Fall Semester 2026–2027 C165 – Integrated Physical Science (WGU)
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | WGU C165 Objective
Assessment Study Guide, Practice Exam, Comprehensive Review, Exam
Prep Test Bank, Physics Principles, Chemistry Fundamentals, Earth and
Space Science, Scientific Method, Energy Transfer, Matter and Atoms,
Motion and Forces, Weather Systems, Climate Science, Detailed
Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: In the context of scientific inquiry, a researcher designs an experiment
to test the effect of different light wavelengths on plant growth. The researcher
uses three separate growth chambers, each with a different color of light, and
measures the height of the plants after 30 days. What is the dependent variable in
this experiment?
A. The height of the plants
B. The color of the light
C. The temperature of the growth chambers
D. The duration of the experiment
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The height of the plants
Rationale:The dependent variable is the factor that is measured in an experiment and is
expected to change in response to the independent variable. Here, the plant height is
the measured outcome that depends on the light color. The light color is the
independent variable (what is changed). Temperature and duration should be controlled
variables to ensure a fair test .
Question 2: A student observes that a ball rolling on a carpet comes to a stop much
faster than a ball rolling on a smooth, polished floor. Which scientific principle best
explains this observation?
A. Newton's First Law of Motion
B. The Law of Conservation of Energy
C. The Theory of Plate Tectonics
D. The Law of Universal Gravitation
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Newton's First Law of Motion
Rationale:Newton's First Law (Inertia) states that an object in motion will stay in motion
unless acted upon by an external force. The carpet provides a greater force of friction
than the polished floor, which is an external force that opposes motion and brings the
ball to a stop more quickly .
Question 3: Which of the following is a primary difference between a scientific
theory and a scientific law?
A. A theory explains a wide range of observations, while a law describes a pattern in
nature.
B. A law is a proposed explanation, while a theory is a concise statement of fact.
,C. A theory can be proven with a single experiment, while a law is a well-supported
hypothesis.
D. A law explains why something happens, while a theory describes what happens.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. A theory explains a wide range of observations, while a law
describes a pattern in nature.
Rationale:A scientific theory provides a well-supported, evidence-based explanation
for how and why a natural phenomenon occurs. A scientific law is a concise, often
mathematical, statement that describes what will happen under specific conditions,
without explaining the underlying mechanism .
Question 4: A substance is described as having a definite shape and volume, with
its particles tightly packed in a rigid, crystalline structure. This substance is most
likely in which state of matter?
A. Gas
B. Liquid
C. Solid
D. Plasma
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Solid
Rationale:Solids are characterized by a fixed shape and volume because their
constituent particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) are held in a rigid, closely packed
arrangement with very limited vibrational movement. This contrasts with liquids
(definite volume, no fixed shape), gases (no definite shape or volume), and plasma
(ionized gas) .
Question 5: Tectonic plates are large, rigid segments of the Earth's lithosphere that
are in constant motion. The theory of plate tectonics is supported by evidence of
seafloor spreading, which occurs primarily at which type of boundary?
A. Divergent boundary
B. Convergent boundary
C. Transform boundary
D. Subduction zone
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Divergent boundary
Rationale:Divergent boundaries occur where tectonic plates move apart. As the plates
separate, magma from the Earth's mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new oceanic
crust—a process known as seafloor spreading .
Question 6: A scientist is studying the motion of a car traveling along a straight
road. The car's position changes by 60 meters every 3 seconds. How would you best
describe the car's motion?
A. Its speed is 20 meters per second.
B. Its velocity is 20 meters per second.
,C. Its acceleration is 20 meters per second squared.
D. Its displacement is 20 meters.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Its speed is 20 meters per second.
Rationale:Speed is the rate at which an object covers distance, calculated as distance
divided by time (60 m / 3 s = 20 m/s). Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both
speed and direction. The problem provides no directional information, making speed
the best description .
Question 7: A reaction is taking place in a sealed container, and the total mass of
all substances before the reaction is measured. After the reaction, the total mass
is measured again. According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, what is the most
likely outcome?
A. The mass will be less because matter was converted into energy.
B. The mass will be greater because new matter was created.
C. The total mass will remain the same.
D. The mass will be different depending on the type of reaction.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The total mass will remain the same.
Rationale:The Law of Conservation of Mass states that in a closed system, matter is
neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction. Therefore, the total mass of
the reactants before the reaction must equal the total mass of the products after the
reaction .
