FC0-U71 Data and Database Fundamentals Practice Question
Which of the following is a characteristic of a relational database table?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is the reversed wording in option B, which can confuse candidates who are not careful; also, option C might tempt those who think every table needs a composite key, but that is not a requirement.
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
✓
Rows represent records and columns represent fields
In a relational database table, the fundamental structure is that each row (tuple) represents a single record (instance of an entity), and each column (attribute) represents a field (property) of that record. This is the standard row-column orientation defined by E.F. Codd's relational model. Therefore, option A correctly describes this characteristic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Rows represent records and columns represent fields
Why this is correct
In a relational table, each row is a tuple representing one record, while each column is an attribute representing a field. This row-record, column-field mapping is the defining structural characteristic, distinguishing tables from unstructured or non-relational stores.
- ✗
Rows represent fields and columns represent records
Why it's wrong here
Reverses the relational model: columns define fields (attributes) and rows hold records (tuples). It is tempting because spreadsheets often display data transposed, so the layout can look familiar, but that orientation does not describe a relational table's structure.
- ✗
Each table must have a composite key
Why it's wrong here
A composite key is optional; a table may use a single-column primary key or none at all, so it is not a defining characteristic. It is tempting because composite keys appear in junction tables resolving many-to-many relationships, where they would be the correct design choice.
- ✗
Tables are stored in a hierarchical structure
Why it's wrong here
Relational tables are flat, two-dimensional structures of rows and columns; hierarchy belongs to hierarchical and network database models. It is tempting because parent-child relationships exist between tables via foreign keys, and hierarchical storage would be correct for a directory-style or XML database.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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