MTC1 Integrated Physical Sciences Version 1
Practice exam for Western Governors University WGU Exams under Western Governors University Exams (College Exams). 5 sample questions.
Sample Questions
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Question 1
Which reservoir does the water become a part of during this runoff process?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Runoff refers to water that flows over the land surface rather than being absorbed into the ground. This water collects in streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, making it part of the surface water reservoir. Groundwater is water that has infiltrated into the soil. The atmosphere contains water vapor, which runoff is not directly a part of. Glaciers are large, slow-moving masses of ice, which are not the immediate destination of rainwater runoff.
Rationale: Runoff refers to water that flows over the land surface rather than being absorbed into the ground. This water collects in streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, making it part of the surface water reservoir. Groundwater is water that has infiltrated into the soil. The atmosphere contains water vapor, which runoff is not directly a part of. Glaciers are large, slow-moving masses of ice, which are not the immediate destination of rainwater runoff.
Question 2
In which situation would a scientist be studying both precipitation and infiltration?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Precipitation is the input of water (rain, snow) to the land surface. Infiltration is the process of that water soaking into the ground to become groundwater. A geologist studying the factors affecting groundwater in an aquifer would need to understand both the supply (precipitation) and the process of recharge (infiltration). Studying glacier accumulation focuses on precipitation and compaction, not infiltration. Studying river erosion focuses on surface water movement after infiltration has occurred. Studying cloud formation is about atmospheric processes before precipitation occurs.
Rationale: Precipitation is the input of water (rain, snow) to the land surface. Infiltration is the process of that water soaking into the ground to become groundwater. A geologist studying the factors affecting groundwater in an aquifer would need to understand both the supply (precipitation) and the process of recharge (infiltration). Studying glacier accumulation focuses on precipitation and compaction, not infiltration. Studying river erosion focuses on surface water movement after infiltration has occurred. Studying cloud formation is about atmospheric processes before precipitation occurs.
Question 3
What caused this change in weather?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: High-pressure systems are associated with sinking air, which inhibits cloud formation and leads to clear, calm, and stable weather conditions with low humidity. The description of clear skies, low humidity, and gentle breezes is characteristic of a high-pressure system. Low-pressure systems are associated with rising air, cloud formation, and precipitation, which matches the initial weather, not the improvement. Warm fronts often bring stratus clouds and light precipitation. Cold fronts can bring violent weather but are typically followed by clearing skies; however, the description of persistently gentle breezes and low humidity is more definitively linked to a high-pressure system.
Rationale: High-pressure systems are associated with sinking air, which inhibits cloud formation and leads to clear, calm, and stable weather conditions with low humidity. The description of clear skies, low humidity, and gentle breezes is characteristic of a high-pressure system. Low-pressure systems are associated with rising air, cloud formation, and precipitation, which matches the initial weather, not the improvement. Warm fronts often bring stratus clouds and light precipitation. Cold fronts can bring violent weather but are typically followed by clearing skies; however, the description of persistently gentle breezes and low humidity is more definitively linked to a high-pressure system.
Question 4
What change in weather accompanies the passage of a warm front?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A warm front occurs when a warm air mass advances and replaces a colder air mass. As the less dense warm air rises over the cold air, it cools adiabatically, often leading to cloud formation and widespread, steady precipitation. Temperature increases as the warmer air mass moves in. Atmospheric pressure typically decreases as the warm, less dense air moves into the area. A sudden clearing and sunny skies are more characteristic of the passage of a cold front, not a warm front.
Rationale: A warm front occurs when a warm air mass advances and replaces a colder air mass. As the less dense warm air rises over the cold air, it cools adiabatically, often leading to cloud formation and widespread, steady precipitation. Temperature increases as the warmer air mass moves in. Atmospheric pressure typically decreases as the warm, less dense air moves into the area. A sudden clearing and sunny skies are more characteristic of the passage of a cold front, not a warm front.
Question 5
Which of these is an example of climate change caused by natural variation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Natural variations in climate are driven by processes within the climate system itself, such as changes in ocean currents, atmospheric circulation patterns (like wind patterns), volcanic eruptions, or variations in solar radiation. Options involving emissions from automobiles, farms, and power plants are all examples of human activities (anthropogenic factors) that cause climate change, not natural variation.
Rationale: Natural variations in climate are driven by processes within the climate system itself, such as changes in ocean currents, atmospheric circulation patterns (like wind patterns), volcanic eruptions, or variations in solar radiation. Options involving emissions from automobiles, farms, and power plants are all examples of human activities (anthropogenic factors) that cause climate change, not natural variation.