- A
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the battery out forcefully.
Why wrong: Metal tools can puncture the lithium-ion battery, causing a short circuit, fire, or release of toxic chemicals. This is extremely unsafe.
- B
Apply isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges to weaken the adhesive, then gently pry with a plastic spudger.
Isopropyl alcohol safely dissolves the adhesive without damaging the battery or laptop. A plastic spudger prevents punctures.
- C
Heat the battery with a heat gun to soften the adhesive.
Why wrong: Excessive heat can damage the battery and cause it to swell or catch fire. Heat guns are too intense for this application.
- D
Use a suction cup to pull the battery straight up.
Why wrong: Suction cups are ineffective on glued batteries and may not provide enough force. They also risk damaging the battery casing.
Quick Answer
The answer is to apply isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges to weaken the adhesive, then gently pry with a plastic spudger. This method is correct because isopropyl alcohol chemically dissolves the glue without conducting electricity or reacting dangerously with lithium-ion cells, while a plastic spudger prevents short circuits and avoids puncturing the battery casing. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your knowledge of safe battery removal procedures in ultra-slim laptops, where manufacturers often use permanent adhesive instead of screws. A common trap is reaching for a metal pry tool or screwdriver, which can easily puncture the battery and cause a fire or chemical leak. Remember the memory tip: “Alcohol and plastic—never metal and drastic.” This ensures you weaken the bond safely without risking the laptop’s chassis or your own safety.
220-1201 Mobile Device Hardware Servicing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. 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 technician is replacing the battery in a slim laptop where the battery is glued inside the chassis. After removing the bottom cover, the technician sees the battery is firmly attached with adhesive. What is the safest method to remove the battery without damaging the laptop?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Apply isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges to weaken the adhesive, then gently pry with a plastic spudger.
The safest method is to apply isopropyl alcohol along the edges of the battery to dissolve the adhesive, then gently pry with a plastic spudger. This minimizes the risk of puncturing the battery, which could cause a fire or chemical leak. Using metal tools or excessive force is dangerous.
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.
- ✗
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the battery out forcefully.
Why it's wrong here
Metal tools can puncture the lithium-ion battery, causing a short circuit, fire, or release of toxic chemicals. This is extremely unsafe.
- ✓
Apply isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges to weaken the adhesive, then gently pry with a plastic spudger.
Why this is correct
Isopropyl alcohol safely dissolves the adhesive without damaging the battery or laptop. A plastic spudger prevents punctures.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Heat the battery with a heat gun to soften the adhesive.
Why it's wrong here
Excessive heat can damage the battery and cause it to swell or catch fire. Heat guns are too intense for this application.
- ✗
Use a suction cup to pull the battery straight up.
Why it's wrong here
Suction cups are ineffective on glued batteries and may not provide enough force. They also risk damaging the battery casing.
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.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 Hardware Servicing — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Mobile Device Connection Methods practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Mobile Device Accessories practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Mobile Device Application Support practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Network Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Network Services practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Network Configuration Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
IP Addressing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1201 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — This question tests Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges to weaken the adhesive, then gently pry with a plastic spudger. — The safest method is to apply isopropyl alcohol along the edges of the battery to dissolve the adhesive, then gently pry with a plastic spudger. This minimizes the risk of puncturing the battery, which could cause a fire or chemical leak. Using metal tools or excessive force is dangerous.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.