WGU C165 Integrated Physical Sciences Exam Prep |
Full Study Guide, Topics Breakdown & Practice
Questions
Overview & Coverage
WGU C165 – Integrated Physical Sciences is a general education science course that introduces the basic
principles of physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy. It focuses on understanding how natural systems
work rather than heavy calculations.
What the Course Covers
⚛️ Physics Basics
Motion, speed, velocity, acceleration
Forces (gravity, friction, Newton’s laws)
Energy types (kinetic, potential, thermal)
Chemistry Fundamentals
Atoms, elements, and compounds
Chemical vs physical changes
States of matter and basic reactions
🌍 Earth Science
Plate tectonics and earthquakes
Rock cycle (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic)
Weathering, erosion, and Earth systems
🌌 Astronomy
Solar system structure
Stars, galaxies, and gravity
Earth’s position in space
🔋 Energy & Environment
Renewable vs nonrenewable energy
Energy transformation and conservation
Basic climate and atmospheric science
Exam Focus
Concept understanding (not heavy math)
, Definitions and real-world applications
Earth system relationships
Basic scientific reasoning
1. Which quantity describes the rate of change of velocity over time?
A. Speed
B. Acceleration
C. Distance
D. Force
Answer: B. Acceleration
Explanation: Acceleration is how quickly velocity changes over time.
2. Which law states that an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by a
force?
A. Newton’s First Law
B. Newton’s Second Law
C. Newton’s Third Law
D. Law of Gravitation
Answer: A. Newton’s First Law
Explanation: Inertia keeps objects in their current state unless acted upon.
3. What is the primary source of energy for Earth’s climate system?
A. Moon
B. Sun
C. Ocean currents
D. Volcanoes
Answer: B. Sun
Explanation: Solar energy drives weather and climate systems.
, 4. Which particle in an atom has a negative charge?
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Nucleus
Answer: C. Electron
Explanation: Electrons carry negative charge and orbit the nucleus.
5. What is the process by which a liquid turns into a gas?
A. Freezing
B. Condensation
C. Evaporation
D. Melting
Answer: C. Evaporation
Explanation: Evaporation is liquid changing to gas.
6. Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of liquid iron and nickel?
A. Crust
B. Mantle
C. Outer core
D. Inner core
Answer: C. Outer core
Explanation: The outer core is molten metal.
7. What force pulls objects toward the center of Earth?
A. Friction
B. Magnetism
C. Gravity
D. Tension
Full Study Guide, Topics Breakdown & Practice
Questions
Overview & Coverage
WGU C165 – Integrated Physical Sciences is a general education science course that introduces the basic
principles of physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy. It focuses on understanding how natural systems
work rather than heavy calculations.
What the Course Covers
⚛️ Physics Basics
Motion, speed, velocity, acceleration
Forces (gravity, friction, Newton’s laws)
Energy types (kinetic, potential, thermal)
Chemistry Fundamentals
Atoms, elements, and compounds
Chemical vs physical changes
States of matter and basic reactions
🌍 Earth Science
Plate tectonics and earthquakes
Rock cycle (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic)
Weathering, erosion, and Earth systems
🌌 Astronomy
Solar system structure
Stars, galaxies, and gravity
Earth’s position in space
🔋 Energy & Environment
Renewable vs nonrenewable energy
Energy transformation and conservation
Basic climate and atmospheric science
Exam Focus
Concept understanding (not heavy math)
, Definitions and real-world applications
Earth system relationships
Basic scientific reasoning
1. Which quantity describes the rate of change of velocity over time?
A. Speed
B. Acceleration
C. Distance
D. Force
Answer: B. Acceleration
Explanation: Acceleration is how quickly velocity changes over time.
2. Which law states that an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by a
force?
A. Newton’s First Law
B. Newton’s Second Law
C. Newton’s Third Law
D. Law of Gravitation
Answer: A. Newton’s First Law
Explanation: Inertia keeps objects in their current state unless acted upon.
3. What is the primary source of energy for Earth’s climate system?
A. Moon
B. Sun
C. Ocean currents
D. Volcanoes
Answer: B. Sun
Explanation: Solar energy drives weather and climate systems.
, 4. Which particle in an atom has a negative charge?
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Nucleus
Answer: C. Electron
Explanation: Electrons carry negative charge and orbit the nucleus.
5. What is the process by which a liquid turns into a gas?
A. Freezing
B. Condensation
C. Evaporation
D. Melting
Answer: C. Evaporation
Explanation: Evaporation is liquid changing to gas.
6. Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of liquid iron and nickel?
A. Crust
B. Mantle
C. Outer core
D. Inner core
Answer: C. Outer core
Explanation: The outer core is molten metal.
7. What force pulls objects toward the center of Earth?
A. Friction
B. Magnetism
C. Gravity
D. Tension
