ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) flashcards

Well meaning and kindly.

• Often describes actions, leadership, or character.
• Implies a desire to do good.
• Root 'bene' means good.

Memory trick: Benevolent Ben always 'bends' over backward to be nice.

Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.

• Often used to describe talents, achievements, or quantities.
• Implies something extraordinary or exceptional.
• Can also refer to something unnatural or abnormal (less common usage).

Memory trick: PRODIGIOUS production is PRODIGIOUSLY large.

Truthful and straightforward; frank.

• Implies openness and sincerity.
• Often describes a person's speech or manner.
• Opposite of secretive or misleading.

Memory trick: Candid Cam is always 'clear' and 'open', not 'covered'.

Solving a problem that combines multiplication (for a rate) and addition (to an initial value).

• Calculate the change based on rate and time first.
• Add or subtract the change from the initial value.
• Follow order of operations.

Memory trick: Rates Add Up to Reality.

The relationship between distance, an object's speed (rate), and the time it travels, often expressed as Distance = Rate × Time.

• Rate = Distance / Time
• Time = Distance / Rate
• Units must be consistent (e.g., miles and hours).

Memory trick: Speedy Truck's Journey: Rate times Time gets the miles.

Refuse to accept or be associated with.

• Can apply to ideas, claims, or even people.
• Often implies a strong and definitive rejection.
• Suggests a disavowal or renunciation.

Memory trick: REPUDIATE means REJECT, like a REPUlsive idea.

In its original condition; unspoiled.

• Implies purity and cleanliness.
• Often used to describe natural environments or historical artifacts.
• Suggests a state of being untouched or uncorrupted.

Memory trick: Pristine like a 'perfect' pearl, the opposite is 'broken'.

For multi-stage journeys, first determine the constant speed from initial data, then use that speed to calculate distance for subsequent stages, and finally sum all distances.

• Speed = Distance / Time
• Distance = Speed × Time
• Total distance is the sum of all individual distances.

Memory trick: Speed 'S'ets the 'S'tage for 'S'umming 'D'istances.

Self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation.

• Implies grace under pressure.
• Often associated with composure and poise.
• Essential in roles requiring calm decision-making.

Memory trick: Aplomb like being 'a-plumb' (straight and balanced) under pressure.

Calculating the cumulative effect of a percentage increase or decrease applied repeatedly over multiple periods.

• For an increase of X%, multiply by (1 + X/100).
• For a decrease of X%, multiply by (1 - X/100).
• Use the formula P * (1 ± r)^n, where P is initial amount, r is rate, n is number of periods.

Memory trick: Growth Multiplier: Start with the base, multiply by (1 + rate) for each period.

Dilution calculations involve determining the new concentration of a solution after adding more solvent. The amount of solute remains constant, but the total volume increases.

• Amount of solute = Volume of concentrated solution × Concentration.
• Total volume = Volume of concentrated solution + Volume of solvent added.
• New concentration = (Amount of solute / Total volume) × 100%.

Memory trick: Solute 'S'tays, 'V'olume 'V'aries, 'C'oncentration 'C'alculated.

Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources.

• Implies excessive spending or consumption.
• Often has a negative moral connotation.
• Can refer to both money and other resources (e.g., time, energy).

Memory trick: Profligate people 'throw away' profit, while thrifty people 'treasure' it.

A remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful; a trite or obvious remark.

• Often used to criticize lack of originality or depth.
• Implies a superficial attempt at wisdom.
• Synonyms: cliché, truism, banality, bromide.

Memory trick: Platitudes are 'plain' and 'attitude-less', just boring commonplaces.

Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.

• Often used to describe ideas, elements, or groups that are fundamentally unlike.
• Implies a lack of common ground or compatibility.
• Can lead to conflict or difficulty in integration.

Memory trick: DISPARate ideas are like DISPARate puzzle pieces.

The speed at which sound waves propagate through a medium, determined primarily by the medium's elasticity and density.

• Generally fastest in solids, then liquids, then gases.
• Higher elasticity (stiffness) leads to faster sound speed.
• Higher density tends to slow sound, but elasticity is often dominant.

Memory trick: Elasticity makes it fast, Density holds it back.

Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline; excessively luxurious and self-indulgent.

• Often used to describe societies or periods of history.
• Implies a loss of traditional values.
• Associated with overindulgence and eventual downfall.

