A banking application processes a funds transfer transaction consisting of two steps: debit $100 from Account A and credit $100 to Account B. If the system crashes after debiting Account A but before crediting Account B, the database automatically reverts the debit, restoring Account A to its original balance. Which ACID property guarantees this behavior?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Best answer
Atomicity
Correct. Atomicity guarantees the all-or-nothing nature of transactions. Since the debit is rolled back, the transaction is atomic.
Distractor review
Consistency
Consistency ensures that a transaction brings the database from one valid state to another, but it does not directly handle rollbacks on failure.
Distractor review
Isolation
Isolation ensures that concurrent transactions do not interfere with each other, but it does not address partial completion due to crashes.
Distractor review
Durability
Durability guarantees that once a transaction is committed, it persists even after a crash. In this scenario, the transaction was not committed, so durability is not applicable.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
Related practice questions
Related DP-900 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
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Question 4
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Atomicity — Atomicity ensures that a transaction is treated as a single, indivisible unit of work. If any part of the transaction fails, all completed operations are rolled back, leaving the database in its original state. In this scenario, the failure after the debit causes the entire transaction to be undone, preserving atomicity.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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