Quick Answer
The answer is `mdadm --detail /dev/md0`. This command is the correct choice because it provides a comprehensive snapshot of the RAID array’s current state, including whether it is degraded, the number of active and failed devices, and the progress of any resync or rebuild operation. When an administrator adds a new disk to a degraded array, `mdadm --detail` reveals if the new device has been properly integrated or if a component is still missing or failed, which is exactly the information needed to diagnose why the array remains degraded. On the LPIC-1 exam, this question tests your ability to manage software RAID with mdadm, a key objective under the “Storage Management” domain. A common trap is confusing `--detail` with `--query`; remember that `--detail` gives the full status, while `--query` only shows a brief summary. Memory tip: “Detail reveals the whole tale” – use `--detail` when you need the full story on your RAID health.
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of devices, filesystems and fhs. 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 system has a software RAID1 array /dev/md0 consisting of /dev/sda1 and /dev/sdb1. After replacing a failed disk, the administrator runs 'mdadm --manage /dev/md0 --add /dev/sdc1', but the array remains degraded. Which command should be used to check the status of the array?
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.
mdadm --examine /dev/sdc1
Why wrong: Examines superblock on a device, not array status.
mdadm --version
Why wrong: Shows version, not status.
mdadm --detail /dev/md0
Correct: shows detailed array status.
mdadm --query /dev/md0
Why wrong: Shows brief status, may not show details.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
mdadm --detail /dev/md0
The `mdadm --detail /dev/md0` command displays the current state of the RAID array, including its status (e.g., degraded, active), the number of active and failed devices, and the sync/resync progress. Since the array remains degraded after adding a new disk, this command will show whether the new disk has been properly integrated or if there is an underlying issue, such as a missing or failed component.
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.
mdadm --examine /dev/sdc1
Why it's wrong here
Examines superblock on a device, not array status.
mdadm --version
Why it's wrong here
Shows version, not status.
mdadm --detail /dev/md0
Why this is correct
Correct: shows detailed array status.
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.
mdadm --query /dev/md0
Why it's wrong here
Shows brief status, may not show details.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `--examine` (which inspects a disk's superblock) with `--detail` (which shows the array's overall state), leading them to choose Option A when they need to check the array's degraded status rather than a single disk's metadata.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows version, not status.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `mdadm --detail` reads the sysfs files under `/sys/block/md0/md/` and the kernel's md driver metadata to present a comprehensive view, including the RAID level, chunk size, and each component device's role (active, spare, faulty). In a real-world scenario, if a newly added disk has a stale superblock or is too small, `--detail` will show it as a spare or as 'removed' rather than as an active device, helping the administrator pinpoint the failure.
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 LPIC-1 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.
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FAQ
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: mdadm --detail /dev/md0 — The `mdadm --detail /dev/md0` command displays the current state of the RAID array, including its status (e.g., degraded, active), the number of active and failed devices, and the sync/resync progress. Since the array remains degraded after adding a new disk, this command will show whether the new disk has been properly integrated or if there is an underlying issue, such as a missing or failed component.
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 LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-1 exam.
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