Free Practice Questions for TASC Physical Sciences Level 3

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Key Facts: TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 Exam

TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 carries 15 credit points towards the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).

The external examination duration is 3 hours (180 minutes) and contributes 30% to the overall TASC award grade.

The curriculum integrates equal proportions of chemistry (stoichiometry, bonding, reactions, thermochemistry) and physics (kinematics, dynamics, waves, electricity).

Calculators (scientific or approved graphics) and TASC-supplied reference data sheets are permitted in external examinations.

Scientific inquiry skills—including uncertainty processing, error classification, and variable control—account for key assessment criteria.

TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 (PSC315118) is Tasmania's Year 11/12 physical science course integrating chemistry and physics fundamentals. This 100-question practice bank features detailed worked calculations across stoichiometry, thermochemistry, kinematics, wave optics, DC circuits, and scientific error analysis. These practice questions are an English-language multiple-choice study aid for revising course knowledge and are not an official TASC paper or a simulation of the written external examination format.

Sample TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Radium-226 (\(^{226}_{88}\text{Ra}\)) undergoes alpha decay to form Radon (\(\text{Rn}\)). What are the mass number and atomic number of the resulting Radon isotope?

A.Mass number = 222, Atomic number = 86

B.Mass number = 224, Atomic number = 86

C.Mass number = 222, Atomic number = 87

D.Mass number = 226, Atomic number = 86

Explanation: An alpha particle is a helium nucleus (\(^4_2\text{He}\)), containing 2 protons and 2 neutrons. During alpha decay, the parent nucleus loses 4 in mass number and 2 in atomic number: \(^{226}_{88}\text{Ra} \rightarrow ^{222}_{86}\text{Rn} + ^4_2\text{He}\). Therefore, Radon-222 has mass number 222 and atomic number 86.

2Cobalt-60 has a half-life of 5.27 years. If a radioactive source originally contains 80.0 g of Cobalt-60, how much Cobalt-60 remains after 15.81 years?

A.10.0 g

B.20.0 g

C.40.0 g

D.5.0 g

Explanation: Calculate the number of half-lives elapsed: \(n = \frac{t}{t_{1/2}} = \frac{15.81}{5.27} = 3.0\) half-lives. Using the decay formula \(N(t) = N_0 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n\), remaining mass = \(80.0 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^3 = 80.0 \times 0.125 = 10.0\text{ g}\).

3Carbon-14 (\(^{14}_6\text{C}\)) undergoes beta-minus (\(\beta^-\)) decay. Which equation correctly describes this nuclear reaction?

A.\(^{14}_6\text{C} \rightarrow ^{14}_7\text{N} + ^0_{-1}\text{e} + \bar{\nu}_e\)

B.\(^{14}_6\text{C} \rightarrow ^{14}_5\text{B} + ^0_{+1}\text{e} + \nu_e\)

C.\(^{14}_6\text{C} \rightarrow ^{10}_4\text{Be} + ^4_2\text{He}\)

D.\(^{14}_6\text{C} \rightarrow ^{13}_6\text{C} + ^1_0\text{n}\)

Explanation: In beta-minus decay, a neutron transforms into a proton, emitting an electron (beta particle, \(^0_{-1}\text{e}\)) and an electron antineutrino (\(\bar{\nu}_e\)). Atomic number increases from 6 to 7 (forming Nitrogen-14), while mass number stays 14: \(^{14}_6\text{C} \rightarrow ^{14}_7\text{N} + ^0_{-1}\text{e} + \bar{\nu}_e\).

4Naturally occurring chlorine consists of two isotopes: \(^{35}\text{Cl}\) (isotopic mass 34.97 u, relative abundance 75.78%) and \(^{37}\text{Cl}\) (isotopic mass 36.97 u, relative abundance 24.22%). What is the relative atomic mass of chlorine?

A.35.45

B.35.97

C.36.00

D.35.00

Explanation: Relative atomic mass \(A_r = \sum (\text{isotopic mass} \times \text{fractional abundance})\). \(A_r = (34.97 \times 0.7578) + (36.97 \times 0.2422) = 26.500 + 8.954 = 35.454 \approx 35.45\).

