Integrated-Physical-Sciences WGU Integrated Physical Sciences (MTC1) Questions and Answers

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

Elements in Group 17 of the periodic table are known as halogens. They share several properties, including:

Poor thermal conductivity: Halogens do not conduct heat well.

Poor electrical conductivity: Halogens are also poor conductors of electricity. In comparison:

Good thermal conductivity and Good electrical conductivity are properties typically associated with metals, not halogens.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences Learning Resources, Chapter on Periodic Table Groups

When experimental results contradict current theories, it is essential to conduct additional experiments to confirm the findings. This approach ensures that the results are not due to experimental error and provides a robust basis for re-evaluating or potentially modifying existing theories. Scientific theories are refined and improved based on new, reliable evidence. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation

Human activities, such as farming, release significant amounts of methane into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, which traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in the average temperature, thus contributing to climate change. Unlike natural short-term weather changes, such as those caused by cold fronts or cloud cover, the long-term changes in average temperatures from greenhouse gases are examples of human-induced climate change. References:

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Reports

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Climate Change Information

To determine which graph correctly represents the mass versus acceleration of objects with different masses pulled by the same net force, we must apply Newton's Second Law of Motion. Newton's Second Law states: \[ F = m \cdot a \] where \( F \) is the net force, \( m \) is the mass, and \( a \) is the acceleration. If we rearrange this equation to solve for acceleration, we get: \[ a = \frac{F}{m} \] This shows that acceleration is inversely proportional to mass when the net force is constant. Therefore, as mass increases, acceleration decreases, and this relationship is not linear but rather a hyperbolic curve. Let's analyze each graph: - **Graph A:** Shows a linear relationship between mass and acceleration, which contradicts the inverse relationship dictated by Newton's Second Law. - **Graph B:** Shows a curve where acceleration increases with mass, which again contradicts the expected inverse relationship. - **Graph C:** Shows a constant mass for all acceleration values, which is not applicable in this context. - **Graph D:** Shows a hyperbolic relationship, where acceleration decreases as mass increases, which is consistent with the equation \( a = \frac{F}{m} \). Thus, **Graph D** correctly represents the mass versus acceleration for objects pulled by the same net force, demonstrating the inverse relationship between mass and acceleration. **References:** - Newton's Second Law of Motion, Integrated Physical Sciences Learning Resources

**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.

Location B on the map corresponds to a region along the San Andreas Fault in California, which is a transform plate boundary. At transform boundaries, plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause significant stress accumulation and release in the form of earthquakes. However, this type of boundary does not typically produce volcanic activity, which is more common at divergent and convergent boundaries. Therefore, location B has a high risk of earthquakes but a low risk of volcanic activity.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on tectonic plate boundaries.

Studies on the San Andreas Fault and seismic activity.

The early universe consisted primarily of hydrogen atoms, which began to coalesce due to gravitational attraction.

As these hydrogen atoms collected into large clouds, the gravitational force continued to draw them closer together, increasing pressure and temperature at the core.

Once the pressure and temperature were high enough, nuclear fusion ignited, forming the first stars.

This process was driven by the gravitational force, not by other forces like magnetic or momentum from the big bang. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on the formation of stars and gravitational forces.

Human activities, such as farming and the burning of fossil fuels, release greenhouse gases, including nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and contribute to global warming and climate change. Unlike natural variability in weather patterns, human-induced climate change is characterized by long-term changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other climatic factors due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on climate change and human impact.

Scientific studies on the effects of greenhouse gases and global warming.

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. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation

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.

Definition of Substance Types:

Element (A): A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom.

Compound (B): A substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded.

Isotope (C): Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Mixture (D): A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded.

Composition of Sand: Sand is composed of various small rock and mineral particles, which are physically combined but not chemically bonded.

Conclusion: Sand is a mixture.

References:

Properties of Mixtures: Characteristics and examples of mixtures in physical science.

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. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation

Energy is released to the surroundings during phase changes from higher energy states to lower energy states, such as from liquid to solid (freezing). When rain turns into ice upon hitting a cold surface, it undergoes freezing, a process in which the liquid water loses energy to the surroundings, releasing heat as it becomes solid ice.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences documents on phase changes and energy transfer.

Thermodynamics principles in phase transitions.

Energy is released during phase changes from gas to liquid (condensation). When water vapor in a cloud condenses to form raindrops, it releases energy to the surroundings. This is because the gas phase (water vapor) has higher energy than the liquid phase (raindrops), and the transition to a lower energy state (liquid) releases the excess energy.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on condensation and energy release.

Concepts of energy changes during phase transitions.

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.

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

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.

States of Matter:

Solid (B): Particles are closely packed in a fixed position and only vibrate around these fixed points.

Liquid (A): Particles are close together but can move past each other, allowing the substance to flow.

Gas (C): Particles are far apart and move freely.

Plasma (D): Ionized gas with free electrons and ions, found in stars and certain high-energy environments.

Particle Movement: In solids, the particles vibrate around fixed positions, maintaining a definite shape and volume.

Conclusion: In the solid state of matter, particles vibrate around fixed positions.

References:

States of Matter: Characteristics and behaviors of different states of matter.