Free ASVAB Practice Tests

In a parallel circuit, each load occupies a separate parallel path in the circuit and the input voltage is fully applied to each path. Unlike a series circuit where current (I) is the same at all points in the circuit, in a parallel circuit, voltage (V) is the same across each parallel branch of the circuit but current differs in each branch depending on the load (resistance) present.

Because a compressed spring will ex­tend violently, shock absorbers must be used to dampen the spring’s compression and extension cycles. Struts combine the spring and shock into one unit

The metric system is a number system that designates one base unit for each type of measurement.  For example, the base unit for length is the meter and the base unit for mass is the gram.

Wrenches are used to provide grip and mechanical advantage by applying torque to turn objects (or to keep them from turning). The longer the wrench, the more torque that can be applied. Wrench ends are available in two primary types, open-end and box-end. A box-end wrench encloses the bolt head and is useful when more torque is needed or to maintain contact in difficult to reach locations. An open-end wrench is designed for speedily loosening easier to reach fasteners. Wrenches that feature one open and one box end are called combination wrenches and adjustable wrenches feature an open end with an adjustable width.

A gear train is two or more gears linked together. Gear trains are designed to increase or reduce the speed or torque outpout of a rotating system or change the direction of its output. The first gear in the chain is called the driver and the last gear in the chain the driven gear with the gears between them called idler gears.

Resistors are used to limit voltage and/or current in a circuit and can have a fixed or variable resistance.  Variable resistors (often called potentiometers or rheostats) are used when dynamic control over the voltage/current in a circuit is needed, for example, in a light dimmer or volume control.

To divide fractions, invert the second fraction and then multiply:

\( \frac{4}{6} \) ÷ \( \frac{4}{8} \) = \( \frac{4}{6} \) x \( \frac{8}{4} \)

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and then multiply the denominators together:

\( \frac{4}{6} \) x \( \frac{8}{4} \) = \( \frac{4 x 8}{6 x 4} \) = \( \frac{32}{24} \) = 1\(\frac{1}{3}\)

The stratosphere is just above the troposphere and is stratified in temperature with warmer layers higher and cooler layers closer to Earth. This increase in temperature is a result of absorption of the Sun's radiation by the ozone layer.

A transistor works by allowing a small amount of current applied at the base to control general current flow from collector to emitter through the transistor. A transistor acts as a gate or switch for electronic signals.