WGU Integrated-Physical-Sciences - WGU Integrated Physical Sciences (MTC1)

The law of conservation of matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. This implies that the total mass of reactants before the reaction must be equal to the total mass of products after the reaction. When gasoline burns, it reacts with oxygen to produce water vapor and carbon dioxide. Therefore, for the law of conservation of matter to hold true, the combined mass of the gasoline and oxygen (the reactants) must be equal to the combined mass of the water vapor and carbon dioxide (the products).

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences textbooks and resources on chemical reactions and the law of conservation of matter.

Standard chemistry principles regarding mass conservation in reactions.

States of Matter:

Solid (B): Particles are closely packed in a fixed position and only vibrate around these fixed points.

Liquid (A): Particles are close together but can move past each other, allowing the substance to flow.

Gas (C): Particles are far apart and move freely.

Plasma (D): Ionized gas with free electrons and ions, found in stars and certain high-energy environments.

Particle Movement: In solids, the particles vibrate around fixed positions, maintaining a definite shape and volume.

Conclusion: In the solid state of matter, particles vibrate around fixed positions.

References:

States of Matter: Characteristics and behaviors of different states of matter.

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 team of scientists is using the Hubble Space Telescope to search for evidence of planets orbiting distant stars. This method involves observing celestial phenomena without manipulating any variables, making it an observational study. Unlike controlled experiments or laboratory experiments, observational studies rely on gathering data by watching natural occurrences in the environment being studied. In this case, they are observing the light from stars to infer the presence of planets. 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.

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. References:

Integrated Physical Sciences resources on the rock cycle.

Energy is released during phase changes from gas to liquid (condensation). When water vapor in a cloud condenses to form raindrops, it releases energy to the surroundings. This is because the gas phase (water vapor) has higher energy than the liquid phase (raindrops), and the transition to a lower energy state (liquid) releases the excess energy.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences materials on condensation and energy release.

Concepts of energy changes during phase transitions.

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

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.