PHYS 165 Module 1 Exam: Physics
Portage Learning | 2026/2027 Academic Year | 25 Questions
Mathematical Foundations, SI Units, Significant Figures, and Basic Trigonometry
Abstract
This document constitutes the official PHYS 165 Module 1 Examination for the 2026/2027 academic
year, administered through Portage Learning. The examination encompasses 25 questions distributed
across four foundational domains that establish the mathematical and scientific framework essential for
all subsequent physics coursework. The first domain introduces physics as a discipline and the scientific
method, evaluating the student's understanding of hypothesis formulation, experimental design, the
distinction between scientific laws and theories, and the iterative nature of scientific inquiry. The second
domain addresses the International System of Units (SI), unit conversions, and dimensional analysis,
requiring proficiency in identifying base and derived SI units, applying metric prefixes, performing
multi-step unit conversions, and using dimensional analysis to verify the consistency of physical
equations. The third domain examines significant figures, scientific notation, and error analysis, testing
the application of rules governing significant figures in arithmetic operations, the proper use of
scientific notation for very large and very small numbers, and the distinction between accuracy and
precision in measurement. The fourth domain covers basic algebra and trigonometry for physics,
emphasizing the solution of linear and quadratic equations, the use of trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine,
tangent) for right-triangle problem-solving, the Pythagorean theorem, and the interpretation of
algebraic expressions commonly encountered in physics formulas. Each question is accompanied by a
detailed rationale, an analysis of incorrect distractors, and a reference to the relevant 2026 course
material or standard physics textbook. This examination assesses the critical application of
mathematical principles and proven methodologies to establish the foundational tools required for
rigorous physics problem-solving.
Content Area Overview
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Introduction to Physics & The 1-4 Scientific method steps, hypothesis vs. theory, 16%
Scientific Method scientific laws, experimental design, models
and idealizations, scope of physics
SI Units, Unit Conversions & 5-10 Seven base SI quantities, derived units, metric 24%
Dimensional Analysis prefixes (tera through femto), unit conversion
chains, dimensional consistency verification,
estimating physical quantities
Significant Figures, Scientific 11-17 Significant figure identification, arithmetic 28%
Notation & Error Analysis rules (addition/subtraction and
multiplication/division), scientific notation
conventions, accuracy vs. precision,
systematic and random errors, percent
uncertainty
Basic Algebra & Trigonometry 18-25 Linear equation solving, quadratic formula, 32%
for Physics rearranging physics formulas, Pythagorean
theorem, sine/cosine/tangent ratios, inverse
trigonometric functions, solving right
triangles, algebraic manipulation of physical
expressions
, Examination Questions
Domain: Introduction to Physics & The Scientific Method
1. Which of the following best describes the sequence of the scientific method?
A) Conclusion, hypothesis, experiment, observation
B) Observation, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion
C) Experiment, observation, hypothesis, conclusion
D) Hypothesis, conclusion, experiment, observation
Correct Answer: B - Observation, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion
Rationale: The scientific method begins with observation of a phenomenon, followed by formulation of
a testable hypothesis. Controlled experiments are then designed and conducted, the resulting data are
analyzed, and conclusions are drawn that either support or refute the hypothesis. This iterative process
is the foundation of all scientific inquiry and ensures that conclusions are grounded in empirical
evidence rather than speculation.
Why Wrong: Option A reverses the logical order, placing conclusion before observation. Option C places
experiment before observation, which prevents meaningful hypothesis formation. Option D places
conclusion before experiment, which eliminates the empirical basis of the method.
Reference: Portage Learning PHYS 165 Module 1, Section 1: The Scientific Method; Halliday & Resnick,
Fundamentals of Physics, Chapter 1.
2. What is the fundamental difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?
A) A law is a guess; a theory is proven
B) A law describes what happens; a theory explains why it happens
C) A theory is always true; a law can be changed
D) There is no difference; they are synonymous
Correct Answer: B - A law describes what happens; a theory explains why it happens
Rationale: A scientific law is a concise statement or mathematical relationship that describes a
consistent pattern observed in nature, such as Newton's law of gravitation. A scientific theory is a well-
substantiated explanation of the underlying mechanisms that produce the observed pattern. Laws
describe phenomena; theories explain them. Both are supported by extensive evidence, but they serve
different roles in scientific understanding.
Why Wrong: Option A mischaracterizes both terms; a law is not a guess and a theory is never
considered proven in the absolute sense. Option C incorrectly implies theories cannot be revised and that
laws are tentative. Option D ignores the distinct functions that laws and theories serve in the scientific
framework.
Reference: Portage Learning PHYS 165 Module 1, Section 1: Laws and Theories; Young & Freedman,
University Physics, Chapter 1.
3. In a controlled experiment, what is the purpose of a control group?
A) To provide additional data points
B) To serve as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group
C) To introduce additional variables
D) To confirm the hypothesis without testing
Correct Answer: B - To serve as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group
Rationale: A control group is a standard of comparison that is identical to the experimental group
except that it does not receive the experimental treatment. By comparing outcomes between the control
and experimental groups, researchers can isolate the effect of the independent variable and determine
whether the observed changes are attributable to the treatment rather than extraneous factors.
