Unit 2 of 5

Unit 2: Physical Science

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

50

Practice Questions

12

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 50.

Q1MEDIUM

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

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

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

Q3MEDIUM

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

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

Answer: BIgneous is correct because igneous rocks form from cooled magma. Sedimentary rocks form from erosion.

Q4EASY

What type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma?

A) Sedimentary
B) Igneous
C) Metamorphic
D) Foliated
E) Non-foliated
Show Answer

Answer: BIgneous is correct because igneous rocks form from cooled magma, while A is incorrect as sedimentary rocks form from compressed sediments.

Q5HARD

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

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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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