I85PREP
⌘ K
CSET Science Physics study materials
CSET Science Physics study resources

CSET Science Physics practice questions

One question at a time. Build your CSET Science Physics understanding.

First 50 of 190 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Energy

A 1000 kg car traveling at 20 m/s has what kinetic energy?

  1. 20000 J
  2. 100000 J
  3. 200000 J Correct answer.
  4. 400000 J

Explanation

Kinetic energy KE = 1/2 m v^2 = 0.5 x 1000 x 20^2 = 0.5 x 1000 x 400 = 200000 J. Kinetic energy scales with the square of speed.

Question 2Energy

A pendulum swings from its highest point to its lowest point. What energy transformation occurs?

  1. Kinetic to potential
  2. Thermal to kinetic
  3. Chemical to potential
  4. Potential to kinetic Correct answer.

Explanation

At the highest point the pendulum has maximum gravitational potential energy and zero speed. As it falls to the lowest point, potential energy converts to kinetic energy, giving it maximum speed.

Question 3Energy

How much work is done lifting a 5 kg box 2 meters vertically at constant speed (g = 9.8 m/s2)?

  1. 10 J
  2. 49 J
  3. 98 J Correct answer.
  4. 196 J

Explanation

Work against gravity W = mgh = 5 x 9.8 x 2 = 98 J. The work equals the gain in gravitational potential energy when lifted at constant speed.

Question 4Energy

According to the kinetic molecular theory, what does temperature most directly measure in a gas?

  1. The total mass of the gas
  2. The average kinetic energy of the molecules Correct answer.
  3. The pressure of the gas
  4. The volume of the container

Explanation

Temperature is proportional to the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance. Higher temperature means faster average molecular motion.

Question 5Energy

In an ideal gas at constant temperature, if the volume is halved, what happens to the pressure?

  1. It halves
  2. It doubles Correct answer.
  3. It stays the same
  4. It quadruples

Explanation

By Boyle's law, at constant temperature pressure and volume are inversely proportional (PV = constant). Halving the volume doubles the pressure.

Question 6Energy

A resistor of 4 ohms carries a current of 3 A. What is the voltage across it?

  1. 1.33 V
  2. 7 V
  3. 12 V Correct answer.
  4. 0.75 V

Explanation

Ohm's law states V = IR = 3 A x 4 ohms = 12 V. Voltage equals current times resistance.

Question 7Energy

Two identical resistors are connected in series. Compared with one resistor alone, the total resistance is:

  1. Half as much
  2. The same
  3. Twice as much Correct answer.
  4. Four times as much

Explanation

Resistors in series add directly: R_total = R1 + R2. Two identical resistors give twice the resistance of one.

Question 8Energy

A changing magnetic flux through a coil induces a voltage in the coil. This principle is known as:

  1. Coulomb's law
  2. Ohm's law
  3. Faraday's law of induction Correct answer.
  4. Pascal's principle

Explanation

Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that a changing magnetic flux through a loop induces an electromotive force (voltage). This is the basis of generators and transformers.

Question 9Energy

What is the primary function of a capacitor in a circuit?

  1. To store electric charge and energy Correct answer.
  2. To provide constant resistance
  3. To convert AC to DC
  4. To amplify current

Explanation

A capacitor stores electric charge on its plates and stores energy in the electric field between them. It can release this stored energy back into the circuit.

Question 10Energy

Power is best defined as:

  1. The rate at which work is done Correct answer.
  2. Force times distance
  3. Mass times velocity
  4. The product of voltage and resistance

Explanation

Power is the rate of doing work or transferring energy, P = work/time, measured in watts. A larger power means work is accomplished faster.

Question 11Energy

Heat naturally flows between two objects in contact from the object that is:

  1. Larger to smaller
  2. Hotter to colder Correct answer.
  3. Colder to hotter
  4. Denser to less dense

Explanation

By the second law of thermodynamics, heat spontaneously flows from a hotter object to a colder one until thermal equilibrium is reached. The direction depends on temperature, not size or density.

Question 12Energy

Two charges of the same sign placed near each other will:

  1. Attract each other
  2. Repel each other Correct answer.
  3. Have no force between them
  4. Combine into a neutral charge

Explanation

By Coulomb's law, like charges repel and unlike charges attract. Two positive or two negative charges experience a repulsive force.

Question 13Energy

The principle of conservation of energy states that in an isolated system, the total energy:

  1. Always increases
  2. Always decreases
  3. Remains constant Correct answer.
  4. Disappears over time

Explanation

Conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. In an isolated system, the total amount of energy stays constant.

