WGU Integrated-Physical-Sciences Exam Questions
WGU Integrated Physical Sciences (MTC1) (Page 2 )

Updated On: 27-Feb-2026

A team of scientists uses the Hubble Space Telescope to search for evidence of planets orbiting distant stars.

Which kind of investigation are they carrying out?

  1. Laboratory experiment
  2. Constructing a model
  3. Controlled experiment
  4. Observational study

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

The team of scientists is using the Hubble Space Telescope to search for evidence of planets orbiting distant stars. This method involves observing celestial phenomena without manipulating any variables, making it an observational study. Unlike controlled experiments or laboratory experiments, observational studies rely on gathering data by watching natural occurrences in the environment being studied. In this case, they are observing the light from stars to infer the presence of planets.


Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation



Which question would be appropriate for an observational study?

  1. How does the mass of a toy car affect how fast it rolls down a track?
  2. What is the brightest star that can be seen from Earth?
  3. Which type of glass best resists scratching?
  4. Which type of rock dissolves fastest when exposed to acid rain?

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

An observational study involves collecting data without manipulating any variables. The question "What is the brightest star that can be seen from Earth?" fits this criteria as it involves observing and recording data about stars without any experimental intervention. Other options involve controlled experiments where variables are manipulated.


Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation



A scientist wants to determine how the speed of flowing water affects the size of sediment particles it can carry. The scientist places a mix of sediment particles in the bottom of a trough and runs water through the trough. The scientist varies the speed of the water and measures the sizes of the particles that the water carries away.

Which type of investigation is the scientist using?

  1. Field study
  2. Controlled experiment
  3. Computational model
  4. Observational study

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The scientist is determining how the speed of flowing water affects the size of sediment particles it can carry by varying the water speed and measuring the sediment sizes. This involves manipulating one variable (water speed) and observing the effect on another variable (sediment size), which is the essence of a controlled experiment. The setting and control of conditions ensure that the experimenter can establish a cause-and-effect relationship.


Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation



Which question would be appropriate for an observational study?

  1. Does adding salt to water affect how fast the water evaporates?
  2. How does the mass of an object affect the strength of its gravitational field?
  3. Which type of metal conducts electricity best?
  4. What types of rocks are found at a convergent boundary?

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

An appropriate question for an observational study is one that involves collecting data through observation without manipulation. "What types of rocks are found at a convergent boundary?" requires observing and identifying the types of rocks naturally occurring at such geological formations. It doesn't involve changing any variables, fitting the definition of an observational study.


Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation



Numerous experiments have confirmed that if the distance between a light source and an observer is doubled, the intensity of the light as viewed by the observer decreases by a factor of four.

Which type of scientific statement is this?

  1. Law
  2. Hypothesis
  3. Theory
  4. Inference

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

The statement that if the distance between a light source and an observer is doubled, the intensity of the light decreases by a factor of four, describes a consistent, repeatable observation that has been confirmed through numerous experiments. This describes a scientific law, specifically the inverse square law of light. A law summarizes a pattern found in nature, whereas a hypothesis is an untested prediction, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation, and an inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence.


Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 4: Scientific Laws and Theories






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