The answer is to create a new instance without specifying a static IP, so it receives a new ephemeral IP. This is correct because the `gcloud compute instances describe` output reveals the original instance uses an ephemeral external IP, which is automatically released when the instance stops or is deleted. By omitting a static IP reservation during creation, Compute Engine assigns a fresh ephemeral address from its pool, giving you the same configuration with a different external IP. On the Google Professional Cloud Architect exam, this tests your understanding of IP address lifecycle management and the distinction between ephemeral and static IPs. A common trap is assuming you must reserve a new static IP, but that adds unnecessary cost and management overhead when only a temporary, different address is needed. Memory tip: “Ephemeral equals automatic and temporary—just create without a static flag to get a fresh one.”
Google PCA Practice Question: Analyze and optimize technical and business processes
This PCA practice question tests your understanding of analyze and optimize technical and business processes. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
project = my-project
zone = us-central1-a
name = instance-1
machineType = n1-standard-4
networkInterfaces[0].accessConfigs[0].natIP = 35.193.10.20
labels:
env: prod
app: web
metadata:
startup-script: echo 'Hello'
```
A developer ran the command `gcloud compute instances describe instance-1 --zone us-central1-a` and received the above output. They want to create another instance with the same configuration, except with a different external IP. Which action should they take?
Refer to the exhibit.
```
project = my-project
zone = us-central1-a
name = instance-1
machineType = n1-standard-4
networkInterfaces[0].accessConfigs[0].natIP = 35.193.10.20
labels:
env: prod
app: web
metadata:
startup-script: echo 'Hello'
```
A
Reserve a new static external IP address and assign it to the new instance.
Why wrong: This would assign a static IP, but it might still be different from the original, but the requirement is to get a different IP, not necessarily static. However, the simplest is to get an ephemeral IP.
B
Create a new instance without specifying a static IP, so it receives an ephemeral IP.
Ephemeral IPs are different from the static IP shown.
C
Use the same static IP address by releasing and reassigning it.
Why wrong: That would use the same IP, not different.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a new instance without specifying a static IP, so it receives an ephemeral IP.
The `gcloud compute instances describe` output shows the instance has an external IP that is ephemeral (not reserved). To create a new instance with the same configuration but a different external IP, the simplest approach is to create a new instance without specifying a static IP, which will automatically assign a new ephemeral IP. This avoids the overhead of reserving and managing a static IP when only a temporary, different address is needed.
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.
✗
Reserve a new static external IP address and assign it to the new instance.
Why it's wrong here
This would assign a static IP, but it might still be different from the original, but the requirement is to get a different IP, not necessarily static. However, the simplest is to get an ephemeral IP.
✓
Create a new instance without specifying a static IP, so it receives an ephemeral IP.
Why this is correct
Ephemeral IPs are different from the static IP shown.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use the same static IP address by releasing and reassigning it.
Why it's wrong here
That would use the same IP, not different.
✗
None of the above.
Why it's wrong here
Option B is correct.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Google Cloud often tests the distinction between ephemeral and static IPs, and the trap here is that candidates assume any external IP must be static, leading them to unnecessarily reserve a new static IP instead of simply creating an instance without specifying one.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ephemeral external IPs are assigned from a regional pool and are released when the instance is stopped or deleted, ensuring a new IP on next start. In contrast, static IPs are reserved and persist until explicitly released, which is useful for DNS stability but incurs charges when not in use. The `gcloud compute instances describe` command shows the `networkInterfaces[0].accessConfigs[0].natIP` field; if the instance had a static IP, the `type` field would be `ONE_TO_ONE_NAT` and the `name` would reference a static address resource.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PCA question in full detail.
Analyze and optimize technical and business processes — This question tests Analyze and optimize technical and business processes — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a new instance without specifying a static IP, so it receives an ephemeral IP. — The `gcloud compute instances describe` output shows the instance has an external IP that is ephemeral (not reserved). To create a new instance with the same configuration but a different external IP, the simplest approach is to create a new instance without specifying a static IP, which will automatically assign a new ephemeral IP. This avoids the overhead of reserving and managing a static IP when only a temporary, different address is needed.
What should I do if I get this PCA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
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.
This PCA practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 PCA 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.