ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Paragraph Comprehension (PC)Medium
Read the following passage: "While often associated with flight, the principles of aerodynamics are crucial to the design of various vehicles, including high-speed trains and racing cars. Aerodynamics is the study of how air interacts with moving objects. Engineers analyze factors such as drag (resistance from air) and lift (an upward force) to optimize a vehicle's shape. Reducing drag improves fuel efficiency and speed, while controlling lift is essential for stability, especially at high velocities. Modern aerodynamic design uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing to refine vehicle profiles, aiming for improved performance and safety." According to the passage, what is a key benefit of reducing drag in vehicle design?
- AIncreased downward force for stability.
- BImproved fuel efficiency and speed.
- CEnhanced passenger comfort at high speeds.
- DReduced need for engine power output.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Improved fuel efficiency and speed.
The passage explicitly states: 'Reducing drag improves fuel efficiency and speed'. This directly answers the question about a key benefit of reducing drag.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The passage associates lift (not drag reduction) with upward/downward forces for stability.
- C. Passenger comfort is not mentioned as a direct benefit of reducing drag in this passage.
- D. While related, the passage directly states 'improved fuel efficiency and speed' as the benefit, not 'reduced need for engine power output', which is a consequence of efficiency.
Aerodynamic Drag
The force resisting the motion of a body through a fluid (like air).
- Opposes direction of motion.
- Reducing it improves speed and efficiency.
- Considered in vehicle design.
Memory trick: Drag Down, Speed Up, Fuel Lasts Longer.