If a derived class uses the public access specifier, then _____ A. public base class members remain public in the derived class B. protected base class members become public in the derived class C. both (a) and (b) D. neither (a) nor (b)

The correct answer is: A. public base class members remain public in the derived class

A derived class is a class that inherits from another class, called the base class. The members of the base class are accessible in the derived class, regardless of the access specifier used in the base class. However, the members of the derived class are not

In this case, the derived class uses the public access specifier. This means that all members of the base class, regardless of their access specifier, will be accessible in the derived class.

Option B is incorrect because protected base class members do not become public in the derived class. They remain protected in the derived class.

Option C is incorrect because only public base class members remain public in the derived class. Protected and private base class members do not become public in the derived class.

Option D is incorrect because public base class members do remain public in the derived class.