This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of linux kernel and system startup. 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.
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?
BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-5.10.0-9-amd64 root=/dev/sda2 ro quiet
Could not be determined
Why wrong: The root device is clearly given in the kernel command line.
/dev/sda1
Why wrong: The root parameter explicitly states /dev/sda2, not sda1.
/dev/sda3
Why wrong: No such partition is indicated; the boot image path does not imply the root device.
/dev/sda2
The 'root=/dev/sda2' kernel parameter sets /dev/sda2 as the root filesystem.
Answer choices
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.
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.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may 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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The root device is clearly given in the kernel command line.
Detailed technical explanation
The kernel command line parameter `root=` is parsed by the kernel to locate and mount the root filesystem before executing the init process. In GRUB, this parameter is often set via the `linux` or `kernel` directive, and can also be specified using UUID or LABEL for more robust identification. Under the hood, the kernel uses the device node to call the appropriate filesystem driver (e.g., ext4) and mount the root partition, which is critical for booting the system.
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-2 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
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FAQ
Linux Kernel and System Startup — This question tests Linux Kernel and System Startup — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
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