3. In the case of M:N cardinality, a descriptive attributes cannot be moved from the relationship to any of the participating entities.• True• False

Question Analysis

The statement presents a scenario in database design, specifically concerning the handling of attributes in relationships characterized by M:N (many-to-many) cardinality. It suggests that descriptive attributes tied to a many-to-many relationship cannot be transferred to the participating entities.

Relevant Concepts

1. Cardinality Types: In relational database design, cardinality indicates the number of instances of one entity that can or must be associated with instances of another entity. An M:N relationship allows multiple instances of each entity to relate to each other.

2. Descriptive Attributes: These are attributes that provide additional information about a relationship.

Analysis

In a many-to-many relationship:

• Descriptive attributes of the relationship itself should typically remain part of the relationship and are often represented in an associative table. Moving these attributes to either participating entity would disrupt the relationships' integrity and intent.
• As a general rule in database design, these attributes characterize the nature of the relationship, rather than the individual entities themselves.

Verification and Summary

Based on the principles of database design:

• The statement is True. Descriptive attributes associated with an M:N relationship cannot be moved to either participating entity without losing the meaning of the relationship.

Final Answer

True. In an M:N cardinality, descriptive attributes cannot be moved from the relationship to any of the participating entities.