ASVAB Practice Test 1

Explanation: The kidneys filter waste products and excess water from the blood to produce urine. The liver processes nutrients, the heart pumps blood, and the lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Explanation: The pH scale ranges from 0-14. A pH of 7 is neutral (like pure water). Values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are basic (alkaline).

Explanation: Mars is called the Red Planet because of iron oxide (rust) on its surface, giving it a reddish appearance. Venus is often called Earth's twin, Jupiter is the largest planet, and Mercury is closest to the sun.

Explanation: Water expands when it freezes, making ice less dense than liquid water. This is why ice floats. This property is unusual, as most substances become denser when they solidify.

Explanation: The six simple machines are lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, and screw. An engine is a complex machine made up of many simple machines working together.

Explanation: Decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down dead plants and animals, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Producers make their own food, consumers eat other organisms, and predators hunt prey.

Explanation: The crust is Earth's thinnest layer, ranging from 5-70 km thick. The mantle extends to about 2,900 km deep, while the core (outer and inner combined) makes up the rest of Earth's interior.

Explanation: Newton's First Law states that an object in motion stays in motion (and an object at rest stays at rest) unless acted upon by an external force. This is also called the law of inertia.

Explanation: Water's chemical formula is H2O, meaning each molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. CO2 is carbon dioxide, NaCl is table salt, and O2 is oxygen gas.

Explanation: Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container. Solids have both definite shape and volume, while gases have neither.

Explanation: Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt causes different parts of the planet to receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year, creating seasons. Distance from the sun has minimal effect.

Explanation: Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of the cell, converting nutrients into energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. The nucleus stores genetic information, the cell membrane controls entry/exit, and ribosomes make proteins.

Explanation: There are 8 planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006.

Explanation: Igneous rocks form from cooled lava (above ground) or magma (below ground). Sedimentary rocks form from compressed sediment, and metamorphic rocks form from existing rocks changed by heat and pressure.

Explanation: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose (food) and oxygen. This occurs primarily in the leaves.

Explanation: Multiply the number of notebooks by the price per notebook: 4 × $3.25 = $13.00.

Explanation: Speed = Distance ÷ Time = 180 miles ÷ 3 hours = 60 mph.

Explanation: Let the numbers be x, x+1, and x+2. Then x + (x+1) + (x+2) = 36. This gives 3x + 3 = 36, so 3x = 33, and x = 11.

Explanation: Perimeter of a rectangle = 2(length + width) = 2(12 + 5) = 2(17) = 34 feet.

Explanation: First find total hours: 8 hours/day × 5 days = 40 hours. Then multiply by hourly rate: 40 × $15 = $600.

Explanation: Multiply the total capacity by the fraction full: 120 × 3/4 = 120 × 0.75 = 90 gallons.

Explanation: If John has twice as many as Sarah's 15 books, multiply by 2: 15 × 2 = 30 books.

Explanation: Calculate 20% of $48: 0.20 × $48 = $9.60.

Explanation: Multiply the price per pound by the number of pounds: $1.20 × 3.5 = $4.20.

Explanation: Multiply monthly savings by number of months: $250 × 8 = $2,000.

Explanation: Multiply the map distance by the scale: 4.5 inches × 25 miles/inch = 112.5 miles.

Explanation: This is an inverse proportion. If you double the workers, you halve the time. 6 hours ÷ 2 = 3 hours.

Explanation: Set up a proportion: 2 cups/12 cookies = x cups/30 cookies. Cross multiply: 12x = 60. Solve: x = 5 cups.

Explanation: Convert 15% to a decimal (0.15) and multiply: 0.15 × 80 = 12.

Explanation: Use the formula Distance = Rate × Time. Distance = 55 mph × 3 hours = 165 miles.

Explanation: First find the discount: 25% of $60 = 0.25 × $60 = $15. Then subtract from the original price: $60 - $15 = $45.

Explanation: Meticulous means showing great attention to detail, being very careful and precise. It's the opposite of careless.

Explanation: Persevere means to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no indication of success.

Explanation: Conclusive means serving to prove a case; decisive or convincing; putting an end to debate or question.

