WESTE R N G OVE R N O R S U N IVE R S I T Y
Integrated Physical Sciences
Objective Assessment Comprehensive Study Guide
Exam Code: SXO1 • Complete Question Bank
Course Name: Integrated Physical Sciences
Assessment Type: WGU Objective Assessment (OA)
Exam Identifier: SXO1
Coverage: Complete Suite (Questions 1 – 60)
Date:
Western Governors UniversitySeptember 2026
• Objective Assessment Preparation Guide • September 2026
,Integrated Physical Sciences — WGU Objective Assessment
Exam Code: SXO1 • Study Guide (Questions 1 to 60) • September 2026
01 Which of the following describes the process by which liquid water changes into water
vapor?
Condensation
✓ Evaporation
Precipitation
Transpiration
KEY EXPLANATION
Evaporation is the thermal process by which liquid water absorbs solar heat and transitions into water vapor gas in the
atmosphere.
02 What drives the water cycle on Earth?
Ocean currents
Atmospheric pressure
✓ Energy from the Sun
Earth's magnetic field
KEY EXPLANATION
Energy from the Sun provides the thermal heat necessary for evaporation, sublimation, and atmospheric circulation that
drives the global hydrological cycle.
03 Which layer of Earth's atmosphere is closest to the ground, where weather occurs?
✓ Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
KEY EXPLANATION
The Troposphere contains approximately 75–80% of the atmosphere's mass and virtually all atmospheric water vapor,
making it the site of almost all Earth's weather.
, 04 Which of the following is a scientific hypothesis?
Green is the prettiest color.
✓ Plant growth increases with more sunlight.
Dogs are better than cats.
Vanilla ice cream tastes best.
KEY EXPLANATION
A scientific hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable through empirical observation and experimentation.
05 Which statement best describes a scientific law?
A guess based on limited evidence.
A detailed explanation of why phenomena occur.
✓ A description of an observed pattern in nature under specific conditions.
An opinion supported by experts.
KEY EXPLANATION
A scientific law describes what happens under specific natural conditions, often expressed mathematically, without
explaining the underlying cause.
06 What is the primary function of a control group in an experiment?
To test multiple variables simultaneously.
✓ To serve as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.
To guarantee positive experimental results.
To eliminate the need for repetition.
KEY EXPLANATION
The control group stays under baseline conditions without the variable being tested, allowing researchers to isolate the
effects of the independent variable.
Integrated Physical Sciences
Objective Assessment Comprehensive Study Guide
Exam Code: SXO1 • Complete Question Bank
Course Name: Integrated Physical Sciences
Assessment Type: WGU Objective Assessment (OA)
Exam Identifier: SXO1
Coverage: Complete Suite (Questions 1 – 60)
Date:
Western Governors UniversitySeptember 2026
• Objective Assessment Preparation Guide • September 2026
,Integrated Physical Sciences — WGU Objective Assessment
Exam Code: SXO1 • Study Guide (Questions 1 to 60) • September 2026
01 Which of the following describes the process by which liquid water changes into water
vapor?
Condensation
✓ Evaporation
Precipitation
Transpiration
KEY EXPLANATION
Evaporation is the thermal process by which liquid water absorbs solar heat and transitions into water vapor gas in the
atmosphere.
02 What drives the water cycle on Earth?
Ocean currents
Atmospheric pressure
✓ Energy from the Sun
Earth's magnetic field
KEY EXPLANATION
Energy from the Sun provides the thermal heat necessary for evaporation, sublimation, and atmospheric circulation that
drives the global hydrological cycle.
03 Which layer of Earth's atmosphere is closest to the ground, where weather occurs?
✓ Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
KEY EXPLANATION
The Troposphere contains approximately 75–80% of the atmosphere's mass and virtually all atmospheric water vapor,
making it the site of almost all Earth's weather.
, 04 Which of the following is a scientific hypothesis?
Green is the prettiest color.
✓ Plant growth increases with more sunlight.
Dogs are better than cats.
Vanilla ice cream tastes best.
KEY EXPLANATION
A scientific hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable through empirical observation and experimentation.
05 Which statement best describes a scientific law?
A guess based on limited evidence.
A detailed explanation of why phenomena occur.
✓ A description of an observed pattern in nature under specific conditions.
An opinion supported by experts.
KEY EXPLANATION
A scientific law describes what happens under specific natural conditions, often expressed mathematically, without
explaining the underlying cause.
06 What is the primary function of a control group in an experiment?
To test multiple variables simultaneously.
✓ To serve as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.
To guarantee positive experimental results.
To eliminate the need for repetition.
KEY EXPLANATION
The control group stays under baseline conditions without the variable being tested, allowing researchers to isolate the
effects of the independent variable.
