WGU C165 Integrated Physical Sciences | Objective
Assessment| 90 Actual Questions and Answers
Latest Updated 2025/2026 (Graded A+)
1. Which branch of science is primarily concerned with the study of forces,
energy, and motion?
A. Earth Science
B. Chemistry
C. Physics
D. Biology
Correct Answer: C. Physics
Expert Rationale: Physics focuses on the fundamental principles of the universe,
including motion, energy, and the forces that govern interactions. Chemistry and
Earth science address matter and planetary processes, but not motion and force at
their core.
2. Chemistry is best defined as the study of:
A. The Earth’s crust and internal processes
B. Atoms, molecules, and their interactions
C. The motion of objects under forces
D. Energy transfer in ecosystems
Correct Answer: B. Atoms, molecules, and their interactions
Expert Rationale: Chemistry examines the building blocks of matter—atoms and
molecules—their structures, reactions, and transformations. Unlike physics, which
studies forces, or Earth science, which studies geologic processes, chemistry
focuses on substances and their changes.
,3. 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
Correct Answer: C. Accepts claims without evidence if widely believed
Expert Rationale: Science demands testability, evidence, peer review, and
openness to revision. Claims without evidence contradict the principle of
falsification and are outside the scope of science.
4. 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
Correct Answer: B. Color of light used
Expert 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.
5. A researcher observes dolphin behavior in the ocean without interfering.
This is an example of a:
A. Hypothesis
B. Experimental study
C. Observational study
D. Computer model
Correct Answer: C. Observational study
Expert Rationale: Observational studies involve recording phenomena as they
, naturally occur, without manipulation. This contrasts with experiments, which
involve changing independent variables.
6. Which type of model would best help scientists visualize the structure of an
atom?
A. Physical model
B. Conceptual model
C. Mathematical model
D. Computer model
Correct Answer: B. Conceptual model
Expert Rationale: Atoms are too small to be seen directly; conceptual models
(like the Bohr model or electron cloud diagrams) help represent abstract structures.
7. Which principle states that only statements capable of being proven false
through evidence are scientific?
A. Hypothesis principle
B. Theory of relativity
C. Principle of falsification
D. Law of conservation
Correct Answer: C. Principle of falsification
Expert Rationale: According to philosopher Karl Popper, falsifiability is the
hallmark of a scientific statement. If a claim cannot be disproven through evidence,
it lies outside science.
8. A concise statement repeatedly supported by experiments that describes a
natural pattern (what happens) is called a:
A. Hypothesis
B. Theory
C. Law
D. Model
Assessment| 90 Actual Questions and Answers
Latest Updated 2025/2026 (Graded A+)
1. Which branch of science is primarily concerned with the study of forces,
energy, and motion?
A. Earth Science
B. Chemistry
C. Physics
D. Biology
Correct Answer: C. Physics
Expert Rationale: Physics focuses on the fundamental principles of the universe,
including motion, energy, and the forces that govern interactions. Chemistry and
Earth science address matter and planetary processes, but not motion and force at
their core.
2. Chemistry is best defined as the study of:
A. The Earth’s crust and internal processes
B. Atoms, molecules, and their interactions
C. The motion of objects under forces
D. Energy transfer in ecosystems
Correct Answer: B. Atoms, molecules, and their interactions
Expert Rationale: Chemistry examines the building blocks of matter—atoms and
molecules—their structures, reactions, and transformations. Unlike physics, which
studies forces, or Earth science, which studies geologic processes, chemistry
focuses on substances and their changes.
,3. 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
Correct Answer: C. Accepts claims without evidence if widely believed
Expert Rationale: Science demands testability, evidence, peer review, and
openness to revision. Claims without evidence contradict the principle of
falsification and are outside the scope of science.
4. 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
Correct Answer: B. Color of light used
Expert 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.
5. A researcher observes dolphin behavior in the ocean without interfering.
This is an example of a:
A. Hypothesis
B. Experimental study
C. Observational study
D. Computer model
Correct Answer: C. Observational study
Expert Rationale: Observational studies involve recording phenomena as they
, naturally occur, without manipulation. This contrasts with experiments, which
involve changing independent variables.
6. Which type of model would best help scientists visualize the structure of an
atom?
A. Physical model
B. Conceptual model
C. Mathematical model
D. Computer model
Correct Answer: B. Conceptual model
Expert Rationale: Atoms are too small to be seen directly; conceptual models
(like the Bohr model or electron cloud diagrams) help represent abstract structures.
7. Which principle states that only statements capable of being proven false
through evidence are scientific?
A. Hypothesis principle
B. Theory of relativity
C. Principle of falsification
D. Law of conservation
Correct Answer: C. Principle of falsification
Expert Rationale: According to philosopher Karl Popper, falsifiability is the
hallmark of a scientific statement. If a claim cannot be disproven through evidence,
it lies outside science.
8. A concise statement repeatedly supported by experiments that describes a
natural pattern (what happens) is called a:
A. Hypothesis
B. Theory
C. Law
D. Model
