CS Computer Organization & Architecture 1

Question 1

Which component of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations?

Accepted Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

The ALU is the digital circuit within the CPU that executes arithmetic (add, subtract) and logical (AND, OR, NOT) operations.

Question 2

In a von Neumann architecture, which characteristic distinguishes it from a Harvard architecture?

Accepted Answer

Instructions and data share the same memory and bus

Answer

Von Neumann architecture uses a single shared memory and bus for both program instructions and data, unlike Harvard architecture which uses separate paths.

Question 3

What is the primary function of the Program Counter (PC) register?

Accepted Answer

Holds the memory address of the next instruction to fetch

Answer

The Program Counter always points to the address of the next instruction to be fetched, advancing after each fetch.

Question 4

Which type of bus is used to carry memory addresses from the CPU to RAM?

Accepted Answer

Address bus

Answer

The address bus carries the memory address the CPU wants to read from or write to; it is typically unidirectional from CPU to memory.

Question 5

What does the control unit (CU) do within a CPU?

Accepted Answer

Fetches, decodes, and directs the execution of instructions

Answer

The control unit orchestrates the fetch-decode-execute cycle by generating the control signals that coordinate all other CPU components.

(CS) Computer Science Practice Test

(CS) Computer Science Practice Test

CS Computer Organization & Architecture 1