A failure which prevents the system from performing its mission would be classified as:

Question

Options

• AA critical failure.
• BA major failure.
• CA minor failure.
• DAn independent failure.

• A
  70% (14)
• B
  15% (3)
• C
  10% (2)
• D
  5% (1)

Explanation

Option A is correct because a critical failure is specifically defined as one that prevents the system from performing its intended mission - it completely eliminates the system's ability to fulfill its primary purpose.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• B (Major failure): A major failure significantly degrades system performance or capability but does not completely prevent mission accomplishment.
• C (Minor failure): A minor failure causes minimal degradation - the system can still perform its mission, perhaps with some inconvenience or reduced efficiency.
• D (Independent failure): "Independent failure" describes the cause/relationship of a failure (one that occurs without being triggered by another failure), not its severity or mission impact.

Memory tip: Think of the word "critical" as in "critical condition" in medicine - the patient (system) cannot function normally and is at risk of total loss. If the mission cannot proceed at all, the failure is critical.

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