- A
mdadm --detail /dev/md0
Why wrong: This command shows the status of the assembled RAID array, but alone it does not examine the component disk superblocks. It is valid but not the best answer because it lacks the disk-level verification.
- B
mdadm --examine /dev/sda
Why wrong: This command examines the superblock on a component disk, confirming its role and health, but alone it does not show the current array state. It is valid but not the best answer because it lacks the array-level perspective.
- C
cat /proc/mdstat
Why wrong: This command displays real-time kernel status of MD devices, but it does not provide detailed metadata or array configuration. It is not sufficient for thorough verification.
- D
mdadm --query /dev/md0
Why wrong: This command provides basic query info about an MD device, but it is not the standard tool for detailed array or disk status. It is not the best answer.
- E
Both A and B
Correct. Combining `mdadm --detail /dev/md0` and `mdadm --examine /dev/sda` provides complete verification: the former shows array state and member disks, the latter confirms component disk metadata. This is the best answer.
Verifying RAID Array Status
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of configure local storage. 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.
An administrator is configuring a RAID 1 (mirror) using two 100GB disks /dev/sda and /dev/sdb. After creating the array, which command(s) will verify the array status? (Choose the best answer.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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.
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
Both A and B
Option E is correct because both `mdadm --detail /dev/md0` and `mdadm --examine /dev/sda` are valid commands to verify the status of a RAID 1 array. `mdadm --detail /dev/md0` shows the current state, sync status, and member disks of the assembled array, while `mdadm --examine /dev/sda` displays the superblock metadata on a component disk, confirming its role in the array and its health. Together, they provide a complete verification from both the array and disk perspectives.
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.
- ✗
mdadm --detail /dev/md0
Why it's wrong here
This command shows the status of the assembled RAID array, but alone it does not examine the component disk superblocks. It is valid but not the best answer because it lacks the disk-level verification.
- ✗
mdadm --examine /dev/sda
Why it's wrong here
This command examines the superblock on a component disk, confirming its role and health, but alone it does not show the current array state. It is valid but not the best answer because it lacks the array-level perspective.
- ✗
cat /proc/mdstat
Why it's wrong here
This command displays real-time kernel status of MD devices, but it does not provide detailed metadata or array configuration. It is not sufficient for thorough verification.
- ✗
mdadm --query /dev/md0
Why it's wrong here
This command provides basic query info about an MD device, but it is not the standard tool for detailed array or disk status. It is not the best answer.
- ✓
Both A and B
Why this is correct
Correct. Combining `mdadm --detail /dev/md0` and `mdadm --examine /dev/sda` provides complete verification: the former shows array state and member disks, the latter confirms component disk metadata. This is the best answer.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often think only one command is needed, but the EX200 exam tests that `--detail` verifies the assembled array and `--examine` verifies the component disks, requiring both for complete status verification.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This command shows the status of the assembled RAID array, but alone it does not examine the component disk superblocks. It is valid but not the best answer because it lacks the disk-level verification.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `mdadm --detail` reads the kernel's MD driver state via sysfs, while `mdadm --examine` reads the RAID superblock (version 1.0, 1.1, or 1.2) stored at the end or beginning of each component disk. In a real-world scenario, after a disk failure, `--examine` on the surviving disk can reveal the array's UUID and event count, while `--detail` on the array shows the degraded state; using both ensures you catch inconsistencies like a disk that was removed and re-added with stale metadata.
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 practitioner preparing for the EX200 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.
Quick reference
RAID Level Comparison
| RAID Level | Min Disks | Fault Tolerance | Read | Write | Usable Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAID 0 | 2 | None | Excellent | Excellent | 100% |
| RAID 1 | 2 | 1 disk | Good | Moderate | 50% |
| RAID 5 | 3 | 1 disk | Good | Moderate | 67–94% |
| RAID 6 | 4 | 2 disks | Good | Lower | 50–88% |
| RAID 10 | 4 | 1 disk per mirror | Excellent | Good | 50% |
RAID is not a backup strategy — it protects against disk failure but not against accidental deletion, ransomware, or site-level events.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Configure local storage — This question tests Configure local storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Both A and B — Option E is correct because both `mdadm --detail /dev/md0` and `mdadm --examine /dev/sda` are valid commands to verify the status of a RAID 1 array. `mdadm --detail /dev/md0` shows the current state, sync status, and member disks of the assembled array, while `mdadm --examine /dev/sda` displays the superblock metadata on a component disk, confirming its role in the array and its health. Together, they provide a complete verification from both the array and disk perspectives.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "which command". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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