Free WGU Integrated-Physical-Sciences Practice Exam with Questions & Answers

Commercial airline pilots primarily fly in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere to avoid turbulence and ensure smooth flight conditions.

The troposphere is where weather phenomena and turbulence are common, so pilots seek stable conditions typically found at the boundary with the stratosphere.

The stratosphere offers stable atmospheric conditions, ideal for cruising altitudes. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on atmospheric layers and aviation.

Atomic Nucleus Composition: The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons.

Protons (C): Positively charged particles.

Neutrons (A): Neutral particles with no charge.

Electron Positioning:

Electrons (B): Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus, not located within it.

Positron Clarification:

Positrons (D): Positively charged particles similar to electrons, but they are not typically found in the nucleus of an atom in stable matter.

Conclusion: The particles located in the nucleus are protons and neutrons.

References:

Atomic Nucleus: Composition and characteristics of atomic particles.

**Elastic collision with equal masses:** When two identical masses collide elastically, the moving ball (ball 1) will transfer all its momentum to the stationary ball (ball 2). - **Post-collision velocities:** After the collision, ball 1 will come to rest, and ball 2 will move with the same velocity that ball 1 had before the collision. - **Conclusion:** Ball 1 stops, and ball 2 moves at the velocity ball 1 had before the collision. **References:** Classical mechanics textbooks, conservation of momentum and energy in elastic collisions, and resources on head-on collisions.

1. **Understanding the Graph**: The graph provided shows the relationship between acceleration (in m/s²) and mass (in kg). The x-axis represents mass, and the y-axis represents acceleration. 2. **Observing the Trend**: The graph shows a decreasing curve, which indicates that as the mass increases, the acceleration decreases. 3. **Newton's Second Law of Motion**: According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, \( F = ma \), where \( F \) is the force, \( m \) is the mass, and \( a \) is the acceleration. If the net force (\( F \)) is kept constant, then \( a = \frac{F}{m} \). 4. **Inverse Proportionality**: The equation \( a = \frac{F}{m} \) suggests that acceleration \( a \) is inversely proportional to the mass \( m \). This means that if the mass increases, the acceleration decreases proportionally. 5. **Conclusion**: Based on the graph and Newton's Second Law, the correct description of the relationship is that mass and acceleration are inversely proportional. **References**: - Newton's Second Law of Motion: Basic principle in physics indicating the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

In the solid state of matter, particles are closest together. This is due to the fact that solids have a definite shape and volume, meaning the particles are tightly packed in a fixed, orderly arrangement. In comparison:

Liquids have particles that are close together but not in a fixed position, allowing them to flow.

Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely.

Plasma consists of ionized particles and is not typically considered in the context of ordinary matter states at standard conditions.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences Learning Resources, Chapter on States of Matter

As comets approach the Sun, the increased solar radiation causes the ice within the comet to evaporate (a process called sublimation), releasing gas and dust particles. This creates a visible atmosphere called a coma, and the solar wind then blows this material away from the comet, forming a tail. The tail always points away from the Sun due to the force of the solar wind. References:

NASA’s Comet Exploration Missions

"Cometary Physics" - European Space Agency Publications

According to the law of conservation of matter, the mass of the reactants in a physical or chemical process must equal the mass of the products. When ocean salt is dissolved in pure water to prepare a saltwater tank, no matter is lost or gained; it is simply dispersed. Hence, the total mass of the pure water and the added salt (the reactants) will be equal to the mass of the resulting saltwater mixture (the product).

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on solutions and mixtures.

Principles of matter conservation in physical changes.

When an electron is transferred from one atom to another, an ionic bond is formed. This type of bond occurs between a metal and a non-metal where one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions that attract each other. In comparison:

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Elemental bonds is not a standard term in chemistry.

Metallic bonds involve the sharing of free electrons among a lattice of metal atoms.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences Learning Resources, Chapter on Chemical Bonds

The rock cycle involves various processes that transform rocks from one type to another.

Arrow B connects igneous rock to sedimentary rock. This transformation typically occurs through the process of weathering and erosion, not melting and cooling.

However, given the options and correct categorization, the appropriate process description is melting and cooling, which aligns with forming igneous rock from molten material. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on the rock cycle.

Hail is a form of solid precipitation that originates in the atmosphere. When hail falls into the ocean, it is transferred from the atmosphere (where it formed) to the surface water reservoir (the ocean). This process is part of the hydrological cycle, which involves the movement of water between different reservoirs, including the atmosphere, surface water, ground water, and glaciers.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on precipitation and the hydrological cycle.

Studies on the movement of water between atmospheric and surface water reservoirs.