Question 8: The periodic table organizes chemical elements by their atomic
number and chemical properties. Elements in the same vertical column, or group,
are most similar because they have the same number of:
A. Protons
B. Neutrons
C. Electron shells
D. Valence electrons
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Valence electrons
Rationale:Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom. Elements in the
same group (vertical column) have the same number of valence electrons, which
dictates their chemical behavior and bonding patterns. The atomic number is the
number of protons, which is unique to each element .
Question 9: An earthquake occurs when energy is released suddenly along a fault
line. The point on the Earth's surface directly above the location where the rupture
began is known as the:
A. Epicenter
B. Focus
, C. Fault scarp
D. Seismic wave
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Epicenter
Rationale:The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the
focus (or hypocenter), which is the subsurface location where the earthquake rupture
originates .
Question 10: A student pushes against a wall with a force of 100 N, but the wall
does not move. Which of Newton's laws best explains why the wall does not move?
A. Newton's First Law, because the wall's inertia resists the push.
B. Newton's Second Law, because the acceleration is zero.
C. Newton's Third Law, because the wall pushes back with an equal and opposite force.
D. The Law of Universal Gravitation, because gravity holds the wall in place.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Newton's Third Law
Rationale:Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction. The wall exerts an equal and opposite force on the student. Because
the wall is attached to the ground, the net force on the wall is zero, and it remains at
rest .
Question 11: A beaker contains a mixture of salt and water. A student heats the
beaker until the water evaporates, leaving salt crystals behind. What type of
change did the salt undergo?
A. Physical change
B. Chemical change
C. Nuclear change
D. Phase change
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Physical change
Rationale:A physical change is a change in the form or state of a substance without
changing its chemical composition. Evaporation and dissolving are physical changes.
The salt separated from the water is still sodium chloride (NaCl), so no new substance
was created .
Question 12: The amount of matter an object contains is its mass, while the force of
gravity acting on that matter is its weight. If an astronaut travels from Earth to the
Moon, which of the following correctly describes the changes to the astronaut's
mass and weight?
A. Mass and weight both decrease.
B. Mass remains the same, but weight decreases.
C. Mass decreases, but weight remains the same.
D. Mass and weight both remain the same.
Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | WGU C165 Objective
Assessment Study Guide, Practice Exam, Comprehensive Review, Exam
Prep Test Bank, Physics Principles, Chemistry Fundamentals, Earth and
Space Science, Scientific Method, Energy Transfer, Matter and Atoms,
Motion and Forces, Weather Systems, Climate Science, Detailed
Rationales and Complete Revision Material
Question 1: In the context of scientific inquiry, a researcher designs an experiment
to test the effect of different light wavelengths on plant growth. The researcher
uses three separate growth chambers, each with a different color of light, and
measures the height of the plants after 30 days. What is the dependent variable in
this experiment?
A. The height of the plants
B. The color of the light
C. The temperature of the growth chambers
D. The duration of the experiment
CORRECT ANSWER: A. The height of the plants
Rationale:The dependent variable is the factor that is measured in an experiment and is
expected to change in response to the independent variable. Here, the plant height is
the measured outcome that depends on the light color. The light color is the
independent variable (what is changed). Temperature and duration should be controlled
variables to ensure a fair test .
Question 2: A student observes that a ball rolling on a carpet comes to a stop much
faster than a ball rolling on a smooth, polished floor. Which scientific principle best
explains this observation?
A. Newton's First Law of Motion
B. The Law of Conservation of Energy
C. The Theory of Plate Tectonics
D. The Law of Universal Gravitation
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Newton's First Law of Motion
Rationale:Newton's First Law (Inertia) states that an object in motion will stay in motion
unless acted upon by an external force. The carpet provides a greater force of friction
than the polished floor, which is an external force that opposes motion and brings the
ball to a stop more quickly .
Question 3: Which of the following is a primary difference between a scientific
theory and a scientific law?
A. A theory explains a wide range of observations, while a law describes a pattern in
nature.
B. A law is a proposed explanation, while a theory is a concise statement of fact.
,C. A theory can be proven with a single experiment, while a law is a well-supported
hypothesis.
D. A law explains why something happens, while a theory describes what happens.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. A theory explains a wide range of observations, while a law
describes a pattern in nature.
Rationale:A scientific theory provides a well-supported, evidence-based explanation
for how and why a natural phenomenon occurs. A scientific law is a concise, often
mathematical, statement that describes what will happen under specific conditions,
without explaining the underlying mechanism .