Memory trick: Decadent is like a 'decaying' dance.

Leaving no doubt; unambiguous.

• Implies absolute certainty and clarity.
• Often used for statements, orders, or evidence.
• Opposite of ambiguous or vague.

Memory trick: Unequivocal means 'un' (not) 'equivocal' (ambiguous).

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.

• Lowers the activation energy of a reaction.
• Can be recovered chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction.
• Enzymes are biological catalysts.

Memory trick: Catalyst speeds, Inhibitor slows, Reactant feeds, Solvent flows.

The area of a circle is the measure of the two-dimensional space enclosed within its boundary. It is calculated using the radius.

• Formula: Area = π * r² (where r is the radius).
• If given diameter (d), radius r = d/2.
• Units for area are square units (e.g., m², ft²).

Memory trick: Radius 'R'ules for 'A'rea.

To make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better.

• Often used in formal contexts.
• Implies an improvement from a negative state.
• Synonyms include 'enhance', 'better', 'improve'.

Memory trick: Amy's 'melior' (better) aid will ameliorate the situation.

Waves of energy that travel through Earth's layers, resulting from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, magma movement, or large explosions.

• Body waves (P and S) travel through Earth's interior.
• Surface waves (Love and Rayleigh) travel along the surface.
• P-waves are fastest, S-waves are slower, surface waves are slowest.

Memory trick: Primary waves PUSH, Secondary waves SHAKE, Surface waves SWAY.

Determining the exponent to which a base must be raised to produce a given number.

• log_b(x) = y means b^y = x.
• Common logarithm (log) implies base 10.
• Used in decibels, pH scale, earthquake magnitudes.

Memory trick: Logs are like Ladders to Exponents.

The process of finding the product of a whole number and a fraction.

• Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first.
• Multiply numerators and denominators.
• Simplify the resulting fraction or convert to a mixed number.

Memory trick: Fractions are Fun, Finish Frequently.

Promoting health or well-being; wholesome.

• Often used to describe climate or conditions.
• Implies a positive effect on health.
• Derived from Latin 'salubris' meaning 'healthful'.

Memory trick: Salubrious like a 'salute' to good health!

Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area; native or restricted to a certain place.

• Often used in biology or medicine.
• Implies a natural occurrence within a specific boundary.
• Distinguishes from widespread or introduced species/diseases.

Memory trick: Endemic is 'in-demic' (in a specific demo/place).

Converting speed from one set of units (e.g., mph) to another (e.g., fps) requires sequential multiplication by appropriate conversion factors, ensuring units cancel out correctly.

• Use conversion factors as fractions (e.g., 5280 ft/1 mile).
• Arrange factors so unwanted units cancel out (numerator vs. denominator).
• Multiply all numerators and divide by all denominators.

Memory trick: Miles 'M'ust 'M'ultiply, 'H'ours 'H'ave 'H'uge 'D'ivision.

Calculating the required average speed for a remaining segment of a journey to meet a total time goal.

• First, determine the remaining distance.
• Second, determine the remaining time (total time minus elapsed time).
• Ensure all time is in consistent units (e.g., hours or minutes).
• Speed = Distance / Time.

Memory trick: Finish Line Speed: Remaining distance over remaining time.

Solving problems that combine fractional parts of a whole with subsequent distribution based on a given ratio.

• Convert fractions to numerical values first.
• Ratios represent parts of a whole; sum the ratio parts to find the total parts.
• Divide the numerical value by the total ratio parts to find the value of one part.

Memory trick: Slice and Share: First cut the fraction, then divide by the ratio's sum.

Impossible to deny or disprove.

• Often used in legal or logical contexts.
• Implies absolute certainty and conclusive evidence.
• Synonyms: undeniable, incontrovertible, indisputable.

Memory trick: Irrefutable means 'ir-resistible' to refute, impossible to deny.

In a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (legs).

• Formula: a² + b² = c², where a and b are legs, c is hypotenuse.
• Applies only to right-angled triangles.
• Often used in geometry, construction, and navigation.

Memory trick: A 'S'quare 'S'um 'S'olves 'C'.

Specialized structures within eukaryotic cells that perform specific functions.

• Mitochondria: Powerhouse, cellular respiration.
• Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
• Cell Membrane: Regulates passage of substances.
• Cell Wall: Structural support (plants, fungi, some protists).

