Blockchain Developer Certification Practice

Why might a transaction take longer to confirm on the ETH network?

1. The transaction size is too large

2. Transactions are processed sequentially

3. It requires packaging into a block and validating a batch of transactions

4. Network speed is insufficient

The correct answer is: It requires packaging into a block and validating a batch of transactions

A transaction on the Ethereum network might take longer to confirm primarily because it requires packaging into a block and validating a batch of transactions. In blockchain networks like Ethereum, transactions are grouped together into blocks, which are then validated by miners or validators. Each block has a limited size and is subject to a fixed time period for mining or validation. When a transaction is submitted to the network, it waits in the mempool until it is picked up by a miner. The miner then selects transactions to include in the next block based on various factors, including gas price. If the network is congested or there are many transactions waiting, the process of packaging transactions into a block can be delayed. Additionally, validators must confirm that all transactions included in the block are valid before the block can be added to the blockchain; this validation process can also take time, particularly during periods of high activity on the network. This choice reflects the actual mechanics of how transactions are processed on Ethereum. Other factors could also contribute to confirmation times, but the need to validate and package transactions is a fundamental aspect of blockchain technology that directly impacts how quickly a transaction can be confirmed.