Explanation: Audacious means showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks; daring.

Explanation: Diminish means to make or become less; to decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

Explanation: Tactical means relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military or strategic end.

Explanation: Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant to do something; not eager.

Explanation: Rigid means unable to bend or be forced out of shape; not flexible; stiff.

Explanation: Credible means capable of being believed; convincing and trustworthy.

Explanation: Conceal means to hide, keep secret, or prevent from being seen or known.

Explanation: Abundant means existing in large quantities; more than adequate; plentiful.

Explanation: Feasible means capable of being done or carried out; possible and practical to achieve.

Explanation: Enhance means to improve, intensify, or increase the quality, value, or extent of something.

Explanation: Explicit means stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.

Explanation: Obsolete means no longer in use, out of date, or replaced by something newer or better.

Explanation: Courage means the ability to face danger, difficulty, or pain without being overcome by fear; bravery.

Explanation: The passage explicitly states the objective was "to gather intelligence about enemy positions," which means collecting information through reconnaissance.

Explanation: The passage states that effective leaders "inspire trust through their actions," emphasizing what they do rather than just what they say.

Explanation: The passage explicitly states personnel "must drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty."

Explanation: The passage focuses on why water conservation and hydration are critical in desert/hot environments for survival and performance.

Explanation: The passage states that unclear messages can "compromise mission success or endanger lives."

Explanation: The passage explains that repeating critical information helps "ensure accuracy" and can determine success or failure.

Explanation: The passage explicitly mentions that the printing press "led to increased literacy rates" due to more books being available.

Explanation: The passage states that before the printing press, books were "copied by hand, making them expensive and rare."

Explanation: The passage mentions physical fitness builds "strength and endurance" (physical) and "improves mental resilience and discipline" (mental).

Explanation: The passage focuses on how physical fitness is fundamental to military readiness and performance, making it essential for military effectiveness.

Explanation: The passage states the team returned "at dawn," which is early morning when the sun rises.

Explanation: 12 × 12 = 144, so √144 = 12.

Explanation: Volume of a cube = side³ = 4³ = 4 × 4 × 4 = 64 cubic inches.

Explanation: Cross multiply: 4 × 15 = 12 × x, so 60 = 12x. Divide both sides by 12: x = 5.

Explanation: A prime number has only two factors: 1 and itself. 29 is only divisible by 1 and 29. The others have additional factors (21=3×7, 27=3×9, 33=3×11).

Explanation: Perimeter = 2(length + width) = 2(15 + 8) = 2(23) = 46 cm.

Explanation: Divide both sides by 5: x - 2 = 5. Add 2 to both sides: x = 7.

Explanation: Convert 40% to decimal (0.40) and multiply: 0.40 × 150 = 60.

Explanation: Use the Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c². So 6² + 8² = c², which gives 36 + 64 = 100, therefore c = 10.

Explanation: List factors of each: 24 (1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24) and 36 (1,2,3,4,6,9,12,18,36). The greatest common factor is 12.

Explanation: Find two numbers that multiply to 12 and add to 7: 3 and 4. So x² + 7x + 12 = (x + 3)(x + 4).

Explanation: Circumference = 2πr = 2 × 3.14 × 7 = 43.96 feet.

Explanation: 3² = 9 and 2³ = 8. Therefore, 9 + 8 = 17.

Explanation: Area of triangle = (base × height) ÷ 2 = (10 × 6) ÷ 2 = 60 ÷ 2 = 30 square inches.

Explanation: Subtract 7 from both sides: 3x = 15. Then divide by 3: x = 5.

Explanation: Combine like terms: 3x + 5x - 2x = (3 + 5 - 2)x = 6x.

Explanation: Brown=1, Black=0, Red=×100, Gold=±5% tolerance. So the value is 10 × 100 = 1,000 ohms (1kΩ).

Explanation: Like fuses, circuit breakers protect circuits from overcurrent, but they can be reset rather than replaced after they trip.

Explanation: Proper grounding prevents electrical shock by providing a safe path for electricity to flow to the ground in case of a fault.

