What pointer appears when pointing to a hyperlink? A. Crosshair B. Hand C. Double arrow D. I-beam
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Hand
When a user points to a hyperlink on a webpage or within most software interfaces, the pointer changes to a “hand” symbol, typically with the index finger extended. This visual cue helps users understand that the text or element they are pointing to is clickable, usually leading to another page, document, or a different section of the same page.
Explanation
The mouse pointer or cursor is a graphical indicator that reflects the position of the pointing device (like a mouse or touchpad) on a computer screen. Its shape changes based on the context to give users intuitive feedback about what actions can be performed. One of the most common pointer transformations is when it changes into a hand symbol over a hyperlink.
A hyperlink is a reference or navigation element in a document that directs the user to another section or location—either within the same document or to an entirely different one. Hyperlinks are most commonly found on webpages and are a core part of how users navigate the internet. They are usually underlined and displayed in blue text by default, although they can be customized.
When the cursor turns into a hand, it indicates interactivity—specifically, that the user can click to go somewhere else. This is a standard behavior across nearly all web browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and many software applications.
The other options listed change the cursor in different contexts:
- A. Crosshair appears in graphic design or image editing programs, used for precision selection.
- C. Double arrow appears when resizing windows or panes.
- D. I-beam (which looks like a capital “I”) appears when hovering over editable text, indicating where typing can begin.
Therefore, when hovering over a hyperlink, the cursor changes to a hand icon—making Option B the correct and universally recognized choice.
