The answer is `kubectl top pods -n production`. This command is correct because it retrieves real-time CPU and memory utilization metrics directly from the Kubernetes metrics server, which aggregates resource usage data from kubelets across the cluster. By specifying the `-n production` flag, you filter the output to show only pods in the production namespace, giving you the precise monitoring data needed. On the Google Associate Cloud Engineer exam, this question tests your understanding of the `kubectl top` subcommand as the standard tool for live resource monitoring, distinct from `kubectl describe` or `kubectl get pods`, which show static configuration rather than dynamic utilization. A common trap is confusing `kubectl top` with `kubectl logs` or `kubectl exec`; remember that “top” always means real-time resource metrics. For a memory tip, think “top pods, top performance” — the `top` command gives you the top-level view of what your pods are actually consuming right now.
Google ACE Practice Question: Ensuring successful operation of a cloud solution
This ACE practice question tests your understanding of ensuring successful operation of a cloud solution. 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.
You need to check the CPU and memory utilization of all pods running in the `production` namespace. Which command provides this information?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
`kubectl top pods -n production`
The `kubectl top pods` command retrieves real-time CPU and memory utilization metrics from the metrics server for pods in a specified namespace. This is the correct tool for monitoring resource usage, as it directly queries the resource metrics API.
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.
✗
`kubectl describe pods -n production`
Why it's wrong here
kubectl describe shows pod configuration, events, and status — not real-time CPU/memory utilization metrics.
✓
`kubectl top pods -n production`
Why this is correct
kubectl top pods shows live CPU and memory consumption per pod. `-n production` filters to the production namespace.
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.
✗
`kubectl get pods -n production -o wide`
Why it's wrong here
kubectl get pods -o wide shows IP addresses, nodes, and pod status — not resource utilization.
✗
`kubectl logs -n production --all-pods`
Why it's wrong here
kubectl logs retrieves container log output, not resource utilization metrics.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Google Cloud often tests the distinction between commands that show pod status/configuration (`describe`, `get`) versus those that show live resource metrics (`top`), leading candidates to confuse descriptive output with performance data.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
kubectl describe shows pod configuration, events, and status — not real-time CPU/memory utilization metrics.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `kubectl top` command relies on the metrics server, which collects resource usage data from kubelets via the Summary API (cAdvisor). This data is aggregated and exposed through the Kubernetes metrics API, enabling real-time monitoring without requiring external monitoring tools. In production, this is essential for identifying resource bottlenecks and scaling decisions.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this ACE question in full detail.
Ensuring successful operation of a cloud solution — This question tests Ensuring successful operation of a cloud solution — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: `kubectl top pods -n production` — The `kubectl top pods` command retrieves real-time CPU and memory utilization metrics from the metrics server for pods in a specified namespace. This is the correct tool for monitoring resource usage, as it directly queries the resource metrics API.
What should I do if I get this ACE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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