Explanation: Resistance is directly proportional to wire length. Longer wires have more resistance because electrons must travel a greater distance.

Explanation: AC stands for Alternating Current, which periodically reverses direction, unlike DC (Direct Current) which flows in one direction.

Explanation: Transistors can amplify electrical signals or act as electronic switches, making them fundamental components in modern electronics.

Explanation: The watt is the unit of electrical power. Volts measure voltage, amperes measure current, and ohms measure resistance.

Explanation: A fuse is a safety device that protects circuits by breaking the connection if current becomes too high, preventing damage or fire.

Explanation: In parallel circuits, each branch is independent. If one branch fails, current continues to flow through the other branches.

Explanation: A voltmeter measures voltage (electrical potential difference) in a circuit. An ammeter measures current, an ohmmeter measures resistance, and a wattmeter measures power.

Explanation: A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in only one direction, blocking it in the reverse direction.

Explanation: Capacitors store electrical energy temporarily in an electric field and can release it when needed.

Explanation: In a series circuit, all components are connected in a single path. If one component fails, the circuit is broken and all components stop working.

Explanation: Resistors limit or control the flow of electrical current in a circuit by providing resistance.

Explanation: Batteries produce direct current (DC), which flows in one direction. Household outlets provide alternating current (AC).

Explanation: Using Ohm's Law: I = V/R = 12V / 4Ω = 3 amperes.

Explanation: Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, which is why it's commonly used in electrical wiring. Wood, rubber, and plastic are insulators.

Explanation: In Ohm's Law (V = I × R), V represents voltage measured in volts, I is current in amperes, and R is resistance in ohms.

Explanation: The alternator generates electricity to charge the battery and power electrical systems while the engine is running. The starter motor starts the engine.

Explanation: Spark plugs create an electrical spark that ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, causing combustion.

Explanation: The fuel system includes the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel injectors (or carburetor) that deliver fuel to the engine.

Explanation: Motor oil lubricates engine parts to reduce friction and wear, and also helps cool the engine and clean away deposits.

Explanation: Pistons move up and down inside cylinders, converting the energy from combustion into mechanical motion that turns the crankshaft.

Explanation: Disc brakes use brake pads that clamp onto a rotating disc (rotor) to slow the vehicle. Drum brakes use brake shoes inside a drum.

Explanation: The clutch allows the driver to temporarily disconnect the engine from the transmission to change gears smoothly in a manual transmission vehicle.

Explanation: ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, which prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking, helping maintain steering control.

Explanation: The battery stores electrical energy and provides the power needed to run the starter motor and start the engine.

Explanation: The radiator cools the engine by dissipating heat from the coolant that circulates through the engine block.

Explanation: A four-stroke engine cycle consists of four strokes: intake, compression, power (combustion), and exhaust.

Explanation: A protractor is used to measure angles in degrees. A tape measure measures length, a level checks if surfaces are horizontal/vertical, and calipers measure thickness or diameter.

Explanation: A dovetail joint is one of the strongest wood joints, featuring interlocking wedge-shaped cuts that resist being pulled apart.

Explanation: Safety glasses (or goggles) should always be worn when using power tools to protect eyes from flying debris. Other PPE may be needed depending on the specific tool.

Explanation: An adjustable wrench (also called a crescent wrench) has a movable jaw that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts.

Explanation: Higher grit numbers (like 220, 400) mean finer sandpaper for smooth finishing. Lower grit numbers (like 60, 80) are for rough sanding and material removal.

Explanation: A hacksaw has a fine-toothed blade specifically designed for cutting metal, plastic, and other hard materials.

Explanation: A level contains a bubble vial that indicates when a surface is perfectly horizontal (or vertical). A plumb bob checks vertical alignment.

Explanation: A jigsaw has a thin reciprocating blade that can easily cut curves and intricate shapes. Circular and table saws are better for straight cuts.

Explanation: A chisel is a cutting tool with a sharp blade used to carve, cut, or shape wood (or sometimes stone or metal).

