Free WGU Integrated-Physical-Sciences Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

The given rock layers in the illustration show a sequence from bottom to top: slate (metamorphic), siltstone (sedimentary), sandstone (sedimentary), and basalt (igneous). This sequence indicates the following geologic history:

Metamorphic rock (slate) at the bottom suggests an initial period of high heat and pressure.

Sedimentary rocks (siltstone and sandstone) above the slate indicate subsequent periods of deposition under water.

Basalt (igneous) at the top suggests a volcanic eruption depositing lava that solidified into basalt.

Therefore, the correct conclusion about the geologic history of this area is that it experienced a volcanic eruption and then was located underwater.

References

Integrated Physical Sciences: Sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock formation processes.

Geologic history interpretation based on rock layers.

A low pressure system is typically associated with cloudy and rainy weather. Low pressure areas are regions where the atmospheric pressure is lower than the surrounding areas. Air rises in low pressure systems, leading to cloud formation and precipitation. Therefore, when a low pressure system is settling over an area, it is advisable to prepare for rain by bringing an umbrella and wearing waterproof shoes.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences documents on weather systems and pressure systems.

Meteorological resources on the effects of low pressure systems.

The diagram shows the Earth with the northern hemisphere tilted towards the sun.

In this position, regions like Fargo, North Dakota receive the most direct sunlight, resulting in warmer temperatures.

This configuration occurs during the summer season in the northern hemisphere. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on Earth's tilt and seasonal changes.

Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are diverging. This divergent plate boundary is characterized by the formation of new crust as magma rises from below the Earth's surface, leading to frequent volcanic activity. Additionally, as the plates move apart, the stress can cause significant seismic activity, resulting in earthquakes. Therefore, Iceland experiences both high volcanic and earthquake activity due to its tectonic setting.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences documents on plate tectonics and natural hazards.

Geological studies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Iceland's tectonic activity.

When a truck comes to a stop by applying the brakes, the kinetic energy of the moving truck is converted into thermal energy due to friction between the brake pads and the wheels. This conversion results in the production of heat, which dissipates the energy and brings the truck to a halt. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 5: Energy Transformations

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather phenomena, including cloud formation, occur.

Atmospheric scientists study cloud formation and other weather-related processes within this layer. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on atmospheric layers and weather processes.

**Assumption:** The collision is completely elastic, meaning no kinetic energy is lost. - **Principles of elastic collisions:** In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. - **Velocity changes:** When two identical cars collide elastically, the car that was moving faster (rear car) will transfer some of its kinetic energy to the slower-moving car (front car). As a result, the rear car slows down, and the front car speeds up. - **Conclusion:** The velocities of the two cars will change such that the front car speeds up and the rear car slows down after the collision. **References:** Textbooks on classical mechanics, principles of conservation of momentum and energy, and problem-solving resources on elastic collisions.

When a scientist’s results differ significantly from those reported by others, the appropriate action is to perform the experiment again. Repeating the experiment helps to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable. It allows the scientist to verify their findings and check for any possible errors in the experimental process. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation

In space, particles attract each other due to the force of gravity. This attraction increases as the particles' mass increases, leading to the accumulation of more matter.

Gravity is a fundamental force that causes objects with mass to be attracted to one another. As particles gather and grow in mass, their gravitational pull becomes stronger, allowing them to attract even more particles.

This process can lead to the formation of larger celestial bodies such as asteroids, comets, planets, or stars. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on gravitational forces and celestial body formation.

As a coin sinks through the water in a wishing well, the velocity of the coin decreases due to the frictional force exerted by the water on the coin. This frictional force opposes the motion of the coin and slows it down. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 3: Forces and Motion