Question 4: A substance is described as having a definite shape and volume, with
its particles tightly packed in a rigid, crystalline structure. This substance is most
likely in which state of matter?
A. Gas
B. Liquid
C. Solid
D. Plasma
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Solid
Rationale:Solids are characterized by a fixed shape and volume because their
constituent particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) are held in a rigid, closely packed
arrangement with very limited vibrational movement. This contrasts with liquids
(definite volume, no fixed shape), gases (no definite shape or volume), and plasma
(ionized gas) .
Question 5: Tectonic plates are large, rigid segments of the Earth's lithosphere that
are in constant motion. The theory of plate tectonics is supported by evidence of
seafloor spreading, which occurs primarily at which type of boundary?
A. Divergent boundary
B. Convergent boundary
C. Transform boundary
D. Subduction zone
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Divergent boundary
Rationale:Divergent boundaries occur where tectonic plates move apart. As the plates
separate, magma from the Earth's mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new oceanic
crust—a process known as seafloor spreading .
Question 6: A scientist is studying the motion of a car traveling along a straight
road. The car's position changes by 60 meters every 3 seconds. How would you best
describe the car's motion?
A. Its speed is 20 meters per second.
B. Its velocity is 20 meters per second.
,C. Its acceleration is 20 meters per second squared.
D. Its displacement is 20 meters.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Its speed is 20 meters per second.
Rationale:Speed is the rate at which an object covers distance, calculated as distance
divided by time (60 m / 3 s = 20 m/s). Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both
speed and direction. The problem provides no directional information, making speed
the best description .
Question 7: A reaction is taking place in a sealed container, and the total mass of
all substances before the reaction is measured. After the reaction, the total mass
is measured again. According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, what is the most
likely outcome?
A. The mass will be less because matter was converted into energy.
B. The mass will be greater because new matter was created.
C. The total mass will remain the same.
D. The mass will be different depending on the type of reaction.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The total mass will remain the same.
Rationale:The Law of Conservation of Mass states that in a closed system, matter is
neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction. Therefore, the total mass of
the reactants before the reaction must equal the total mass of the products after the
reaction .
Question 8: The periodic table organizes chemical elements by their atomic
number and chemical properties. Elements in the same vertical column, or group,
are most similar because they have the same number of:
A. Protons
B. Neutrons
C. Electron shells
D. Valence electrons
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Valence electrons
Rationale:Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom. Elements in the
same group (vertical column) have the same number of valence electrons, which
dictates their chemical behavior and bonding patterns. The atomic number is the
number of protons, which is unique to each element .
Question 9: An earthquake occurs when energy is released suddenly along a fault
line. The point on the Earth's surface directly above the location where the rupture
began is known as the:
A. Epicenter
B. Focus
, C. Fault scarp
D. Seismic wave
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Epicenter
Rationale:The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the
focus (or hypocenter), which is the subsurface location where the earthquake rupture
originates .
Question 10: A student pushes against a wall with a force of 100 N, but the wall
does not move. Which of Newton's laws best explains why the wall does not move?
A. Newton's First Law, because the wall's inertia resists the push.
B. Newton's Second Law, because the acceleration is zero.
C. Newton's Third Law, because the wall pushes back with an equal and opposite force.
D. The Law of Universal Gravitation, because gravity holds the wall in place.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Newton's Third Law
Rationale:Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction. The wall exerts an equal and opposite force on the student. Because
the wall is attached to the ground, the net force on the wall is zero, and it remains at
rest .
Question 11: A beaker contains a mixture of salt and water. A student heats the
beaker until the water evaporates, leaving salt crystals behind. What type of
change did the salt undergo?
A. Physical change
B. Chemical change
C. Nuclear change
D. Phase change
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Physical change
Rationale:A physical change is a change in the form or state of a substance without
changing its chemical composition. Evaporation and dissolving are physical changes.
The salt separated from the water is still sodium chloride (NaCl), so no new substance
was created .
Question 12: The amount of matter an object contains is its mass, while the force of
gravity acting on that matter is its weight. If an astronaut travels from Earth to the
Moon, which of the following correctly describes the changes to the astronaut's
mass and weight?
A. Mass and weight both decrease.
B. Mass remains the same, but weight decreases.
C. Mass decreases, but weight remains the same.
D. Mass and weight both remain the same.
