WGU Integrated Physical Sciences C165 - PA Questions with Answers and
Explanations Complete Solutions, 100% Correct | New Update | |
Complete A+ Guide
1. A mathematical model is used to predict the trajectory of a bullet fired from a gun.
Which discipline of physical science is used to develop this model?
Answer Physics
Explanation* Physics is the branch of physical science that deals with motion, forces, and
energy. Predicting the trajectory of a bullet involves understanding projectile motion, gravity,
velocity, and air resistance—all core concepts in physics (specifically mechanics). Chemistry,
Earth science, and astronomy are not directly involved in calculating the path of a flying object.
2. An environmental scientist monitors pollutants in a lake.
Which two disciplines of physical science does this scientist use?
Choose 2 answers
Answer Chemistry & Earth Science
Explanation* Monitoring pollutants in a lake involves:
Chemistry to identify and measure the chemical composition of pollutants (like heavy
metals, toxins, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen)
Earth Science to understand how pollutants interact with the lake ecosystem, including
water flow, sedimentation, and how contaminants move through the environment
Astronomy and physics are not directly relevant to analyzing water pollution in this
context.
https://www.stuvia.com/user/geniusexpert
,3. Which study involves both Earth science and physics?
Answer Calculating how much energy is associated with a hurricane
Explanation* This combines:
Earth science because hurricanes are atmospheric/oceanic phenomena studied in
meteorology and oceanography
Physics because calculating energy involves thermodynamic principles, kinetic energy of
wind, and heat transfer from warm ocean water
The other options primarily involve chemistry (composition of crude oil), physics alone
(generator energy), or chemistry/earth science (phosphorus levels in lakes).
4. Which question could be answered with a controlled experiment?
Answer Does ice melt faster in an empty glass or in a glass full of water?
Explanation* This question can be tested using a controlled experiment because:
Variables can be manipulated (glass with water vs. empty glass)
Conditions can be controlled (same temperature, same amount of ice, same glass type)
Results can be measured and compared directly
The other questions involve observations that cannot be experimentally controlled
(planetary orbits, distances in space, river length).
https://www.stuvia.com/user/geniusexpert
,Page 2
5. Which topic would be appropriate for a controlled experiment?
Answer Determining how fast different chemical pollutants dissolve in water
Explanation* This is suitable for a controlled experiment because:
You can control variables (temperature, water volume, stirring rate)
You can manipulate the independent variable (type of pollutant)
You can measure the dependent variable (dissolution rate)
The other options involve observing natural phenomena (stars, rivers, tornadoes) where
variables cannot be controlled.
6. Which question requires a controlled experiment to answer?
Answer Which type of rock contains the most calcium?
Explanation* This requires a controlled experiment because:
Different rock types can be tested under identical laboratory conditions
Variables like sample size, testing method, and equipment can be controlled
Calcium content can be measured and compared systematically
The other questions are about observations of natural phenomena (planets, atmosphere
composition, fossils) that cannot be experimentally manipulated.
https://www.stuvia.com/user/geniusexpert
, 7. Sir Isaac Newton discovered that the force of gravity between two masses increases if the
masses increase, and decreases if the distance between the masses increases. No
experiments have ever contradicted this relationship.
Which type of scientific statement is this?
Answer Law
Explanation* This is a scientific law because:
It describes a consistent, predictable relationship in nature
It has been repeatedly confirmed by experiments
It is expressed mathematically (F = G(m₁m₂)/r²)
It has never been contradicted by evidence
Unlike hypotheses (untested ideas) or theories (explanations), laws describe what
happens without explaining why.
8. The well-accepted scientific explanation for many characteristics of Earth's crust states that
the crust is broken into several large plates. These plates move slowly over the mantle below
because of convection and other processes. Earthquakes and volcanoes are most common at
places where the plates interact. Evidence from physics, chemistry, and geology supports this
explanation.
Which type of scientific idea is this explanation an example of?