Portage Learning | 2026/2027 Academic Year | 25 Questions
Mathematical Foundations, SI Units, Significant Figures, and Basic Trigonometry
Abstract
This document constitutes the official PHYS 165 Module 1 Examination for the 2026/2027 academic
year, administered through Portage Learning. The examination encompasses 25 questions distributed
across four foundational domains that establish the mathematical and scientific framework essential for
all subsequent physics coursework. The first domain introduces physics as a discipline and the scientific
method, evaluating the student's understanding of hypothesis formulation, experimental design, the
distinction between scientific laws and theories, and the iterative nature of scientific inquiry. The second
domain addresses the International System of Units (SI), unit conversions, and dimensional analysis,
requiring proficiency in identifying base and derived SI units, applying metric prefixes, performing
multi-step unit conversions, and using dimensional analysis to verify the consistency of physical
equations. The third domain examines significant figures, scientific notation, and error analysis, testing
the application of rules governing significant figures in arithmetic operations, the proper use of
scientific notation for very large and very small numbers, and the distinction between accuracy and
precision in measurement. The fourth domain covers basic algebra and trigonometry for physics,
emphasizing the solution of linear and quadratic equations, the use of trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine,
tangent) for right-triangle problem-solving, the Pythagorean theorem, and the interpretation of
algebraic expressions commonly encountered in physics formulas. Each question is accompanied by a
detailed rationale, an analysis of incorrect distractors, and a reference to the relevant 2026 course
material or standard physics textbook. This examination assesses the critical application of
mathematical principles and proven methodologies to establish the foundational tools required for
rigorous physics problem-solving.
Content Area Overview
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Introduction to Physics & The 1-4 Scientific method steps, hypothesis vs. theory, 16%
Scientific Method scientific laws, experimental design, models
and idealizations, scope of physics
SI Units, Unit Conversions & 5-10 Seven base SI quantities, derived units, metric 24%
Dimensional Analysis prefixes (tera through femto), unit conversion
chains, dimensional consistency verification,
estimating physical quantities
Significant Figures, Scientific 11-17 Significant figure identification, arithmetic 28%
Notation & Error Analysis rules (addition/subtraction and
multiplication/division), scientific notation
conventions, accuracy vs. precision,
systematic and random errors, percent
uncertainty
Basic Algebra & Trigonometry 18-25 Linear equation solving, quadratic formula, 32%
for Physics rearranging physics formulas, Pythagorean
theorem, sine/cosine/tangent ratios, inverse
trigonometric functions, solving right
triangles, algebraic manipulation of physical
expressions
, Examination Questions
Domain: Introduction to Physics & The Scientific Method
1. Which of the following best describes the sequence of the scientific method?
A) Conclusion, hypothesis, experiment, observation
B) Observation, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion
C) Experiment, observation, hypothesis, conclusion
D) Hypothesis, conclusion, experiment, observation
Correct Answer: B - Observation, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion
Rationale: The scientific method begins with observation of a phenomenon, followed by formulation of
a testable hypothesis. Controlled experiments are then designed and conducted, the resulting data are
analyzed, and conclusions are drawn that either support or refute the hypothesis. This iterative process
is the foundation of all scientific inquiry and ensures that conclusions are grounded in empirical
evidence rather than speculation.
Why Wrong: Option A reverses the logical order, placing conclusion before observation. Option C places
experiment before observation, which prevents meaningful hypothesis formation. Option D places
conclusion before experiment, which eliminates the empirical basis of the method.
Reference: Portage Learning PHYS 165 Module 1, Section 1: The Scientific Method; Halliday & Resnick,
Fundamentals of Physics, Chapter 1.
2. What is the fundamental difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?
A) A law is a guess; a theory is proven
B) A law describes what happens; a theory explains why it happens
C) A theory is always true; a law can be changed
D) There is no difference; they are synonymous
Correct Answer: B - A law describes what happens; a theory explains why it happens
Rationale: A scientific law is a concise statement or mathematical relationship that describes a
consistent pattern observed in nature, such as Newton's law of gravitation. A scientific theory is a well-
substantiated explanation of the underlying mechanisms that produce the observed pattern. Laws
describe phenomena; theories explain them. Both are supported by extensive evidence, but they serve
different roles in scientific understanding.
Why Wrong: Option A mischaracterizes both terms; a law is not a guess and a theory is never
considered proven in the absolute sense. Option C incorrectly implies theories cannot be revised and that
laws are tentative. Option D ignores the distinct functions that laws and theories serve in the scientific
framework.
Reference: Portage Learning PHYS 165 Module 1, Section 1: Laws and Theories; Young & Freedman,
University Physics, Chapter 1.
3. In a controlled experiment, what is the purpose of a control group?
A) To provide additional data points
B) To serve as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group
C) To introduce additional variables
D) To confirm the hypothesis without testing
Correct Answer: B - To serve as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group
Rationale: A control group is a standard of comparison that is identical to the experimental group
except that it does not receive the experimental treatment. By comparing outcomes between the control
and experimental groups, researchers can isolate the effect of the independent variable and determine
whether the observed changes are attributable to the treatment rather than extraneous factors.
