WGU Integrated Physical Sciences (MTC1) Exam Questions Instant Access

Question 1

A student makes the diagram of the rock cycle that is shown here

Which description should the student place on arrow B?

AErosion and deposition

BUplift and compression

CMelting and cooling

DHeat and pressure

Answer : C

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. Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on the rock cycle.

Question 2

Which of these is an example of climate change caused by human activity?

AWeather changes from regularly repeating atmospheric conditions such as El Nino

BWorldwide weather changes from changes in the flow of air currents

CYear to year differences in snowfall in a given area from different weather patterns

DWarming because of farming and fuel use adding nitrous oxide to the atmosphere

Answer : D

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.

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on climate change and human impact.

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

Question 3

The following graph shows the speed of a sound wave versus frequency in a room at a constant temperature.

What does the graph indicate about the relationship between the speed of the sound and frequency?

AThe speed is inversely proportional to frequency.

BThe speed is not correlated to frequency.

CThe speed is directly proportional to frequency.

DThe speed is quadratically related to frequency.

Answer : B

1. **Understanding the Graph**: The graph provided shows the speed of a sound wave (in m/d) versus frequency (in Hz). The x-axis represents frequency, and the y-axis represents the speed of the sound wave. 2. **Observing the Trend**: The graph shows a series of data points that remain relatively constant across different frequencies. There is no visible trend or significant change in speed as the frequency varies. 3. **Sound Waves in a Medium**: In a given medium (such as air at constant temperature), the speed of sound is typically constant and does not depend on the frequency of the sound wave. 4. **Conclusion**: The graph indicates that there is no correlation between the speed of the sound wave and its frequency in the given medium. **Reference**: - Properties of Sound Waves: Sound wave propagation characteristics in a medium.

Question 4

Which process is responsible for the formation of V-shaped valleys?

AErosion caused by flowing water

BErosion caused by ocean waves

CErosion caused by ground water

DErosion caused by wind

Answer : A

V-shaped valleys are typically formed by the erosive action of rivers and streams over a long period. The flowing water cuts down into the bedrock, creating a valley with a characteristic V-shape. This process of vertical erosion is most effective in the upper course of a river, where the gradient is steep and the water flow is fast.

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on erosion and landform development.

Geomorphological studies on river valley formation.

Question 5

Commercial airline pilots seek out stable atmospheric conditions to ensure a smooth flight.

Which layers of the atmosphere are of most interest to airline pilots?

Choose 2 answers.

AMesosphere

BStratosphere

CTroposphere

DThermosphere

Answer : B, C

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. Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on atmospheric layers and aviation.

Question 6

In space, small particles of matter can join together to form larger particles. Those larger particles have more mass and can then attract even more particles to themselves to grow even larger. Eventually, they may form an asteroid, comet, planet, or star.

Which force allows the particles to attract more and more particles as their mass increases?

AGravitational

BElectrical

CFrictional

DMagnetic

Answer : A

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. Reference:

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

Question 7

The rock layers shown in the illustration have not been disturbed or overturned

Limestone (Sedimentary)

Shale (Sedimentary)

Sandstone (Sedimentary)

Basalt (Igneous)

What must a geolog-st conclude about the geologic history of this region?

AThe area was a desert, and then it was covered by a lava flow

BThe area experienced significant heat and pressure, and then it was covered by a glacier

CThere was a volcanic eruption, and then the area was located underwater

DThere was a large flood, and then the area experienced a volcanic eruption

Answer : C

The sequence of rock layers shown: basalt (igneous) at the bottom followed by sedimentary layers indicates a volcanic eruption followed by sediment deposition in an underwater environment.

Basalt forms from cooling lava, indicating volcanic activity.

The overlaying sedimentary rocks (sandstone, shale, limestone) are typically deposited in water environments. Reference:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on rock layer formation and geological history.