LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
Exhibit
BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-5.10.0-9-amd64 root=/dev/sda2 ro quiet
Refer to the exhibit. What is the root filesystem device as specified in the kernel command line?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume the root filesystem is always on the first partition (e.g., `/dev/sda1`) or confuse it with other partitions like swap, but the kernel command line explicitly overrides such assumptions with the `root=` parameter.
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
✓
/dev/sda2
The kernel command line includes the parameter `root=/dev/sda2`, which explicitly specifies the root filesystem device as `/dev/sda2`. This is the standard way to indicate the partition where the root filesystem is mounted during boot, making option D correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Could not be determined
Why it's wrong here
The root device is clearly given in the kernel command line.
- ✗
/dev/sda1
Why it's wrong here
The root parameter explicitly states /dev/sda2, not sda1.
- ✗
/dev/sda3
Why it's wrong here
No such partition is indicated; the boot image path does not imply the root device.
- ✓
/dev/sda2
Why this is correct
The 'root=/dev/sda2' kernel parameter sets /dev/sda2 as the root filesystem.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-2 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-2 exam.