Pass the WGU Courses and Certificates Integrated-Physical-Sciences Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

1. **Wave Speeds**: The speed of different types of waves varies significantly. 2. **Gamma Waves**: These are electromagnetic waves that travel at the speed of light (approximately \( 3 \times 10^8 \) m/s). 3. **Radio Waves**: Another type of electromagnetic wave, also traveling at the speed of light. 4. **Visible Light Waves**: These are also electromagnetic waves traveling at the speed of light. 5. **Sound Waves**: Travel much slower compared to electromagnetic waves, with typical speeds in air around 343 m/s. 6. **Conclusion**: Among the given options, sound waves travel the slowest. **References**: - Wave Speed Comparisons: Differences in propagation speeds of sound and electromagnetic waves.

The rock cycle diagram shows the processes that transform one type of rock into another. Metamorphic rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks (either igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) that are subjected to high temperatures and pressures, which cause physical and chemical changes. Point B in the diagram represents the process where rocks undergo heat and pressure to form metamorphic rocks. This transformation does not involve melting; instead, it involves recrystallization and the realignment of minerals within the rock.

References

Integrated Physical Sciences: The rock cycle and metamorphic rock formation.

Processes of heat and pressure in the formation of metamorphic rocks.

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

A physical change is a change in the state or properties of matter without any accompanying change in its chemical composition. Chopping wood is an example of a physical change because the wood is merely being broken into smaller pieces, and its chemical composition remains unchanged. In comparison:

Baking cookies involves chemical reactions, changing the ingredients' composition.

Iron rusting is a chemical change where iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide.

Milk becoming sour is a chemical change due to the fermentation process.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences Learning Resources, Chapter on Physical and Chemical Changes

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.

Gravity is the force responsible for the motion of a ball falling from a shelf to the floor. As the ball is released, gravity pulls it downward, causing it to accelerate towards the floor. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 3: Forces and Motion

The scenario describes a geothermal energy system. Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from the Earth's interior to generate steam, which can then be used to produce electricity or provide direct heating. In this case, underground pipes circulate water that is heated by the Earth's internal heat, turning it into steam to generate heat for a building. References:

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office

"Geothermal Energy: Clean Power from the Earth’s Heat" - National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

**Identify the contradiction:** NASA scientists found chemical compounds in a Martian meteor that suggested the possibility of ancient life on Mars. However, similar compounds were also found in Moon rocks, where life is not believed to have existed. - **Analyze the evidence:** The presence of these compounds on both Mars and the Moon suggests that these compounds are not unique indicators of life. - **Scientific approach:** To resolve the contradiction, scientists must consider the broader context and properties of these compounds. The appropriate response is to recognize that the compounds alone do not provide conclusive evidence of life. This requires a cautious interpretation of the findings and a search for additional, more definitive indicators of life. - **Conclusion:** The correct approach is to understand that these chemical compounds do not necessarily indicate life, as their presence can be attributed to non-biological processes as well. **References:** Integrated Physical Sciences textbooks, scientific journals on astrobiology, and NASA reports on Martian and lunar geology.

When a truck comes to a stop by applying the brakes, the kinetic energy of the moving truck is converted into thermal energy due to friction between the brake pads and the wheels. This conversion results in the production of heat, which dissipates the energy and brings the truck to a halt. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 5: Energy Transformations

Understanding Molecular Structure:

Water Molecule: Consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom chemically bonded together.

Classification of Substances:

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

Compound (D): A substance made of two or more different elements chemically bonded.

Isotope (C): Variants of a particular chemical element with different neutron numbers.

Mixture (A): A combination of substances not chemically bonded.

Chemical Bonding in Water: The hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a water molecule are chemically bonded, forming a compound.

Conclusion: Water is a compound.

References:

Chemical Compounds: Definitions and examples of chemical compounds.