Fall Semester 2026–2027 C165 Integrated Physical Science (WGU)
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | Western Governors
University Physical Science Study Guide, Practice Exam, Comprehensive
Review, Exam Prep Test Bank, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science,
Astronomy, Scientific Inquiry, Energy and Matter, Motion and Forces,
Weather and Climate, Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: A student notices that a metal spoon left in a hot cup of coffee
becomes warm. The student proposes that heat is transferred from the coffee to
the spoon. Which type of scientific idea is this proposal?
A. Law
B. Theory
C. Hypothesis
D. Observation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Hypothesis
Rationale: A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation. The student's
proposal can be tested by measuring temperature changes, so it is a hypothesis. A law
describes a pattern, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation, and an observation is
a factual statement.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?
A. Objects with mass attract each other.
B. The Earth revolves around the Sun because of gravity.
C. Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).
D. All living things are made of cells.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma)
Rationale: A scientific law is a concise statement, often mathematical, that describes a
fundamental relationship in nature. F=ma is a law. Option A is a broad principle but not
a law; B is a theory; D is a biological principle.
Question 3: A conceptual model is BEST described as:
A. A physical replica of an object.
B. A set of equations that predict outcomes.
C. A verbal, graphical, or diagrammatic explanation of how a system works.
D. A statement that has been proven true.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A verbal, graphical, or diagrammatic explanation of how a
system works.
Rationale: Conceptual models use words, diagrams, or flowcharts to explain structure
or relationships. Physical models are actual objects; mathematical models use
equations.
,Question 4: Which step of the scientific method comes immediately after making
an observation?
A. Formulate a hypothesis
B. Conduct an experiment
C. Ask a question or identify a problem
D. Draw conclusions
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ask a question or identify a problem
Rationale: The typical sequence: observation → question/problem → hypothesis →
experiment → analyze → conclude. The question arises from the observation.
Question 5: A scientist measures the mass of a rock three times and gets 5.2 g, 5.3
g, and 5.1 g. The true mass is 5.0 g. Which statement best describes these
measurements?
A. Accurate but not precise
B. Precise but not accurate
C. Both accurate and precise
D. Neither accurate nor precise
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Precise but not accurate
Rationale: The measurements are precise because they are close to each other (5.1-
5.3 g), but not accurate because they are not close to the true value (5.0 g).
Question 6: A scientist wants to test the effect of light intensity on plant growth.
What is the dependent variable?
A. Light intensity
B. Plant growth (e.g., height)
C. Type of plant
D. Amount of water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Plant growth (e.g., height)
Rationale: The dependent variable is what is measured – plant growth responds to
changes in light intensity. Light intensity is the independent variable.
Question 7: A theory in science is best defined as:
A. A tentative guess
B. A well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon
C. A simple statement of fact
D. An educated guess
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon
Rationale: A scientific theory is a broad, well-supported explanation based on multiple
lines of evidence. It is not a guess.
,Question 8: Which of the following is an example of a physical model?
A. A globe of the Earth
B. A food web diagram
C. The formula for density
D. A weather map
CORRECT ANSWER: A. A globe of the Earth
Rationale: A physical model is a tangible, three-dimensional representation. Globes,
anatomical models, and scale models are physical.
Question 9: If an experiment lacks a control group, it may be difficult to:
A. Measure the dependent variable
B. Determine if the treatment caused the observed effect
C. Formulate a hypothesis
D. Record data accurately
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Determine if the treatment caused the observed effect
Rationale: Without a control, you cannot isolate the effect of the independent variable;
you don't know what would happen without the treatment.
Question 10: The metric prefix "milli" means:
A. 1/1000
B. 1000
C. 1/100
D. 100
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 1/1000
Rationale: Milli = 10⁻³, or one thousandth. Example: 1 milliliter = 1/1000 liter.
Question 11: Which of the following is a quantitative observation?
A. The liquid is blue.
B. The rock feels rough.
C. The temperature is 25°C.
D. The solution smells sweet.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The temperature is 25°C.
Rationale: Quantitative observations involve numerical measurements. Colors,
textures, and smells are qualitative.
Question 12: The SI base unit for length is:
A. Meter
B. Foot
, C. Yard
D. Kilometer
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Meter
Rationale: The meter is the SI base unit for length. Kilometer is a derived unit (1000
meters).
Question 13: A student hypothesizes that a plant will grow taller if given more
sunlight. What is the independent variable?
A. Plant height
B. Amount of sunlight
C. Type of plant
D. Amount of water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Amount of sunlight
Rationale: The independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled by the
experimenter. The amount of sunlight is being manipulated to test its effect on plant
growth.
Question 14: Which of the following is a characteristic of a scientific law?
A. It explains why a phenomenon occurs.
B. It is a well-tested explanation.
C. It describes a pattern in nature.
D. It can never be modified.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. It describes a pattern in nature.
Rationale: A scientific law describes a pattern or relationship in nature, often
mathematically. It does not explain why the pattern occurs; that is the role of a theory.
Question 15: A scientist repeats an experiment several times and obtains similar
results. This demonstrates:
A. Accuracy
B. Precision
C. Validity
D. Reliability
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Reliability
Rationale: Reliability refers to the consistency of a measurement or experiment. If the
same results are obtained repeatedly, the experiment is considered reliable.
Question 16: Which discipline of physical science is BEST suited for studying the
forces that keep planets in orbit?