Question 14Energy

A transformer with more turns in its secondary coil than its primary coil will:

  1. Decrease the voltage
  2. Increase the voltage Correct answer.
  3. Eliminate the current
  4. Change AC into DC

Explanation

In an ideal transformer, the voltage ratio equals the turns ratio. More secondary turns than primary turns step up the voltage, characteristic of a step-up transformer.

Question 15Energy

In a series circuit with a single battery, if one bulb burns out, the other bulbs will:

  1. Become brighter
  2. Stay exactly the same
  3. Also go out Correct answer.
  4. Reverse polarity

Explanation

In a series circuit there is only one path for current. If one bulb fails and breaks the path, the circuit is open and all other bulbs go out.

Question 16Energy

The specific heat capacity of a substance describes:

  1. How fast it conducts electricity
  2. Its density at room temperature
  3. Its boiling point
  4. The energy needed to raise the temperature of a unit mass by one degree Correct answer.

Explanation

Specific heat capacity is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one degree Celsius (or kelvin). Water has a high specific heat, which moderates climate.

Question 17Energy

A current-carrying wire creates a magnetic field around it. This relationship is the basis of:

  1. Electromagnets Correct answer.
  2. Static electricity
  3. Gravitational fields
  4. Chemical bonding

Explanation

A current in a wire produces a surrounding magnetic field. Coiling the wire and adding an iron core concentrates this field, creating an electromagnet used in motors, speakers, and relays.

Question 18Energy

A 10 N force pushes a box 4 m in the direction of the force. How much work is done?

  1. 2.5 J
  2. 14 J
  3. 40 J Correct answer.
  4. 6 J

Explanation

Work W = force x distance = 10 N x 4 m = 40 J, since the force acts in the direction of motion. Work is measured in joules.

Question 19Energy

Which of the following is the best classroom example of converting electrical energy mostly into light and heat?

  1. An incandescent light bulb Correct answer.
  2. A stretched rubber band
  3. A rolling ball
  4. A compressed spring

Explanation

An incandescent bulb converts electrical energy into light and a large amount of heat as current passes through its filament. This makes it a clear example of electrical-to-light/heat energy conversion.

Question 20Energy

A 2 kg object is raised to a height of 5 m. Its gravitational potential energy is (g = 9.8 m/s2):

  1. 10 J
  2. 49 J
  3. 98 J Correct answer.
  4. 19.6 J

Explanation

Gravitational potential energy PE = mgh = 2 x 9.8 x 5 = 98 J. It depends on mass, gravitational acceleration, and height above the reference point.

Question 21Energy

The first law of thermodynamics is essentially a statement of:

  1. Conservation of momentum
  2. Conservation of energy Correct answer.
  3. Entropy always decreasing
  4. Conservation of charge

Explanation

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy is conserved: the change in a system's internal energy equals heat added minus work done by the system. Energy is neither created nor destroyed.

Question 22Energy

A 60 W light bulb operating for 2 hours uses how much energy in watt-hours?

  1. 30 Wh
  2. 62 Wh
  3. 120 Wh Correct answer.
  4. 58 Wh

Explanation

Energy = power x time = 60 W x 2 h = 120 watt-hours. Energy use scales with both the power rating and the time of operation.

Question 23Energy

Which scenario best demonstrates the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical energy?

  1. A battery powering a clock display
  2. A person digesting food and then running Correct answer.
  3. Ice melting in the sun
  4. A magnet attracting a paperclip

Explanation

Digestion releases chemical energy stored in food, which the body converts into mechanical energy for movement such as running. This illustrates a chemical-to-mechanical energy transformation.

Question 24Energy

When teaching energy conservation, a student claims a swinging pendulum will keep swinging to the same height forever. The best physics-based correction is that:

  1. Energy is created with each swing
  2. Friction and air resistance gradually convert mechanical energy into heat, reducing the height Correct answer.
  3. The pendulum violates the conservation of energy
  4. Gravity stops acting on the pendulum

Explanation

In a real pendulum, friction at the pivot and air resistance gradually transform mechanical energy into thermal energy. Total energy is still conserved, but the usable mechanical energy decreases, so the swing height diminishes over time.

Question 25Life Sciences

Which organelle is the primary site of cellular respiration and ATP production?

  1. Mitochondrion Correct answer.
  2. Ribosome
  3. Nucleus
  4. Golgi apparatus

Explanation

The mitochondrion is the site of aerobic cellular respiration, where glucose and oxygen are used to generate ATP, the cell's energy currency.

