The answer is physical obstructions blocking the Bluetooth signal. This is correct because Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is highly susceptible to signal attenuation from dense materials like metal filing cabinets and concrete walls; these obstructions cause packet loss and retransmissions, manifesting as choppy audio as the user walks away. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of environmental factors that degrade wireless range and performance, often appearing alongside questions about interference from microwaves or USB 3.0 devices. A common trap is to blame distance alone, but the key detail is that the earbuds work fine near the phone—the degradation only occurs when physical barriers are introduced. Remember the memory tip: “Metal and concrete make Bluetooth retreat,” meaning dense materials block the signal, not just distance.
220-1201 Mobile Device Connection Methods Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device connection methods. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user reports that their wireless earbuds produce choppy audio when they walk to the other side of their office, but work fine when near the phone. The office has many metal filing cabinets and concrete walls. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the audio degradation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Physical obstructions are blocking the Bluetooth signal.
Bluetooth signals are susceptible to physical obstructions like metal and concrete, which can cause signal attenuation and packet loss. This tests understanding of environmental factors affecting wireless range and performance.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The earbuds' battery is low.
Why it's wrong here
Low battery might cause disconnection, but the problem is distance-related and consistent with signal obstruction.
✗
The phone's Bluetooth antenna is weak.
Why it's wrong here
A weak antenna would cause issues even at close range, not just at a distance.
✗
There is interference from a nearby microwave oven.
Why it's wrong here
Microwave interference is possible but intermittent; the scenario describes a consistent distance-related issue.
✓
Physical obstructions are blocking the Bluetooth signal.
Why this is correct
Metal filing cabinets and concrete walls can absorb or reflect Bluetooth signals, causing choppy audio at a distance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Microwave interference is possible but intermittent; the scenario describes a consistent distance-related issue.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Mobile Device Connection Methods — This question tests Mobile Device Connection Methods — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Physical obstructions are blocking the Bluetooth signal. — Bluetooth signals are susceptible to physical obstructions like metal and concrete, which can cause signal attenuation and packet loss. This tests understanding of environmental factors affecting wireless range and performance.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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