Answer Theory
Explanation* This is a scientific theory because:
It provides a comprehensive explanation for many observations
It is supported by evidence from multiple scientific disciplines
Explanations Complete Solutions, 100% Correct | New Update | |
Complete A+ Guide
1. A mathematical model is used to predict the trajectory of a bullet fired from a gun.
Which discipline of physical science is used to develop this model?
Answer Physics
Explanation* Physics is the branch of physical science that deals with motion, forces, and
energy. Predicting the trajectory of a bullet involves understanding projectile motion, gravity,
velocity, and air resistance—all core concepts in physics (specifically mechanics). Chemistry,
Earth science, and astronomy are not directly involved in calculating the path of a flying object.
2. An environmental scientist monitors pollutants in a lake.
Which two disciplines of physical science does this scientist use?
Choose 2 answers
Answer Chemistry & Earth Science
Explanation* Monitoring pollutants in a lake involves:
Chemistry to identify and measure the chemical composition of pollutants (like heavy
metals, toxins, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen)
Earth Science to understand how pollutants interact with the lake ecosystem, including
water flow, sedimentation, and how contaminants move through the environment
Astronomy and physics are not directly relevant to analyzing water pollution in this
context.
https://www.stuvia.com/user/geniusexpert
,3. Which study involves both Earth science and physics?
Answer Calculating how much energy is associated with a hurricane
Explanation* This combines:
Earth science because hurricanes are atmospheric/oceanic phenomena studied in
meteorology and oceanography
Physics because calculating energy involves thermodynamic principles, kinetic energy of
wind, and heat transfer from warm ocean water
The other options primarily involve chemistry (composition of crude oil), physics alone
(generator energy), or chemistry/earth science (phosphorus levels in lakes).
4. Which question could be answered with a controlled experiment?
Answer Does ice melt faster in an empty glass or in a glass full of water?
Explanation* This question can be tested using a controlled experiment because:
Variables can be manipulated (glass with water vs. empty glass)
Conditions can be controlled (same temperature, same amount of ice, same glass type)
Results can be measured and compared directly
The other questions involve observations that cannot be experimentally controlled
(planetary orbits, distances in space, river length).
https://www.stuvia.com/user/geniusexpert
,Page 2
5. Which topic would be appropriate for a controlled experiment?
Answer Determining how fast different chemical pollutants dissolve in water
Explanation* This is suitable for a controlled experiment because:
You can control variables (temperature, water volume, stirring rate)
You can manipulate the independent variable (type of pollutant)
You can measure the dependent variable (dissolution rate)
The other options involve observing natural phenomena (stars, rivers, tornadoes) where
variables cannot be controlled.
6. Which question requires a controlled experiment to answer?
Answer Which type of rock contains the most calcium?
Explanation* This requires a controlled experiment because:
Different rock types can be tested under identical laboratory conditions
Variables like sample size, testing method, and equipment can be controlled
Calcium content can be measured and compared systematically
The other questions are about observations of natural phenomena (planets, atmosphere
composition, fossils) that cannot be experimentally manipulated.
https://www.stuvia.com/user/geniusexpert
, 7. Sir Isaac Newton discovered that the force of gravity between two masses increases if the
masses increase, and decreases if the distance between the masses increases. No
experiments have ever contradicted this relationship.
Which type of scientific statement is this?
Answer Law
Explanation* This is a scientific law because:
It describes a consistent, predictable relationship in nature
It has been repeatedly confirmed by experiments
It is expressed mathematically (F = G(m₁m₂)/r²)
It has never been contradicted by evidence
Unlike hypotheses (untested ideas) or theories (explanations), laws describe what
happens without explaining why.
8. The well-accepted scientific explanation for many characteristics of Earth's crust states that
the crust is broken into several large plates. These plates move slowly over the mantle below
because of convection and other processes. Earthquakes and volcanoes are most common at
places where the plates interact. Evidence from physics, chemistry, and geology supports this
explanation.
Which type of scientific idea is this explanation an example of?
Answer Theory
Explanation* This is a scientific theory because:
It provides a comprehensive explanation for many observations
It is supported by evidence from multiple scientific disciplines