Question 26Life Sciences

During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water, using light energy, into glucose and:

  1. Nitrogen
  2. Oxygen Correct answer.
  3. Methane
  4. Carbon monoxide

Explanation

Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This process underlies most food chains and Earth's oxygen supply.

Question 27Life Sciences

In a food chain, organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis are called:

  1. Consumers
  2. Decomposers
  3. Predators
  4. Producers Correct answer.

Explanation

Producers, such as green plants and algae, make their own food using sunlight. They form the base of the food chain, supplying energy to consumers.

Question 28Life Sciences

DNA carries genetic information in the sequence of its:

  1. Amino acids
  2. Fatty acids
  3. Phosphate ions
  4. Nitrogenous bases Correct answer.

Explanation

The genetic code is stored in the sequence of nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine) along the DNA strand. This sequence directs protein synthesis.

Question 29Life Sciences

Natural selection acts on which of the following to drive evolution?

  1. Acquired characteristics during an organism's lifetime
  2. Heritable variation in a population Correct answer.
  3. Random changes that cannot be inherited
  4. The wishes of the organism

Explanation

Natural selection operates on heritable variation, favoring traits that improve survival and reproduction. Over generations, advantageous heritable traits become more common in the population.

Question 30Life Sciences

A cell placed in a hypertonic solution will most likely:

  1. Swell and burst
  2. Lose water and shrink Correct answer.
  3. Remain unchanged
  4. Gain only solutes

Explanation

In a hypertonic solution, the surrounding fluid has a higher solute concentration than the cell. Water moves out of the cell by osmosis, causing it to shrink (crenate).

Question 31Life Sciences

Which of the following best describes a mutualistic relationship?

  1. One organism benefits while the other is harmed
  2. One benefits while the other is unaffected
  3. Both organisms are harmed
  4. Both organisms benefit Correct answer.

Explanation

Mutualism is a relationship in which both organisms benefit, such as bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar. Both species gain from the interaction.

Question 32Life Sciences

In a Punnett square cross between two heterozygous parents (Aa x Aa), what fraction of offspring is expected to show the recessive phenotype?

  1. 1/4 Correct answer.
  2. 1/2
  3. 3/4
  4. All

Explanation

An Aa x Aa cross yields a 1:2:1 genotype ratio (AA:Aa:aa). Only the aa genotype (1/4 of offspring) shows the recessive phenotype.

Question 33Life Sciences

The process by which a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells is:

  1. Meiosis
  2. Fertilization
  3. Mitosis Correct answer.
  4. Translation

Explanation

Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same chromosome number as the parent. It is used for growth and tissue repair.

Question 34Life Sciences

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

  1. Soil temperature Correct answer.
  2. A population of deer
  3. Bacteria in the soil
  4. Grass plants

Explanation

Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem, such as temperature, water, sunlight, and soil chemistry. Soil temperature is a non-living physical factor.

Question 35Life Sciences

Approximately what percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next in a food chain?

  1. 10% Correct answer.
  2. 50%
  3. 90%
  4. 100%

Explanation

The 10% rule states that roughly 10% of the energy at one trophic level is passed to the next. Most energy is lost as heat through metabolism, limiting food-chain length.

Question 36Life Sciences

Enzymes speed up biochemical reactions primarily by:

  1. Lowering the activation energy Correct answer.
  2. Raising the temperature of the cell
  3. Adding energy to the products
  4. Changing the reaction's products

Explanation

Enzymes are biological catalysts that lower the activation energy needed for a reaction, allowing it to proceed faster without being consumed. They do not change the reaction's final products.

Question 37Life Sciences

Which body system is primarily responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells?

  1. Digestive system
  2. Nervous system
  3. Circulatory system Correct answer.
  4. Skeletal system

Explanation

The circulatory system, driven by the heart, transports oxygen, nutrients, and wastes throughout the body via the blood. It links the respiratory and digestive systems to all cells.

Question 38Life Sciences

The carbon cycle returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere mainly through:

  1. Photosynthesis only
  2. Respiration and combustion Correct answer.
  3. Nitrogen fixation
  4. Evaporation

Explanation

Carbon dioxide returns to the atmosphere through cellular respiration by organisms and combustion of fuels and biomass. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide, balancing the cycle.