Memory trick: No wall, no green, just animal scene.

Impossible to understand or interpret.

• Often used to describe people's expressions, motives, or complex data.
• Implies a quality of being enigmatic or unfathomable.
• Suggests that something is hidden or beyond human grasp.

Memory trick: INSCRUTABLE means IN-SCReW-TABLE, impossible to figure out.

Elements typically characterized by high electrical and thermal conductivity, luster, and ductility/malleability.

• Tend to lose electrons in chemical reactions.
• Located on the left and center of the periodic table.
• Most are solids at room temperature (except mercury).

Memory trick: Metals make magic, Metalloids mix, Nonmetals neg.

A relationship between two quantities where an increase in one quantity results in a proportional increase in the other, and vice versa.

• Often expressed as Y = kX, where k is the constant of proportionality.
• If X and Y are directly proportional, X1/Y1 = X2/Y2.
• Used when quantities increase or decrease together at a constant ratio.

Memory trick: Same Pace, Same Ratio: More distance means more time, proportionally.

Applying a percentage reduction repeatedly to a declining base value.

• Each decrease is calculated on the new, reduced amount.
• Expressed as (1 - rate) for each period.
• Used in depreciation, population decline, etc.

Memory trick: Percentages are Powerful for Predicting Progress.

Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.

• Implies extreme rigidity and unyieldingness.
• Often used in political or negotiation contexts.
• Derived from French 'intransigeant' meaning 'uncompromising'.

Memory trick: Intransigent people are 'in-trans-igent', unable to 'trans-fer' their position.

Gentle; kindly. (of a disease) not harmful in effect; not malignant.

• Often used to describe weather, tumors, or dispositions.
• Implies a lack of severity or danger.
• Can also mean favorable or beneficial.

Memory trick: Benign is like a 'benny' (benefit) – it's good and gentle.

To encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime.

• Always implies involvement in a wrongful act.
• Can be active assistance or encouragement.
• Often used in legal contexts, e.g., 'aid and abet'.
• Synonyms: aid, assist, help, support (in wrongdoing).

Memory trick: To 'abet' a crime is to 'aid' and 'bet' on its success by providing help.

Slow to act; intended to cause delay.

• Can describe a person or a process/thing.
• Implies procrastination or intentional slowing.
• Often has a negative connotation due to delays.

Memory trick: Dilatory means 'delay-tory'.

Calculating a fraction of an amount that is itself a fraction of an original total.

• First, find the initial remainder after the first fraction is taken.
• Then, multiply the second fraction by that remainder.
• Often involves addition and subtraction of fractions.

Memory trick: Fractions are Fantastic for Figuring Parts.

Rocks formed from the accumulation or deposition of mineral or organic particles at Earth's surface, followed by cementation.

• Often characterized by layers (strata).
• The only rock type that commonly contains fossils.
• Formed through processes like weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation.

Memory trick: Igneous is fiery, Sedimentary is layered, Metamorphic is changed.

To make obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.

• Often used when someone deliberately makes something confusing.
• Can refer to language, facts, or intentions.
• Implies a lack of transparency.

Memory trick: Obfuscate makes things 'fuzzy', the opposite is 'sharp'.

A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument.

• Often refers to errors in reasoning or logic.
• Can be deliberate (deception) or accidental (ignorance).
• Crucial in critical thinking and debate.

Memory trick: A 'false' belief is a fallacy, like 'falling' for a trick.

Wary and unwilling to take risks.

• Implies thinking carefully before acting or speaking.
• Often associated with prudence and discretion.
• Synonyms: careful, wary, guarded, discreet.

Memory trick: Circum-spect is like 'looking all around' (circum) to be 'safe' (spect).

Hostile and aggressive; warlike.

• Often describes behavior or a nation engaged in war.
• Implies a readiness to fight or argue.
• Derived from Latin 'belligerare' meaning 'to wage war'.

Memory trick: Belligerent people are 'belligerent' like a 'bully' ready to fight.

(Especially of a person or their speech) vehement or clamorous.

• Often implies loud and forceful expression of opinions.
• Suggests a strong, sometimes unruly, voice.
• Comes from Latin 'vox' (voice) and 'ferre' (to carry).

Memory trick: Vociferous like a 'vocal' and 'fierce' protest.

Showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense.