5According to Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, what is the molecular geometry of a water molecule (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\))?

A.Bent (V-shaped)

B.Linear

C.Trigonal planar

D.Tetrahedral

Explanation: The central oxygen atom in \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) has 4 electron pairs (2 bonding pairs with hydrogen and 2 lone pairs). While electron pair geometry is tetrahedral, lone pair repulsion distorts the molecular shape to a bent (V-shaped) geometry with a bond angle of approximately 104.5°.

6Why is carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)) a nonpolar molecule despite containing polar C=O bonds?

A.The linear geometry causes the two opposing bond dipoles to cancel each other out.

B.Carbon and oxygen have identical electronegativity values.

C.The molecule forms hydrogen bonds that neutralize bond dipoles.

D.Oxygen atoms donate lone pairs to form nonpolar coordinate covalent bonds.

Explanation: Carbon dioxide has a linear molecular geometry (O=C=O). The two polar C=O bonds have equal dipole moments pointing in exactly opposite directions (180° apart), resulting in a net dipole moment of zero.

7Which type of intermolecular force accounts for the relatively high boiling point of ethanol (\(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}\)) compared to dimethyl ether (\(\text{CH}_3\text{OCH}_3\)) of identical molar mass?

A.Hydrogen bonding

B.Dispersion forces only

C.Dipole-induced dipole forces

D.Covalent network bonding

Explanation: Ethanol possesses a polar hydroxyl group (-OH) with a hydrogen atom directly bonded to oxygen, enabling strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Dimethyl ether lacks O-H bonds and can only form weaker dipole-dipole and dispersion forces.

8What is the mass of 0.250 moles of calcium carbonate (\(\text{CaCO}_3\))? (Molar mass of \(\text{CaCO}_3 = 100.09\text{ g/mol}\))

A.25.0 g

B.400 g

C.50.0 g

D.100 g

Explanation: Using the mole-mass formula \(m = n \times M\): \(m = 0.250\text{ mol} \times 100.09\text{ g/mol} = 25.02\text{ g}\), which rounds to 25.0 g.

9A chemist dissolves 11.7 g of sodium chloride (\(\text{NaCl}\)) in distilled water to prepare 500 mL of solution. What is the molar concentration of the solution? (Molar mass of \(\text{NaCl} = 58.44\text{ g/mol}\))

A.0.400 M

B.0.200 M

C.0.0234 M

D.0.800 M

Explanation: First calculate moles of NaCl: \(n = \frac{m}{M} = \frac{11.7}{58.44} = 0.2002\text{ mol}\). Convert volume to liters: \(V = 500\text{ mL} = 0.500\text{ L}\). Molar concentration \(c = \frac{n}{V} = \frac{0.2002}{0.500} = 0.4004\text{ M} \approx 0.400\text{ M}\).

10What volume of a 2.00 M stock \(\text{HCl}\) solution is required to prepare 250 mL of a 0.400 M \(\text{HCl}\) solution?

A.50.0 mL

B.100 mL

C.20.0 mL

D.125 mL

Explanation: Use the dilution equation \(c_1 V_1 = c_2 V_2\): \(2.00\text{ M} \times V_1 = 0.400\text{ M} \times 250\text{ mL}\). Solving for \(V_1\): \(V_1 = \frac{0.400 \times 250}{2.00} = \frac{100}{2.00} = 50.0\text{ mL}\).

About the TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 Exam

TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 (Course Code: PSC315118) is a senior secondary STEM subject delivered in Year 11 and 12 across Tasmania under the Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification framework. The curriculum bridges physical chemistry and fundamental physics, equipping students with quantitative analytical skills and theoretical knowledge required for tertiary science and engineering pathways. The course is organized into five primary content areas: (1) Atomic Physics, Chemical Bonding & Stoichiometry, covering radioisotope decay, mass spectrometry, ionic and covalent bonding models, mole calculations, solution concentrations, and limiting reagent stoichiometry; (2) Chemical Reactions, Acids/Bases & Thermochemistry, examining reaction rates, collision theory, Arrhenius and Brønsted-Lowry acid-base titrations, pH calculations, calorimetry, enthalpy changes, and bond energies; (3) Kinematics, Dynamics & Energy Transformations, focusing on 1D and 2D vector kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, momentum, impulse, mechanical work, kinetic/potential energy, power, and system efficiency; (4) Waves, Sound, Light & Electromagnetic Radiation, covering wave equations, sound resonance, Doppler effects, Snell's law of optics, refractive indices, photon energy equations, and wave interference; and (5) Electricity, Circuits & Scientific Investigation Methods, detailing Coulomb's law, electric field intensity, Ohm's law, series/parallel DC circuit calculations, electrical power, experimental variables, error analysis, and uncertainty processing. This 100-question practice bank provides comprehensive preparation with step-by-step worked calculations for every problem.

