Integrated-Physical-Sciences Sample Questions Answers

According to the law of conservation of matter, the mass of the reactants in a physical or chemical process must equal the mass of the products. When ocean salt is dissolved in pure water to prepare a saltwater tank, no matter is lost or gained; it is simply dispersed. Hence, the total mass of the pure water and the added salt (the reactants) will be equal to the mass of the resulting saltwater mixture (the product).

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on solutions and mixtures.

Principles of matter conservation in physical changes.

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

Newton’s discovery that when one object applies a force to another, the second object applies an equal force back is known as Newton's third law of motion. This statement is a scientific law because it describes a fundamental and consistent principle observed in nature. It has been validated through numerous experiments and observations. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 4: Scientific Laws and Theories

*Gravitational force comparison:** Planet X has less gravity than Planet Y. - **Acceleration due to force:** The acceleration of an object is given by \( a = \frac{F}{m} \). With the same force applied, the acceleration will be higher where the gravitational pull is weaker. - **Initial acceleration:** Since Planet X has less gravity, the same force will cause the ball to accelerate more on Planet X than on Planet Y. - **Conclusion:** The ball will initially accelerate more on Planet X. **References:** Physics textbooks on Newton's laws of motion, principles of gravitation, and kinematics.

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.

When a scientist’s results differ significantly from those reported by others, the appropriate action is to perform the experiment again. Repeating the experiment helps to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable. It allows the scientist to verify their findings and check for any possible errors in the experimental process. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 2: Methods of Scientific Investigation

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.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on erosion and landform development.

Geomorphological studies on river valley formation.

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 diagram shows the Earth's position relative to the Sun at different times of the year. In the northern hemisphere, the United States experiences the most direct sunlight during the summer solstice. This occurs around June 21st when the Earth's tilt causes the Northern Hemisphere to be inclined towards the Sun. At this time, the Sun's rays hit the Northern Hemisphere more directly. In the diagram, position C represents the location of the Earth during the summer solstice, where the Northern Hemisphere receives the most direct sunlight.

References

Integrated Physical Sciences: Earth's axial tilt and seasonal changes.

Diagram interpretation of Earth's position relative to the Sun.

As a coin sinks through the water in a wishing well, the velocity of the coin decreases due to the frictional force exerted by the water on the coin. This frictional force opposes the motion of the coin and slows it down. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences, Chapter 3: Forces and Motion

**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.

An appropriate question for an observational study is one that involves collecting data through observation without manipulation. "What types of rocks are found at a convergent boundary?" requires observing and identifying the types of rocks naturally occurring at such geological formations. It doesn't involve changing any variables, fitting the definition of an observational study. 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

When an electron is transferred from one atom to another, an ionic bond is formed. This type of bond occurs between a metal and a non-metal where one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions that attract each other. In comparison:

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Elemental bonds is not a standard term in chemistry.

Metallic bonds involve the sharing of free electrons among a lattice of metal atoms.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences Learning Resources, Chapter on Chemical Bonds

**Assumption:** The collision is completely elastic, meaning no kinetic energy is lost. - **Principles of elastic collisions:** In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. - **Velocity changes:** When two identical cars collide elastically, the car that was moving faster (rear car) will transfer some of its kinetic energy to the slower-moving car (front car). As a result, the rear car slows down, and the front car speeds up. - **Conclusion:** The velocities of the two cars will change such that the front car speeds up and the rear car slows down after the collision. **References:** Textbooks on classical mechanics, principles of conservation of momentum and energy, and problem-solving resources on elastic collisions.

Energy types: When a ball is in motion, it possesses kinetic energy. As the ball rolls up a ramp, it slows down and gains height.

Energy conversion: As the ball ascends the ramp, its kinetic energy decreases because the ball is slowing down. Simultaneously, its gravitational potential energy increases because it is gaining height.

Conservation of energy: The total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant if we neglect friction. The decrease in kinetic energy is exactly balanced by the increase in gravitational potential energy.

Conclusion: The appropriate energy conversion in this scenario is the transformation of kinetic energy into gravitational potential energy.

References: Integrated Physical Sciences textbooks on mechanics and energy conservation, principles of kinetic and potential energy.

GPS technology: Satellites in the Global Positioning System (GPS) communicate with GPS receivers on Earth using electromagnetic waves.

Microwaves: Microwaves are used in GPS technology because they can travel long distances and penetrate the atmosphere with minimal interference.

Conclusion: The type of electromagnetic radiation used to send information from GPS satellites to receivers on Earth is microwaves.

References: Integrated Physical Sciences references on GPS technology, properties and applications of microwaves.

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)