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Unit 2 of 5

Unit 2: Physical Science

Study guide for CLEP CLEP Natural Sciences — Unit 2: Physical Science. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

48

Practice Questions

15

Flashcards

4

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

Newton's laws and mechanics
Energy, work, and thermodynamics
Waves, sound, and light
Electricity and magnetism fundamentals

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 48.

Q1MEDIUM

Which of the following types of waves requires a physical medium to propagate?

A) Electromagnetic
B) Transverse
C) Longitudinal
D) Mechanical
E) Surface
Show Answer

Answer: D — Mechanical is correct because mechanical waves, such as sound waves, require a physical medium to propagate, whereas electromagnetic waves do not.

Q2EASY

What is the largest planet in our solar system?

A) Earth
B) Saturn
C) Jupiter
D) Uranus
E) Neptune
Show Answer

Answer: C — Jupiter is correct because Jupiter is the largest planet. Saturn is smaller and has prominent rings.

Q3EASY

Which type of rock is formed from the cooling of magma?

A) Sedimentary
B) Nonfoliated
C) Metamorphic
D) Foliated
E) Igneous
Show Answer

Answer: E — Igneous is correct because igneous rocks form from cooled magma. Sedimentary rocks form from erosion.

Q4MEDIUM

Which quantity is conserved in an isolated system?

A) Energy and momentum
B) Energy only
C) Momentum only
D) Temperature and entropy
E) Volume and pressure
Show Answer

Answer: A — Energy and momentum is correct because both energy and momentum are conserved in isolated systems, not just one or the other.

Q5EASY

Which of the following types of rocks is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma?

A) Sedimentary
B) Igneous
C) Metamorphic
D) Foliated
E) Hydrothermal
Show Answer

Answer: B — Igneous is correct because igneous rocks are formed from cooled magma, while most-tempting distractor A is wrong as sedimentary rocks form from compressed sediments.

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Study Tips for Unit 2: Physical Science

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — CLEP tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

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