Exam sponsor: Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 assessment framework includes internal school-based coursework (70%) and a 3-hour external written examination (30%). The examination tests conceptual understanding, mathematical problem-solving, and scientific inquiry skills across foundational physics and chemistry concepts.

Time Limit

Recommended 180 minutes for full 100-question practice assessment.

Passing Score

Satisfactory Achievement (SA) or higher (award scale EA–LA)

Exam / Certification Fees

Included in standard Tasmanian secondary school enrolment / TASC course delivery.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

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Syllabus Topic Module 1

Comprehensive coverage of core concepts, theories, and analytical skills for Module 1 in the official TASC curriculum.

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Syllabus Topic Module 2

Comprehensive coverage of core concepts, theories, and analytical skills for Module 2 in the official TASC curriculum.

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Syllabus Topic Module 3

Comprehensive coverage of core concepts, theories, and analytical skills for Module 3 in the official TASC curriculum.

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Syllabus Topic Module 4

Comprehensive coverage of core concepts, theories, and analytical skills for Module 4 in the official TASC curriculum.

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Syllabus Topic Module 5

Comprehensive coverage of core concepts, theories, and analytical skills for Module 5 in the official TASC curriculum.

Preparing for the TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Satisfactory Achievement (SA) or higher (award scale EA–LA)
Assessment: The TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 assessment framework includes internal school-based coursework (70%) and a 3-hour external written examination (30%). The examination tests conceptual understanding, mathematical problem-solving, and scientific inquiry skills across foundational physics and chemistry concepts.
Time limit: Recommended 180 minutes for full 100-question practice assessment.
Exam / certification fees: Included in standard Tasmanian secondary school enrolment / TASC course delivery. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
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TASC Physical Sciences Level 3: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master unit conversions before substituting numbers into physics and chemistry formulas (e.g. converting cm³ to L, km/h to m/s, and kJ to J).

2Write down known variables, unknown variables, and the exact formula before solving calculation problems to avoid simple algebraic errors.

3Pay attention to significant figures and scientific notation in worked solutions, especially when dealing with molar quantities or subatomic scales.

4Practice drawing free-body diagrams for mechanics questions and circuit schematics for electrical circuit problems to clearly visualize force and current paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 (PSC315118)?

TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 (PSC315118) is a senior secondary subject in Tasmania for Year 11 and 12 students. It bridges chemistry and physics, covering atomic structure, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, mechanics, wave physics, and electricity.

How is TASC Physical Sciences Level 3 assessed?

Assessment consists of internal school-based tasks (70% of final result) including experimental investigations and tests, plus a 3-hour TASC-set external written examination (30% of final result).

Does this practice exam include worked mathematical calculations?

Yes. Physical Sciences Level 3 relies heavily on quantitative problem solving. Every question in this 100-question practice set includes explicit step-by-step worked numerical calculations and explanations.

What formulas and reference values are needed for this exam?

Students should be familiar with standard physical constants (e.g., speed of light c = 3.00 × 10⁸ m/s, acceleration due to gravity g = 9.80 m/s², Avogadro's constant N_A = 6.022 × 10²³ mol⁻¹) and formulas provided in the TASC Physical Sciences Data Sheet.

What award ratings can students achieve in TASC Physical Sciences Level 3?

TASC awards five final achievement ratings: Exceptional Achievement (EA), High Achievement (HA), Commendable Achievement (CA), Satisfactory Achievement (SA), and Preliminary Achievement (PA).

Free Practice Questions for TASC Physical Sciences Level 3

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