wave and its frequency in the given medium. **References**: - Properties of Sound Waves: Sound wave propagation characteristics in a medium.

States of Matter:

Solid (B): Particles are closely packed in a fixed position and only vibrate around these fixed points.

Liquid (A): Particles are close together but can move past each other, allowing the substance to flow.

Gas (C): Particles are far apart and move freely.

Plasma (D): Ionized gas with free electrons and ions, found in stars and certain high-energy environments.

Particle Movement: In solids, the particles vibrate around fixed positions, maintaining a definite shape and volume.

Conclusion: In the solid state of matter, particles vibrate around fixed positions.

References:

States of Matter: Characteristics and behaviors of different states of matter.

The rock cycle diagram shows the processes that transform one type of rock into another. Metamorphic rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks (either igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) that are subjected to high temperatures and pressures, which cause physical and chemical changes. Point B in the diagram represents the process where rocks undergo heat and pressure to form metamorphic rocks. This transformation does not involve melting; instead, it involves recrystallization and the realignment of minerals within the rock.

References

Integrated Physical Sciences: The rock cycle and metamorphic rock formation.

Processes of heat and pressure in the formation of metamorphic rocks.

**Elastic collision with equal masses:** When two identical masses collide elastically, the moving ball (ball 1) will transfer all its momentum to the stationary ball (ball 2). - **Post-collision velocities:** After the collision, ball 1 will come to rest, and ball 2 will move with the same velocity that ball 1 had before the collision. - **Conclusion:** Ball 1 stops, and ball 2 moves at the velocity ball 1 had before the collision. **References:** Classical mechanics textbooks, conservation of momentum and energy in elastic collisions, and resources on head-on collisions.

Newton’s discovery that when one object applies a force to another, the second object applies an equal force back is known as Newton's third law of motion. This statement is a scientific law because it describes a fundamental and consistent principle observed in nature. It has been validated through numerous experiments and observations. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 4: Scientific Laws and Theories

When a truck comes to a stop by applying the brakes, the kinetic energy of the moving truck is converted into thermal energy due to friction between the brake pads and the wheels. This conversion results in the production of heat, which dissipates the energy and brings the truck to a halt. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 5: Energy Transformations

**Assumption:** The collision is completely elastic, meaning no kinetic energy is lost. - **Principles of elastic collisions:** In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. - **Velocity changes:** When two identical cars collide elastically, the car that was moving faster (rear car) will transfer some of its kinetic energy to the slower-moving car (front car). As a result, the rear car slows down, and the front car speeds up. - **Conclusion:** The velocities of the two cars will change such that the front car speeds up and the rear car slows down after the collision. **References:** Textbooks on classical mechanics, principles of conservation of momentum and energy, and problem-solving resources on elastic collisions.