Free ASVAB Exam Flashcards

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. For example, 'happy' and 'joyful' are synonyms. Understanding synonyms is essential for the Word Knowledge section of the ASVAB.

A word that has the opposite meaning of another word. For example, 'hot' and 'cold' are antonyms. Recognizing antonyms helps eliminate incorrect answer choices on vocabulary questions.

Words or phrases surrounding an unfamiliar word that help reveal its meaning. Types include definition clues, example clues, contrast clues, and inference clues. Using context clues is a critical skill for determining word meanings on the ASVAB.

The base form of a word that carries the core meaning. For example, 'struct' means 'build' and appears in words like construct, structure, and destruct. Knowing common root words helps decode unfamiliar vocabulary.

A word element added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning. Examples include 'un-' (not), 'pre-' (before), and 're-' (again). Recognizing prefixes helps determine the meaning of complex words.

A word element added to the end of a root word to change its meaning or part of speech. Examples include '-tion' (action), '-ly' (in a manner), and '-able' (capable of). Suffixes often indicate whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.

A comparison of two quantities expressed as a fraction, with a colon, or using the word 'to.' For example, 3:4 means for every 3 of one thing, there are 4 of another. Ratios are fundamental to many ASVAB arithmetic problems.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal. For example, 2/4 = 3/6. Cross-multiplication is used to solve for unknown values in proportions. This concept is frequently tested in word problems.

A number expressed as a fraction of 100, denoted by the % symbol. To convert a decimal to a percentage, multiply by 100. To find a percentage of a number, convert the percentage to a decimal and multiply.

Word problems involving distance, speed, and time using the formula Distance = Rate × Time (D = RT). These problems often involve vehicles traveling at different speeds or workers completing tasks at different rates.

Interest calculated only on the original principal using the formula I = PRT, where P is principal, R is rate (as a decimal), and T is time in years. This is commonly tested in financial word problems on the ASVAB.

Problems involving how long it takes multiple people or machines to complete a task together. The formula is 1/T₁ + 1/T₂ = 1/T_total, where T represents time for each worker and total time working together.

In a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of squares of the other two sides: a² + b² = c². Common Pythagorean triples include 3-4-5, 5-12-13, and 8-15-17. This is essential for geometry problems.

An equation in the form ax² + bx + c = 0. Solutions can be found using factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b²-4ac)) / 2a. The discriminant (b²-4ac) determines the number of real solutions.

A technique for multiplying two binomials by multiplying the First, Outer, Inner, and Last terms, then combining like terms. For example, (x+2)(x+3) = x² + 3x + 2x + 6 = x² + 5x + 6.

The equation of a line written as y = mx + b, where m is the slope (rise over run) and b is the y-intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis). This form makes it easy to graph lines and identify their properties.

Calculated using the formula A = πr², where r is the radius. Remember that the radius is half the diameter. Pi (π) is approximately 3.14159, but on the ASVAB, you may use 3.14 or leave answers in terms of π.

Calculated using V = πr²h, where r is the radius of the base and h is the height. This is essentially the area of the circular base multiplied by the height. Common in problems involving tanks, pipes, and containers.

The process of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells from one parent cell. It consists of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Mitosis is responsible for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.

Cell division that produces four genetically different gametes (sex cells) with half the chromosome number of the parent cell. This process includes two divisions and is essential for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.

The process by which plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. The equation is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This occurs in chloroplasts and is the basis of most food chains.

An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion at constant velocity, unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. This is also called the Law of Inertia. Inertia is the tendency of objects to resist changes in motion.

Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). This means that the acceleration of an object depends on the net force acting on it and is inversely proportional to its mass. Force is measured in Newtons.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When object A exerts a force on object B, object B exerts an equal force in the opposite direction on object A. This explains how rockets propel themselves.

The ratio of output force to input force in a machine, calculated as MA = Output Force / Input Force or MA = Distance of Effort / Distance of Load. A mechanical advantage greater than 1 means the machine multiplies force.

A simple machine using wheels and rope to lift loads. A single fixed pulley changes force direction but provides no mechanical advantage. Multiple pulleys (block and tackle) increase mechanical advantage equal to the number of rope sections supporting the load.