Explanation: A Phillips screwdriver has a cross-shaped (+) tip designed for Phillips screws. Flathead has a single slot, Torx has a star shape, and Allen is hexagonal.

Explanation: A ball-peen hammer has a flat face on one end and a rounded (ball) end on the other, commonly used for metalworking and shaping metal.

Explanation: The gear ratio is 20:60, which simplifies to 1:3. This means Gear B turns one-third as fast as Gear A. If Gear A makes 6 rotations, Gear B will make 6 ÷ 3 = 2 rotations.

Explanation: Adding weight to the top of an object raises the center of gravity, making the object less stable and more likely to tip over.

Explanation: Gear ratio = driver teeth : driven teeth = 30:15 = 2:1. This means the smaller gear rotates twice as fast as the larger gear.

Explanation: Ductility is the ability of a material to be drawn or stretched into a wire without breaking. Brittle materials break easily when stressed.

Explanation: Mechanical advantage of an inclined plane = length ÷ height = 12 ÷ 3 = 4.

Explanation: Archimedes' principle states that an object displaces a volume of water equal to its weight. Ships float because they displace enough water to equal their weight.

Explanation: Mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle = wheel radius ÷ axle radius = 12 ÷ 2 = 6.

Explanation: Water pressure increases with depth because there is more water weight above pressing down. This is why deep-sea divers must use special equipment.

Explanation: Kinetic energy = ½mv². Velocity is squared, so it has more impact. The 10-pound object at higher speed has more kinetic energy than the heavier, slower object.

Explanation: When two gears are meshed directly together, they rotate in opposite directions. If Gear X rotates clockwise, Gear Y must rotate counterclockwise.

Explanation: Work = Force × Distance = 50 pounds × 4 feet = 200 foot-pounds.

Explanation: A compressed spring has potential energy (stored energy). When released, this potential energy converts to kinetic energy (energy of motion).

Explanation: According to Newton's Second Law (F = ma), for the same force, a lighter object (Object A) will have greater acceleration than a heavier object.

Explanation: A single movable pulley provides a mechanical advantage of 2, meaning it cuts the required effort in half. 200 ÷ 2 = 100 pounds.

Explanation: A first-class lever has the fulcrum in the middle (like a seesaw or crowbar). Second-class has load in the middle (wheelbarrow), and third-class has effort in the middle (tweezers).

Explanation: In hydraulic systems, pressure is constant. The force multiplier equals the ratio of piston areas: 10 ÷ 2 = 5. Therefore, 20 pounds × 5 = 100 pounds of force on the larger piston.

Explanation: When two identical right triangles are joined along their hypotenuses (longest sides), they form a rectangle.

Explanation: One square combined with three triangles of different sizes typically forms a rectangular shape when the triangles fill in the remaining space.

Explanation: Five identical trapezoids with the correct angles can be arranged in a circular pattern to create a regular pentagon.

Explanation: Regardless of the complexity of the shapes, connection problems require the specifically marked points to meet.

Explanation: When a rectangle is rolled and two semicircles are placed on each end, it forms a cylinder (like a can or tube).

Explanation: A-B creates one connection, and C-D creates another connection, for a total of two separate connection points.

Explanation: When gears are connected, the marked teeth (points) should mesh together, allowing the gears to rotate together.

Explanation: Four identical isosceles triangles can be arranged with their equal sides forming a square or diamond shape.

Explanation: Connection points can meet at any angle as long as the specific labeled points touch. The shapes don't need to be aligned in a particular way.

Explanation: Four squares in a row with one perpendicular square can fold into a rectangular prism (box shape), but not a complete cube which requires six squares.

Explanation: The notation A-C and B-D means two separate connections: A connects to C, and B connects to D simultaneously.

Explanation: Three equilateral triangles can be arranged to form a trapezoid by placing two triangles as a base and one inverted triangle on top.

Explanation: In assembly problems, labeled points must meet edge-to-edge at their specific marked locations.

Explanation: Two right triangles can form a rectangle when placed together along their hypotenuse, and the two squares can extend this to create a larger rectangle.

Explanation: Connection problems require the labeled points to touch. Point A on the square must connect directly to point B on the triangle.