1 | WGU
WGU C165 INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCES
– OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT STUDY GUIDE |
LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW
Table of Contents
1. The Nature of Science
2. Physics: Motion, Forces, and Energy
3. Physics: Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism
4. Chemistry: Matter, Atoms, and the Periodic Table
5. Chemistry: Chemical Bonding and Reactions
6. Earth Science: Geology and Earth's Structure
7. Earth Science: Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate
8. Earth Science: Astronomy and the Solar System
,2 | WGU
Question 1: A scientist observes that a certain type of bacteria grows faster at warmer
temperatures. She proposes that the bacteria have an optimal temperature range for
reproduction. Which type of scientific idea is her proposal an example of?
A) Law
B) Theory
C) Hypothesis
D) Observation
Correct Answer: C) Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction or proposed explanation based on an
observation. The scientist's proposal is a testable statement that can be supported or refuted
through experimentation. A law describes a pattern, while a theory explains the "why" behind
a phenomenon.
Question 2: 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
Correct Answer: C) Law
A scientific law is a concise statement that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated
experiments. It describes a widespread pattern in nature, answering "what" happens,
whereas a theory explains "how" or "why."
Question 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
Science demands testability, evidence, peer review, and openness to revision. Claims without
,3 | WGU
evidence contradict the principle of falsification and are outside the scope of science.
Acceptance based on popularity rather than evidence is not a scientific attribute.
Question 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
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.
Question 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
Observational studies involve recording phenomena as they naturally occur, without
manipulation. This contrasts with experiments, which involve changing independent
variables.
Question 6: 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
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.
, 4 | WGU
Question 7: What is the term for a testable, proposed explanation for a natural phenomenon?
A) Theory
B) Hypothesis
C) Law
D) Principle
Correct Answer: B) Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about how an aspect of the natural world
functions. It can be supported or refuted through experimentation and observation.
Question 8: 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?
A) Physics
B) Chemistry
C) Earth science
D) Astronomy
Correct Answer: A) Physics
Physics focuses on the fundamental principles of the universe, including motion, energy, and
the forces that govern interactions. The trajectory of a bullet involves motion and forces,
which are core physics concepts.
Question 9: Which of the following best describes the location of electrons within the atom?
A) In the nucleus
B) Outside of the nucleus
C) In orbits around the nucleus
D) In an electron cloud around the nucleus
Correct Answer: D) In an electron cloud around the nucleus
Electrons are found in an electron cloud around the nucleus, not in fixed orbits. The electron
cloud model represents the probable locations of electrons based on quantum mechanics.
Question 10: Which type of model would best help scientists visualize the structure of an
atom?
A) Physical model
B) Conceptual model
WGU C165 INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCES
– OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT STUDY GUIDE |
LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW
Table of Contents
1. The Nature of Science
2. Physics: Motion, Forces, and Energy
3. Physics: Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism
4. Chemistry: Matter, Atoms, and the Periodic Table
5. Chemistry: Chemical Bonding and Reactions
6. Earth Science: Geology and Earth's Structure
7. Earth Science: Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate
8. Earth Science: Astronomy and the Solar System
,2 | WGU
Question 1: A scientist observes that a certain type of bacteria grows faster at warmer
temperatures. She proposes that the bacteria have an optimal temperature range for
reproduction. Which type of scientific idea is her proposal an example of?
A) Law
B) Theory
C) Hypothesis
D) Observation
Correct Answer: C) Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction or proposed explanation based on an
observation. The scientist's proposal is a testable statement that can be supported or refuted
through experimentation. A law describes a pattern, while a theory explains the "why" behind
a phenomenon.
Question 2: 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
Correct Answer: C) Law
A scientific law is a concise statement that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated
experiments. It describes a widespread pattern in nature, answering "what" happens,
whereas a theory explains "how" or "why."
Question 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
Science demands testability, evidence, peer review, and openness to revision. Claims without
,3 | WGU
evidence contradict the principle of falsification and are outside the scope of science.
Acceptance based on popularity rather than evidence is not a scientific attribute.
Question 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
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.
Question 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
Observational studies involve recording phenomena as they naturally occur, without
manipulation. This contrasts with experiments, which involve changing independent
variables.
Question 6: 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
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.
, 4 | WGU
Question 7: What is the term for a testable, proposed explanation for a natural phenomenon?
A) Theory
B) Hypothesis
C) Law
D) Principle
Correct Answer: B) Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about how an aspect of the natural world
functions. It can be supported or refuted through experimentation and observation.
Question 8: 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?
A) Physics
B) Chemistry
C) Earth science
D) Astronomy
Correct Answer: A) Physics
Physics focuses on the fundamental principles of the universe, including motion, energy, and
the forces that govern interactions. The trajectory of a bullet involves motion and forces,
which are core physics concepts.
Question 9: Which of the following best describes the location of electrons within the atom?
A) In the nucleus
B) Outside of the nucleus
C) In orbits around the nucleus
D) In an electron cloud around the nucleus
Correct Answer: D) In an electron cloud around the nucleus
Electrons are found in an electron cloud around the nucleus, not in fixed orbits. The electron
cloud model represents the probable locations of electrons based on quantum mechanics.
Question 10: Which type of model would best help scientists visualize the structure of an
atom?
A) Physical model
B) Conceptual model
