WGU C165 OA Exam Integrated
Physical Sciences OA (Latest
2026/2027 Update) Complete
Questions and Guide Answers,
100% Verified Graded A+
Section 1: The Nature of Science (Questions 1–12)
1. Which branch of science focuses on the study of matter and
energy?
A. Biology
B. Chemistry
C. Physics
D. Earth Science
Answer: C
Rationale: Physics examines the fundamental principles
governing matter, energy, motion, and forces .
,2. What is the smallest unit of an element that retains its
chemical properties?
A. Molecule
B. Atom
C. Proton
D. Electron
Answer: B
Rationale: An atom is the basic building block of matter that
defines an element .
3. Which subatomic particle has a negative charge?
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Nucleus
Answer: C
Rationale: Electrons carry a negative charge and orbit the nucleus
of an atom .
4. Which of the following is NOT an essential attribute of
science?
A. Relies on testable ideas
B. Uses observations and experiments
, C. Accepts claims without evidence if widely believed
D. Leads to further questions and research
Answer: C
Rationale: Science demands testability, evidence, peer review,
and openness to revision. Claims without evidence contradict the
principle of falsification .
5. In an experiment testing plant growth under different light
colors, the independent variable is:
A. Height of the plant
B. Color of light used
C. Number of leaves produced
D. Soil composition kept constant
Answer: B
Rationale: The independent variable is deliberately changed (light
color). The dependent variable (plant height, leaves) responds to
the change, while soil composition is a control variable .
6. A researcher observes dolphin behavior in the ocean
without interfering. This is an example of a:
A. Experimental study
B. Observational study
Physical Sciences OA (Latest
2026/2027 Update) Complete
Questions and Guide Answers,
100% Verified Graded A+
Section 1: The Nature of Science (Questions 1–12)
1. Which branch of science focuses on the study of matter and
energy?
A. Biology
B. Chemistry
C. Physics
D. Earth Science
Answer: C
Rationale: Physics examines the fundamental principles
governing matter, energy, motion, and forces .
,2. What is the smallest unit of an element that retains its
chemical properties?
A. Molecule
B. Atom
C. Proton
D. Electron
Answer: B
Rationale: An atom is the basic building block of matter that
defines an element .
3. Which subatomic particle has a negative charge?
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Nucleus
Answer: C
Rationale: Electrons carry a negative charge and orbit the nucleus
of an atom .
4. Which of the following is NOT an essential attribute of
science?
A. Relies on testable ideas
B. Uses observations and experiments
, C. Accepts claims without evidence if widely believed
D. Leads to further questions and research
Answer: C
Rationale: Science demands testability, evidence, peer review,
and openness to revision. Claims without evidence contradict the
principle of falsification .
5. In an experiment testing plant growth under different light
colors, the independent variable is:
A. Height of the plant
B. Color of light used
C. Number of leaves produced
D. Soil composition kept constant
Answer: B
Rationale: The independent variable is deliberately changed (light
color). The dependent variable (plant height, leaves) responds to
the change, while soil composition is a control variable .
6. A researcher observes dolphin behavior in the ocean
without interfering. This is an example of a:
A. Experimental study
B. Observational study