A. Chemistry
B. Earth science
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | Western Governors
University Physical Science Study Guide, Practice Exam, Comprehensive
Review, Exam Prep Test Bank, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science,
Astronomy, Scientific Inquiry, Energy and Matter, Motion and Forces,
Weather and Climate, Detailed Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: A student notices that a metal spoon left in a hot cup of coffee
becomes warm. The student proposes that heat is transferred from the coffee to
the spoon. Which type of scientific idea is this proposal?
A. Law
B. Theory
C. Hypothesis
D. Observation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Hypothesis
Rationale: A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation. The student's
proposal can be tested by measuring temperature changes, so it is a hypothesis. A law
describes a pattern, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation, and an observation is
a factual statement.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a scientific law?
A. Objects with mass attract each other.
B. The Earth revolves around the Sun because of gravity.
C. Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).
D. All living things are made of cells.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma)
Rationale: A scientific law is a concise statement, often mathematical, that describes a
fundamental relationship in nature. F=ma is a law. Option A is a broad principle but not
a law; B is a theory; D is a biological principle.
Question 3: A conceptual model is BEST described as:
A. A physical replica of an object.
B. A set of equations that predict outcomes.
C. A verbal, graphical, or diagrammatic explanation of how a system works.
D. A statement that has been proven true.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A verbal, graphical, or diagrammatic explanation of how a
system works.
Rationale: Conceptual models use words, diagrams, or flowcharts to explain structure
or relationships. Physical models are actual objects; mathematical models use
equations.
,Question 4: Which step of the scientific method comes immediately after making
an observation?
A. Formulate a hypothesis
B. Conduct an experiment
C. Ask a question or identify a problem
D. Draw conclusions
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ask a question or identify a problem
Rationale: The typical sequence: observation → question/problem → hypothesis →
experiment → analyze → conclude. The question arises from the observation.
Question 5: A scientist measures the mass of a rock three times and gets 5.2 g, 5.3
g, and 5.1 g. The true mass is 5.0 g. Which statement best describes these
measurements?
A. Accurate but not precise
B. Precise but not accurate
C. Both accurate and precise
D. Neither accurate nor precise
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Precise but not accurate
Rationale: The measurements are precise because they are close to each other (5.1-
5.3 g), but not accurate because they are not close to the true value (5.0 g).
Question 6: A scientist wants to test the effect of light intensity on plant growth.
What is the dependent variable?
A. Light intensity
B. Plant growth (e.g., height)
C. Type of plant
D. Amount of water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Plant growth (e.g., height)
Rationale: The dependent variable is what is measured – plant growth responds to
changes in light intensity. Light intensity is the independent variable.
Question 7: A theory in science is best defined as:
A. A tentative guess
B. A well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon
C. A simple statement of fact
D. An educated guess
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon
Rationale: A scientific theory is a broad, well-supported explanation based on multiple
lines of evidence. It is not a guess.
,Question 8: Which of the following is an example of a physical model?
A. A globe of the Earth
B. A food web diagram
C. The formula for density
D. A weather map
CORRECT ANSWER: A. A globe of the Earth
Rationale: A physical model is a tangible, three-dimensional representation. Globes,
anatomical models, and scale models are physical.
Question 9: If an experiment lacks a control group, it may be difficult to:
A. Measure the dependent variable
B. Determine if the treatment caused the observed effect
C. Formulate a hypothesis
D. Record data accurately
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Determine if the treatment caused the observed effect
Rationale: Without a control, you cannot isolate the effect of the independent variable;
you don't know what would happen without the treatment.
Question 10: The metric prefix "milli" means:
A. 1/1000
B. 1000
C. 1/100
D. 100
CORRECT ANSWER: A. 1/1000
Rationale: Milli = 10⁻³, or one thousandth. Example: 1 milliliter = 1/1000 liter.
Question 11: Which of the following is a quantitative observation?
A. The liquid is blue.
B. The rock feels rough.
C. The temperature is 25°C.
D. The solution smells sweet.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The temperature is 25°C.
Rationale: Quantitative observations involve numerical measurements. Colors,
textures, and smells are qualitative.
Question 12: The SI base unit for length is:
A. Meter
B. Foot
, C. Yard
D. Kilometer
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Meter
Rationale: The meter is the SI base unit for length. Kilometer is a derived unit (1000
meters).
Question 13: A student hypothesizes that a plant will grow taller if given more
sunlight. What is the independent variable?
A. Plant height
B. Amount of sunlight
C. Type of plant
D. Amount of water
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Amount of sunlight
Rationale: The independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled by the
experimenter. The amount of sunlight is being manipulated to test its effect on plant
growth.
Question 14: Which of the following is a characteristic of a scientific law?
A. It explains why a phenomenon occurs.
B. It is a well-tested explanation.
C. It describes a pattern in nature.
D. It can never be modified.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. It describes a pattern in nature.
Rationale: A scientific law describes a pattern or relationship in nature, often
mathematically. It does not explain why the pattern occurs; that is the role of a theory.
Question 15: A scientist repeats an experiment several times and obtains similar
results. This demonstrates:
A. Accuracy
B. Precision
C. Validity
D. Reliability
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Reliability
Rationale: Reliability refers to the consistency of a measurement or experiment. If the
same results are obtained repeatedly, the experiment is considered reliable.
Question 16: Which discipline of physical science is BEST suited for studying the
forces that keep planets in orbit?
A. Chemistry
B. Earth science
