Quick Answer
The answer is the `top` command, which is the correct tool for monitoring memory usage over time and identifying the specific process responsible for a suspected memory leak. This command provides a real-time, dynamic view of system processes, displaying critical memory metrics such as RES (resident memory), VIRT (virtual memory), and %MEM, and it can be sorted by memory consumption to pinpoint the offending process. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to select the right diagnostic tool for intermittent performance issues, often contrasting `top` with `free` (which shows only summary totals) or `ps` (which offers a static snapshot). A common trap is choosing `free` because it shows memory usage, but it lacks the per-process detail needed to identify a leak. Remember the mnemonic: “Top tracks the top memory hogs in real time.”
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 Linux administrator is troubleshooting a server that intermittently becomes unresponsive. The administrator suspects a memory leak. Which command should be used to monitor memory usage over time and identify the consuming process?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
free -h
Why wrong: Shows total memory usage, not per-process.
top
Displays real-time process list with memory usage.
ss -tuln
Why wrong: Shows listening ports, not memory usage.
df -h
Why wrong: Shows disk usage, not memory.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
top
The `top` command provides a real-time, dynamic view of system processes, including memory usage (RES, VIRT, %MEM) and can be sorted by memory consumption. It updates continuously, making it ideal for monitoring memory usage over time and identifying the specific process responsible for a suspected memory leak.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
free -h
Why it's wrong here
Shows total memory usage, not per-process.
top
Why this is correct
Displays real-time process list with memory usage.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ss -tuln
Why it's wrong here
Shows listening ports, not memory usage.
df -h
Why it's wrong here
Shows disk usage, not memory.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse system-wide memory reporting (`free -h`) with per-process monitoring (`top`), or mistake disk usage commands (`df -h`) or network tools (`ss`) for memory diagnostics.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows total memory usage, not per-process.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `top` reads `/proc/[pid]/status` and `/proc/[pid]/statm` for each process, aggregating resident set size (RSS) and virtual memory size (VIRT). The `%MEM` column shows the fraction of physical RAM used by a process. For long-term monitoring, `top -b -n 1` can be used in batch mode, or `htop` (if installed) offers color-coded sorting and tree views. A real-world scenario: a Java application with a heap leak will show steadily increasing RES in `top` over hours, while `free -h` only shows the system-wide memory decline without pinpointing the culprit.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
System Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: top — The `top` command provides a real-time, dynamic view of system processes, including memory usage (RES, VIRT, %MEM) and can be sorted by memory consumption. It updates continuously, making it ideal for monitoring memory usage over time and identifying the specific process responsible for a suspected memory leak.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
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