First-class levers have the fulcrum between effort and load (seesaw). Second-class levers have the load between fulcrum and effort (wheelbarrow). Third-class levers have the effort between fulcrum and load (fishing rod). Each class has different mechanical advantages.

The ratio of teeth between two meshing gears, determining speed and torque changes. If a 20-tooth gear drives a 40-tooth gear, the ratio is 1:2, meaning the driven gear turns at half the speed but with twice the torque.

A simple machine consisting of a flat surface tilted at an angle. It reduces the force needed to raise an object by increasing the distance over which the force is applied. Mechanical advantage equals length divided by height.

Systems that transmit force through an incompressible fluid. According to Pascal's Law, pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions. A small force on a small piston can create a large force on a larger piston.

The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance: V = IR, where V is voltage in volts, I is current in amperes, and R is resistance in ohms. This fundamental law is essential for analyzing electrical circuits.

A circuit where components are connected end-to-end, providing only one path for current flow. Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances. If one component fails, the entire circuit is broken. Current is the same throughout.

A circuit where components are connected across the same voltage source, providing multiple paths for current. Total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance. If one component fails, others continue to function.

An electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field between two conductive plates separated by an insulator. Measured in farads (F). Capacitors block DC current but allow AC current to pass.

A component that opposes the flow of electrical current, measured in ohms (Ω). Color bands indicate resistance value. Resistors convert electrical energy to heat and are used to limit current or divide voltage in circuits.

A device that transfers electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction, typically changing voltage levels. Step-up transformers increase voltage (decrease current), while step-down transformers decrease voltage (increase current).

The operating cycle of most automotive engines: Intake (air-fuel mixture enters), Compression (mixture is compressed), Power (spark ignites mixture, forcing piston down), Exhaust (burned gases exit). Each cycle requires two crankshaft revolutions.

The system that creates and delivers the spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture. Components include the battery, ignition coil, distributor (in older vehicles), spark plugs, and electronic control module. Timing must be precise for efficient combustion.

Maintains optimal engine temperature using coolant circulated by a water pump through the engine block, radiator, and heater core. The thermostat regulates coolant flow, and the radiator cap maintains system pressure to raise the boiling point.

Converts kinetic energy to heat through friction. Hydraulic systems use brake fluid to transfer pedal force to brake pads/shoes. Disc brakes use calipers and rotors; drum brakes use wheel cylinders and drums. ABS prevents wheel lockup.

A precision tool used to apply a specific amount of rotational force (torque) to fasteners. Essential for critical applications like cylinder head bolts, wheel lug nuts, and suspension components where proper torque ensures safety and prevents damage.

A precision measuring instrument capable of measuring to 0.001 inch or 0.01 mm. Used in auto shops to measure brake rotor thickness, bearing journals, and cylinder bore diameter. More accurate than calipers for fine measurements.

The ability to mentally visualize and manipulate objects in three dimensions. On the ASVAB Assembling Objects section, this skill is tested by matching shapes, understanding how pieces fit together, and tracking connector points.

ASVAB questions showing two shapes with labeled points (A and B) that must be connected. You must identify which answer shows the shapes correctly joined at the specified points while maintaining proper orientation.

ASVAB questions showing disassembled shapes that must be mentally combined to form a complete figure. Key strategies include counting the number of pieces, identifying unique shapes, and checking that all pieces are used exactly once.

The ability to identify shapes that have been rotated from their original position. On Assembling Objects questions, pieces may be rotated but not flipped. Compare distinctive features like corners or notches to track orientation.

Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons (positive charge) and neutrons (no charge), surrounded by electrons (negative charge) in shells. The atomic number equals the number of protons; the mass number equals protons plus neutrons.

Vertical columns on the periodic table containing elements with similar properties. Group 1 (alkali metals) are highly reactive. Group 17 (halogens) are reactive nonmetals. Group 18 (noble gases) are largely unreactive.

The rate at which electrical energy is consumed or produced, measured in watts (W). Calculated as P = IV (power = current × voltage) or P = I²R or P = V²/R. One watt equals one joule per second.

A gear assembly in vehicles that allows wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds during turns while receiving power from the driveshaft. The outer wheel travels farther and must rotate faster than the inner wheel.