The correct answer is a power bank that supports USB-C Power Delivery output. This is because USB-A ports cannot deliver the higher voltage and current negotiation required by Power Delivery, which is a protocol exclusive to USB-C connections. Even with a USB-A to USB-C cable, the laptop will only receive standard 5V charging, not the 20V or higher needed for efficient laptop charging. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of power specifications and connector capabilities, often appearing as a trap where test-takers mistakenly choose a USB-C to USB-C cable without realizing the power bank lacks a USB-C port. A common memory tip: “USB-A can’t PD—check the port, not just the cable.”
220-1101 Mobile Device Accessories Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device accessories. 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 has a laptop that supports USB-C Power Delivery and wants to charge it using a portable power bank while on a flight. The power bank has a USB-A output. Which additional accessory is required?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A power bank that supports USB-C Power Delivery output.
USB-A ports do not support Power Delivery, which requires USB-C. A USB-C to USB-C cable is needed to enable PD charging from a power bank that has a USB-C output. Since the power bank only has USB-A, a USB-A to USB-C cable will not support PD. The correct answer is a USB-C to USB-C cable, but the power bank lacks a USB-C port, so the user needs a power bank with USB-C output or a different solution. Actually, the correct answer is a USB-C to USB-C cable, but since the power bank only has USB-A, that won't work. The best option is to get a power bank with USB-C output. However, the question asks for an additional accessory, so the correct answer is a USB-C to USB-C cable, but it won't work with a USB-A power bank. Let me rephrase: The user needs a power bank that supports USB-C PD output. The correct answer is a power bank with USB-C output. I'll adjust the options accordingly.
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.
✗
A USB-A to USB-C cable.
Why it's wrong here
This cable would allow charging, but USB-A does not support Power Delivery, so the laptop would charge very slowly or not at all.
✗
A USB-C to USB-C cable.
Why it's wrong here
This cable is needed for PD, but the power bank only has USB-A, so this cable cannot be used.
✓
A power bank that supports USB-C Power Delivery output.
Why this is correct
To use USB-C PD, the power bank must have a USB-C port that supports PD output. The current power bank lacks this, so a new power bank is required.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Why it's wrong here
This adapter is for video output, not charging, and would not help with power delivery.
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
Command / output trap
This adapter is for video output, not charging, and would not help with power delivery.
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 Accessories — This question tests Mobile Device Accessories — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A power bank that supports USB-C Power Delivery output. — USB-A ports do not support Power Delivery, which requires USB-C. A USB-C to USB-C cable is needed to enable PD charging from a power bank that has a USB-C output. Since the power bank only has USB-A, a USB-A to USB-C cable will not support PD. The correct answer is a USB-C to USB-C cable, but the power bank lacks a USB-C port, so the user needs a power bank with USB-C output or a different solution. Actually, the correct answer is a USB-C to USB-C cable, but since the power bank only has USB-A, that won't work. The best option is to get a power bank with USB-C output. However, the question asks for an additional accessory, so the correct answer is a USB-C to USB-C cable, but it won't work with a USB-A power bank. Let me rephrase: The user needs a power bank that supports USB-C PD output. The correct answer is a power bank with USB-C output. I'll adjust the options accordingly.
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.
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