Question 39Life Sciences

A trait controlled by a dominant allele will be expressed when an individual has:

  1. At least one dominant allele Correct answer.
  2. Only two recessive alleles
  3. No alleles for the trait
  4. Only environmental influences

Explanation

A dominant trait is expressed whenever at least one dominant allele is present, whether the genotype is homozygous dominant or heterozygous. The recessive trait appears only with two recessive alleles.

Question 40Mechanics

A 2 kg cart accelerates at 3 m/s2. According to Newton's second law, what net force acts on the cart?

  1. 6 N Correct answer.
  2. 1.5 N
  3. 5 N
  4. 0.67 N

Explanation

Newton's second law states F = ma. With m = 2 kg and a = 3 m/s2, F = 2 x 3 = 6 N. Force equals the product of mass and acceleration.

Question 41Mechanics

An object moves in a straight line at constant velocity. What is the net force acting on it?

  1. Equal to its weight
  2. Equal to its momentum
  3. Zero Correct answer.
  4. Proportional to its speed

Explanation

Constant velocity means zero acceleration. By Newton's first and second laws, an object with no acceleration experiences zero net force, even if individual forces are present.

Question 42Mechanics

A ball is dropped from rest and falls freely for 3 seconds. Ignoring air resistance, what is its approximate speed at that moment (g = 9.8 m/s2)?

  1. 3.3 m/s
  2. 9.8 m/s
  3. 29.4 m/s Correct answer.
  4. 44.1 m/s

Explanation

For free fall from rest, v = gt = 9.8 x 3 = 29.4 m/s. Velocity increases linearly with time under constant gravitational acceleration.

Question 43Mechanics

Two objects collide and stick together in a perfectly inelastic collision. Which quantity is always conserved?

  1. Kinetic energy
  2. Both kinetic energy and momentum
  3. Neither, because they stick
  4. Momentum Correct answer.

Explanation

In any collision with no external net force, total momentum is conserved. In a perfectly inelastic collision, kinetic energy is not conserved because some converts to heat and deformation.

Question 44Mechanics

A free-body diagram of a book resting on a table shows which two balanced forces?

  1. Gravity down and normal force up Correct answer.
  2. Friction left and tension right
  3. Applied force up and air resistance down
  4. Centripetal force in and weight out

Explanation

A stationary book on a table has gravity (weight) pulling it down and the normal force from the table pushing it up. These equal and opposite forces produce zero net force, keeping it at rest.

Question 45Mechanics

When you push on a wall, the wall pushes back on you with equal force. This illustrates which of Newton's laws?

  1. First law
  2. Second law
  3. Third law Correct answer.
  4. Law of universal gravitation

Explanation

Newton's third law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The force you exert on the wall is matched by the wall's force on you.

Question 46Mechanics

A 0.5 kg ball moving at 4 m/s has what momentum?

  1. 2 kg·m/s Correct answer.
  2. 8 kg·m/s
  3. 0.125 kg·m/s
  4. 4.5 kg·m/s

Explanation

Momentum p = mv = 0.5 kg x 4 m/s = 2 kg·m/s. Momentum is the product of mass and velocity.

Question 47Mechanics

An object in uniform circular motion at constant speed is accelerating because:

  1. Its speed is increasing
  2. Its direction of velocity is constantly changing Correct answer.
  3. It is slowing down
  4. There is no net force

Explanation

Velocity is a vector, so even at constant speed a continuously changing direction means the velocity changes, which is acceleration. This centripetal acceleration points toward the center of the circle.

Question 48Mechanics

A spring obeys Hooke's law. If a force of 10 N stretches it 0.05 m, what is its spring constant?

  1. 0.5 N/m
  2. 2 N/m
  3. 200 N/m Correct answer.
  4. 50 N/m

Explanation

Hooke's law is F = kx, so k = F/x = 10 N / 0.05 m = 200 N/m. The spring constant measures stiffness.

Question 49Mechanics

A 3 m/s2 acceleration acting on a 4 kg object for 5 seconds, starting from rest, results in a final velocity of:

  1. 8 m/s
  2. 12 m/s
  3. 20 m/s
  4. 15 m/s Correct answer.

Explanation

Final velocity from rest is v = at = 3 m/s2 x 5 s = 15 m/s. The mass is not needed once the acceleration is known.

Question 50Mechanics

A projectile is launched horizontally from a cliff. Ignoring air resistance, its horizontal velocity:

  1. Increases as it falls
  2. Decreases to zero at the bottom
  3. Remains constant throughout the flight Correct answer.
  4. Equals its vertical velocity

Explanation

With no air resistance, no horizontal force acts on the projectile, so its horizontal velocity stays constant. Gravity affects only the vertical component of motion.