Which of the following terms applies to a class (type definition) rather than to a specific object (instance)?

Introduction / Context:
Object-oriented terminology distinguishes between class-level concepts (apply to the type) and object-level concepts (apply to instances). Understanding what belongs to the class vs. the object helps clarify design and code organization.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Classes define structure and behavior shared by instances.
• Objects (instances) hold specific state and respond to operations defined by the class.
• Some properties like visibility or scope are determined at the class level.

Concept / Approach:
“Scope” refers to where a name (attribute/method) is visible and whether a member is class-wide (static) or instance-specific. Scope is defined by the class and language rules, not by any individual object. In contrast, queries/updates are operations typically invoked on instances; constructors are invoked to create instances but conceptually belong to the class's definition of how to instantiate.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Language keywords like static/class and access modifiers (public/private/protected) define scope at the class level; objects do not define scope.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Query/Update are domain operations most often executed on specific instances (or class methods but still not primarily a “class property”).
Constructor is a class member but commonly treated as the mechanism to create objects rather than a property applying to the class itself.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “constructor” as the answer; while defined in the class, the question asks what applies to a class rather than an object as a concept—scope is more precise.

Final Answer:
Scope