A top-level class may have which one of the following access modifiers?Optionsprivatepackageprotectedpublic

To determine which access modifier can be applied to a top-level class in Java, let's analyze the options given:

1. Private: A top-level class cannot be private. This access modifier restricts access to the class itself and cannot be applied at the top level.

2. Package-Private: This is the default access modifier in Java if no explicit modifier is specified. While technically it can be considered for a top-level class, it’s also known as "default" and is not explicitly defined.

3. Protected: Similar to private, the protected modifier cannot be applied to top-level classes. This modifier is meant for class members, not at the top level.

4. Public: A top-level class can be public, which allows it to be accessed from any other class in any package.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of access modifiers relevant to top-level classes, the correct option is public. A top-level class can have the public access modifier, allowing it to be accessible from anywhere in the application.

Final Answer

public