WGU C165 Integrated Physical Sciences OA
Exam 2026–2027 | Verified Questions & A+
Guaranteed Prep Guide
WGU C165 INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCES OA EXAM 2026–2027
Verified Questions & A+ Guaranteed Prep Guide
300 Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. What is the first step of the scientific method?
A. Forming a hypothesis
B. Conducting an experiment
C. Identifying and defining the problem or question
D. Analyzing data
E. Drawing a conclusion
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Identifying and defining the problem or question
RATIONALE: The scientific method begins with identifying and defining the
problem or question to be investigated. Without a clear question, no hypothesis can be
formed and no experiment can be designed.
Q2. A hypothesis must be:
A. Proven true before testing
B. Based on opinion
C. Testable and falsifiable
D. Supported by a theory
E. Confirmed by multiple scientists
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Testable and falsifiable
RATIONALE: A valid scientific hypothesis must be testable through
experimentation and falsifiable, meaning it must be possible to prove it wrong. This
distinguishes scientific claims from non-scientific ones.
,Q3. In an experiment, the variable that the scientist deliberately changes is called
the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Controlled variable
C. Independent variable
D. Experimental variable
E. Constant variable
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Independent variable
RATIONALE: The independent variable is the one the experimenter intentionally
manipulates. The dependent variable is what is measured in response, and constants
are kept the same throughout.
Q4. The SI unit of mass is:
A. Pound
B. Gram
C. Newton
D. Kilogram
E. Ounce
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Kilogram
RATIONALE: The International System of Units (SI) designates the kilogram (kg)
as the base unit of mass. The gram is a smaller unit and is not the SI base unit.
Q5. Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?
A. A guess about how nature works
B. A well-substantiated explanation supported by repeated testing and evidence
C. An untested hypothesis
D. A law that has been proven absolutely
E. A personal belief about a natural phenomenon
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. A well-substantiated explanation supported by
repeated testing and evidence
RATIONALE: A scientific theory is not a mere guess. It is a comprehensive
explanation backed by extensive evidence, repeated testing, and broad scientific
consensus.
Q6. What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
A. To introduce new variables
B. To serve as a standard for comparison against the experimental group
C. To replace the hypothesis
D. To eliminate the need for data analysis
E. To confirm the scientist's bias
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To serve as a standard for comparison against the
experimental group
RATIONALE: The control group does not receive the experimental treatment and
serves as a baseline, allowing the scientist to determine whether observed changes are
due to the independent variable.
Q7. Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?
A. The temperature is 37°C
B. The mass of the rock is 5 kg
C. The solution turned blue when the indicator was added
D. The object traveled 10 meters in 2 seconds
E. The voltage measured was 12 volts
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The solution turned blue when the indicator was
added
RATIONALE: Qualitative data describes characteristics or qualities that cannot be
measured numerically, such as color, texture, or smell. The other options are all
quantitative (numerical) data.
, Q8. How many meters are in one kilometer?
A. 10
B. 100
C. 10,000
D. 1,000
E. 100,000
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 1,000
RATIONALE: The prefix "kilo-" means 1,000. Therefore, 1 kilometer = 1,000
meters. This is a fundamental SI unit conversion.
Q9. Scientific laws differ from scientific theories in that laws:
A. Are more important than theories
B. Describe what happens without explaining why
C. Have been proven absolutely true
D. Are based on fewer experiments
E. Are always mathematical equations
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Describe what happens without explaining why
RATIONALE: Scientific laws describe observed patterns of natural phenomena
(often mathematically) but do not explain the underlying mechanism. Theories provide
the explanation for why those patterns exist.
Q10. Which instrument is used to measure mass in a laboratory setting?
A. Thermometer
B. Graduated cylinder
C. Balance scale
D. Barometer
Exam 2026–2027 | Verified Questions & A+
Guaranteed Prep Guide
WGU C165 INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCES OA EXAM 2026–2027
Verified Questions & A+ Guaranteed Prep Guide
300 Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. What is the first step of the scientific method?
A. Forming a hypothesis
B. Conducting an experiment
C. Identifying and defining the problem or question
D. Analyzing data
E. Drawing a conclusion
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Identifying and defining the problem or question
RATIONALE: The scientific method begins with identifying and defining the
problem or question to be investigated. Without a clear question, no hypothesis can be
formed and no experiment can be designed.
Q2. A hypothesis must be:
A. Proven true before testing
B. Based on opinion
C. Testable and falsifiable
D. Supported by a theory
E. Confirmed by multiple scientists
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Testable and falsifiable
RATIONALE: A valid scientific hypothesis must be testable through
experimentation and falsifiable, meaning it must be possible to prove it wrong. This
distinguishes scientific claims from non-scientific ones.
,Q3. In an experiment, the variable that the scientist deliberately changes is called
the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Controlled variable
C. Independent variable
D. Experimental variable
E. Constant variable
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Independent variable
RATIONALE: The independent variable is the one the experimenter intentionally
manipulates. The dependent variable is what is measured in response, and constants
are kept the same throughout.
Q4. The SI unit of mass is:
A. Pound
B. Gram
C. Newton
D. Kilogram
E. Ounce
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Kilogram
RATIONALE: The International System of Units (SI) designates the kilogram (kg)
as the base unit of mass. The gram is a smaller unit and is not the SI base unit.
Q5. Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?
A. A guess about how nature works
B. A well-substantiated explanation supported by repeated testing and evidence
C. An untested hypothesis
D. A law that has been proven absolutely
E. A personal belief about a natural phenomenon
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. A well-substantiated explanation supported by
repeated testing and evidence
RATIONALE: A scientific theory is not a mere guess. It is a comprehensive
explanation backed by extensive evidence, repeated testing, and broad scientific
consensus.
Q6. What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
A. To introduce new variables
B. To serve as a standard for comparison against the experimental group
C. To replace the hypothesis
D. To eliminate the need for data analysis
E. To confirm the scientist's bias
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To serve as a standard for comparison against the
experimental group
RATIONALE: The control group does not receive the experimental treatment and
serves as a baseline, allowing the scientist to determine whether observed changes are
due to the independent variable.
Q7. Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?
A. The temperature is 37°C
B. The mass of the rock is 5 kg
C. The solution turned blue when the indicator was added
D. The object traveled 10 meters in 2 seconds
E. The voltage measured was 12 volts
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The solution turned blue when the indicator was
added
RATIONALE: Qualitative data describes characteristics or qualities that cannot be
measured numerically, such as color, texture, or smell. The other options are all
quantitative (numerical) data.
, Q8. How many meters are in one kilometer?
A. 10
B. 100
C. 10,000
D. 1,000
E. 100,000
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 1,000
RATIONALE: The prefix "kilo-" means 1,000. Therefore, 1 kilometer = 1,000
meters. This is a fundamental SI unit conversion.
Q9. Scientific laws differ from scientific theories in that laws:
A. Are more important than theories
B. Describe what happens without explaining why
C. Have been proven absolutely true
D. Are based on fewer experiments
E. Are always mathematical equations
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Describe what happens without explaining why
RATIONALE: Scientific laws describe observed patterns of natural phenomena
(often mathematically) but do not explain the underlying mechanism. Theories provide
the explanation for why those patterns exist.
Q10. Which instrument is used to measure mass in a laboratory setting?
A. Thermometer
B. Graduated cylinder
C. Balance scale
D. Barometer
