ASVAB · Materials and Shop Safety

Which type of wood is classified as a 'hardwood'?

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Correct answer

Oak

A Spruce
B Cedar
C Oak
D Pine

Why this is the answer

Oak is a hardwood. Hardwoods come from deciduous (broad-leaved) trees such as oak, maple, walnut, and cherry; they are generally denser, more durable, and used for furniture and flooring. Softwoods come from coniferous (evergreen) trees such as pine, cedar, spruce, and fir; they are typically lighter, easier to work, and used for framing and general construction. The hardwood/softwood classification is based on the type of tree, not strictly on how hard the wood feels. Knowing common examples of each — oak as a hardwood, pine as a softwood — is part of the materials topic.

Source: ASVAB SI, Wood Types

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About this topic: Materials and Shop Safety

Materials and shop safety questions cover common materials — hardwood versus softwood, steel versus aluminium, plastics — and the safety practices that go with them: eye protection, guards, ventilation and safe handling of blades and chemicals. This is one of 11 Shop Information questions on materials and shop safety, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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Which type of wood is classified as a 'hardwood'?

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Materials and Shop Safety

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