• Often describes emotions, arguments, or actions.
• Implies a high degree of intensity and conviction.
• Synonyms: fervent, ardent, impassioned, zealous.

Memory trick: Vehement is like a 'very hot' 'vein' pulsing with intense emotion.

Solving problems by establishing equivalent ratios or rates.

• Often involves finding a unit rate first.
• Ratios must be consistent.
• Can be solved using cross-multiplication.

Memory trick: Proportions are Parallel Paths to Progress.

Solving a problem that requires performing multiplication operations in sequence to arrive at the final answer.

• Break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps.
• Carefully identify all quantities that need to be multiplied.
• Ensure each step's result is used correctly in the subsequent step.

Memory trick: Fleet Fuel: Vehicles times Capacity, then times Refills.

Problems requiring conversion between units of measurement, followed by division to distribute a total quantity equally.

• Know common conversion factors (e.g., tons to pounds, feet to inches).
• Perform conversion before division for accurate results.
• Ensure all steps are clearly understood before calculating.

Memory trick: Convert, then Divide: Change the scale, then share it out.

Problems where a fraction of a quantity is removed, and then a fraction of the *new remaining* quantity is removed.

• Calculate the amount removed in the first step.
• Subtract to find the new remaining quantity.
• Calculate the fraction of this *new remaining* quantity for the next step.
• Continue this process until the final remaining amount is found.

Memory trick: Subtract and Recalculate: Take out a piece, then take from what's left.

Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.

• Implies talking a great deal, often without purpose.
• Can be seen as annoying or tedious.
• Related to verbosity.

Memory trick: Garrulous Gary 'goes on and on,' but Reticent Rita 'remains' reserved.

Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.

• Implies moral weakness or fearfulness.
• Often used in a critical or derogatory sense.
• Derived from Latin 'pusillus' (very small) + 'animus' (spirit).

Memory trick: Pusillanimous people have a 'pussy-cat' spirit; the opposite is a 'courageous' lion.

Average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time taken. It is a scalar quantity.

• Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time
• Ensure units for distance and time are consistent (e.g., miles and hours).
• Time must be expressed in a single unit (e.g., all hours or all minutes).

Memory trick: Speed is 'D'istance over 'T'ime, 'D'efinitely 'T'rue.

A type of motion characterized by repetitive back-and-forth movement about a central equilibrium position. It is a periodic motion.

• Examples: pendulum, vibrating string, piston in an engine.
• Often involves conversion between kinetic and potential energy.
• Can be simple harmonic motion if restoring force is proportional to displacement.

Memory trick: Rotate, Translate, Oscillate: The motion states we separate.

The ratio of useful work output to the total work input, expressed as a percentage.

• Always less than 100% for real machines due to friction and other energy losses.
• Indicates how effectively a machine converts input energy into useful output energy.
• Calculated as (Work Output / Work Input) * 100%.

Memory trick: Efficiency EArns Output Over Input.

The time it takes for a mass attached to a spring to complete one full oscillation. It depends on the mass (m) and the spring constant (k), described by the formula T = 2π√(m/k).

• Period increases with increasing mass.
• Period increases with decreasing spring constant (weaker spring).
• Amplitude of oscillation does not affect the period.

Memory trick: Heavy 'mass' needs 'more time' to 'spring' back.

States that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in static pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy.

• Applies to fluids in motion (liquids and gases).
• Explains how aircraft wings generate lift and how pumps create flow.
• Derived from the principle of conservation of energy.

Memory trick: Fluid's fast flow means pressure's low.

A type of lever where the load is located between the fulcrum and the effort. It always provides a mechanical advantage, meaning less effort is needed to move a heavy load.

• Order: Fulcrum – Load – Effort.
• Always provides mechanical advantage.
• Examples: wheelbarrow, nutcracker, bottle opener.

Memory trick: FLE 123: Fulcrum-Load-Effort for Class 1, Load in middle for Class 2, Effort in middle for Class 3.

The ratio of the number of teeth on the driven gear to the number of teeth on the driving gear, which determines the change in speed and torque.

• Gear Ratio = (Number of teeth on driven gear) / (Number of teeth on driving gear)
• Speed Ratio = (RPM of driving gear) / (RPM of driven gear)
• Gear ratio is inversely proportional to speed ratio.

Memory trick: Teeth Tell The Turning Times!