What is the name of the cadence in which the roots of both V and I lie in the bass and the tonic is the highest sounding note of the last chord?

• A. Perfect authentic
• B. Authentic cadence
• C. Plagal cadence
• D. Deceptive cadence

Answer: (A)

This question tests knowledge of the strongest, final-sounding cadence: the perfect authentic cadence. It occurs when the harmony moves from V to I in root position, and the tonic is placed in the soprano on the final chord. When the bass holds the roots of both chords—root of V followed by root of I—and the last chord’s highest note is the tonic, you’ve met the defining conditions of a perfect authentic cadence: V to I, both chords in root position, with the tonic in the soprano. This combination creates the most conclusive, settled ending.

If you think of the alternatives, a plain authentic cadence is just V to I, but may involve inversions or the soprano not landing on the tonic; a plagal cadence is IV to I; a deceptive cadence is V moving to vi. The given description aligns exactly with the strongest form of authentic cadence, hence the best answer.