ASVAB Practice Test

ASVAB practice questions with answers and explanations:

1. What coefficients are needed to balance the following combustion equation?
   __ C₂H_₁₀+__ O₂→__ H₂O+__ CO₂
   • 1:5:5:2
   • 1:9:5:2
   • 2:2:4:1 — Correct answer
   • 2:5:10:4
   Explanation: These are the coefficients that follow the law of conservation of matter. The coefficient times the subscript of each element should be the same on both sides of the equation.
2. A couple buys a house for $150,000. They sell it for $165,000. By what percentage did the house’s value increase?
   • 10% — Correct answer
   • 13%
   • 15%
   • 17%
   Explanation: The value went up by $165,000-$150,000=$15,000. Out of $150,000, this is:

   \(\dfrac{15,000}{150,000}=\dfrac{1}{10}\)

   If we multiply the top and bottom by 10 to give us a denominator of 100, the result is \(\frac{10}{100}\), or 10%.
3. Which word best matches the meaning of disparaged in the sentence below?
   The bullies disparaged the younger boy, causing him to feel worthless.
   • despaired
   • belittled — Correct answer
   • broke
   • sparred
   Explanation: To disparage someone is to put them down. Although this may involve breaking a spirit and causing despair, despair is the result of disparagement. To spar or fight may also be a result of disparage. Belittle means to bring someone down with words and is synonymous with disparage.
4. What is the topic of the following passage?
   Do you want to vacation at a Caribbean island destination? Who wouldn’t want a tropical vacation? Visit one of the many Caribbean islands where visitors can swim in crystal blue waters, swim with dolphins, or enjoy family-friendly or adult-only resorts and activities. Every island offers a unique and picturesque vacation destination. Choose from these islands: Aruba, St. Lucia, Barbados, Anguilla, St. John, and so many more. A Caribbean island destination will be the best and most refreshing vacation ever... no regrets!
   • Caribbean island destinations — Correct answer
   • Tropical vacation
   • Resorts
   • Activities
   Explanation: The topic of the passage can be described in a one- or two-word phrase. Remember, when paraphrasing a passage, it is important to include the topic. Paraphrasing is when one puts a passage into their own words.
5. Two of the interior angles of a triangle are 35° and 70°. What is the measure of the last interior angle?
   • 60°
   • 75° — Correct answer
   • 90°
   • 100°
   Explanation: The total of the interior angles of a triangle must be 180°. The sum of the first two is 105°, so the remaining is \(180°-105°=75°\).
6. What is the total current leaving the battery?
   
   
   • 25,600 amps
   • 510 amps
   • 80 amps
   • 0.25 amps — Correct answer
   Explanation: The total resistance for the circuit was found in the previous problem (320 ohms), so this value is plugged into the equation as well as the voltage from the battery source (80 volts).

   \(I=\dfrac{V}{R}=\dfrac{80 V}{320 \Omega}=0.25 A\)

   Choices A, B, and C do not manipulate the equation appropriately, leaving Choice D as the correct answer.
7. Which suspension system component enables the rear wheels to move independently from each other?
   • An axle
   • A damper
   • A universal joint — Correct answer
   • A ball joint
   Explanation: The universal joint permits independent wheel suspension by splitting the axle, allowing the vehicle’s occupants to experience a more stable, less bumpy ride. For example, if a right rear wheel travels over a big rock, the shock absorber will work independently just for that wheel. The left rear wheel will not be affected by the motion of the right wheel because the universal joint in the middle of the axle allows independent motion of the left and right rear wheels.
8. What is the result of using a sawblade with a high saw kerf rather than one with a low saw kerf when cutting wood?
   • More wood will be removed by the saw. — Correct answer
   • The blade will cut with more ease.
   • The wood will splinter more.
   • The wood will be cut at a different angle.
   Explanation: Saw kerf is the thickness of a saw blade, so a higher saw kerf means a thicker blade that will remove more wood in a cut. Choice B is incorrect because the ease of cut is determined by various factors, such as the number of teeth, material of the blade, and the density of the wood. Choice C is incorrect because typically smoother cuts are made by blades with more teeth and rough cuts that may result in splintering are the result of a blade with too few teeth. Choice D is incorrect because the angle of the cut can be changed by angling the saw itself.
9. How do you calculate the useful work performed in lifting a 10-kilogram weight from the ground to the top of a 2-meter ladder?
   • \(10 \text{ kg}\times 2 \text{ m} \times 32 \text{ m/s}^2\)
   • \(10 \text{ kg}\times 2 \text{ m}^2 \times 9.81 \text{ m/s}\) — Correct answer
   • \(10 \text{ kg}\times 2 \text{ m} \times 9.81 \text{ m/s}^2\)
   • It can’t be determined without knowing the ground elevation.
   Explanation: This question requires careful reading. Choice D is incorrect because it isn’t necessary to know the ground elevation. The potential energy is measured with respect to the ground, and the ground (or datum elevation) can be set to any arbitrary value.