Free Integrated-Physical-Sciences Exam Braindumps
WGU Integrated Physical Sciences (MTC1) Questions 21–25 (page: 6)

Updated On: 11-Feb-2026

What energy conversion takes place when a ball rolls up a ramp?

  1. Kinetic energy is converted into gravitational potential energy.
  2. Gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
  3. Chemical potential energy is converted into gravitational potential energy.
  4. Elastic potential energy is converted into thermal energy.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Energy types: When a ball is in motion, it possesses kinetic energy. As the ball rolls up a ramp, it slows down and gains height.

Energy conversion: As the ball ascends the ramp, its kinetic energy decreases because the ball is slowing down. Simultaneously, its gravitational potential energy increases because it is gaining height.

Conservation of energy: The total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant if we neglect friction. The decrease in kinetic energy is exactly balanced by the increase in gravitational potential energy.

Conclusion: The appropriate energy conversion in this scenario is the transformation of kinetic energy into gravitational potential energy.


Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences textbooks on mechanics and energy conservation, principles of kinetic and potential energy.



Cargo inspectors often use electromagnetic radiation to form images of objects inside large steel shipping containers like those shown below.



Which type of electromagnetic radiation is used In this way?

  1. Ultraviolet radiation
  2. Gamma rays
  3. Radio waves
  4. Visible light

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Electromagnetic radiation: Different types of electromagnetic radiation have various properties and uses. Gamma rays are highly penetrating and can pass through thick materials, including steel.

Cargo inspection: Inspectors use gamma rays to penetrate steel shipping containers and form images of the contents. Gamma rays can pass through dense materials and reveal hidden objects inside.

Conclusion: The type of electromagnetic radiation used for imaging objects inside large steel shipping containers is gamma rays.


Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on electromagnetic radiation, uses of gamma rays in industrial applications.



A person near a campfire may feel warmth from the fire even though the heated air above the fire does not reach her.

Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum transfers most of the energy that warms her?

  1. Infrared radiation
  2. Microwaves
  3. X-rays
  4. Ultraviolet radiation

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Heat transfer: Heat from the campfire can reach a person through radiation, conduction, and convection. In this scenario, radiation is the primary mode of heat transfer.

Infrared radiation: The warmth felt by a person near a campfire is primarily due to infrared radiation. Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic wave that carries heat energy.

Conclusion: Infrared radiation is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that transfers most of the energy warming a person near a campfire.


Reference:

Textbooks on heat transfer mechanisms, properties of infrared radiation, Integrated Physical Sciences materials on electromagnetic spectrum.



Satellites used in a Global Positioning System (GPS) orbit around Earth, sending electromagnetic waves that GPS units in cars can use to determine their location on Earth.

Which type of electromagnetic radiation is used to send information from the GPS satellites to receivers on Earth?

  1. Infrared radiation
  2. Ultraviolet radiation
  3. X-rays
  4. Microwaves

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

GPS technology: Satellites in the Global Positioning System (GPS) communicate with GPS receivers on Earth using electromagnetic waves.

Microwaves: Microwaves are used in GPS technology because they can travel long distances and penetrate the atmosphere with minimal interference.

Conclusion: The type of electromagnetic radiation used to send information from GPS satellites to receivers on Earth is microwaves.


Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences references on GPS technology, properties and applications of microwaves.



Which type of wave can travel through a vacuum?

  1. Radio waves
  2. Water waves
  3. Seismic waves
  4. Sound waves

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Wave propagation: Waves can travel through different mediums. Some waves, like sound and water waves, require a medium to propagate.

Vacuum travel: Electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, can travel through a vacuum. This is because they do not require a medium; they propagate through the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields.

Conclusion: The type of wave that can travel through a vacuum is a radio wave.


Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on wave propagation, properties of electromagnetic waves, differences between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.



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