Free Practice Questions for WGU Integrated-Physical-Sciences Exam

Understanding Molecular Structure:

Water Molecule: Consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom chemically bonded together.

Classification of Substances:

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

Compound (D): A substance made of two or more different elements chemically bonded.

Isotope (C): Variants of a particular chemical element with different neutron numbers.

Mixture (A): A combination of substances not chemically bonded.

Chemical Bonding in Water: The hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a water molecule are chemically bonded, forming a compound.

Conclusion: Water is a compound.

References:

Chemical Compounds: Definitions and examples of chemical compounds.

An appropriate question for an observational study is one that involves collecting data through observation without manipulation. "What types of rocks are found at a convergent boundary?" requires observing and identifying the types of rocks naturally occurring at such geological formations. It doesn't involve changing any variables, fitting the definition of an observational study. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation

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.

Atomic Nucleus Composition: The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons.

Protons (C): Positively charged particles.

Neutrons (A): Neutral particles with no charge.

Electron Positioning:

Electrons (B): Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus, not located within it.

Positron Clarification:

Positrons (D): Positively charged particles similar to electrons, but they are not typically found in the nucleus of an atom in stable matter.

Conclusion: The particles located in the nucleus are protons and neutrons.

References:

Atomic Nucleus: Composition and characteristics of atomic particles.

GPS technology: Satellites in the Global Positioning System (GPS) communicate with GPS receivers on Earth using electromagnetic waves.

Microwaves: Microwaves are used in GPS technology because they can travel long distances and penetrate the atmosphere with minimal interference.

Conclusion: The type of electromagnetic radiation used to send information from GPS satellites to receivers on Earth is microwaves.

References: Integrated Physical Sciences references on GPS technology, properties and applications of microwaves.

The grocery store manager's assumption that visibility of items increases how often they are purchased is a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a testable prediction or explanation that can be investigated through experiments or observations. In this case, the manager’s idea can be tested by placing items in different locations and measuring their sales. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 1: The Nature of Scientific Inquiry

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.

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

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.