Computer Architecture: Interactive Learning Quizzes for High School Seniors

Question 1

Within a computer system, what is the primary function of the control unit?

Accepted Answer

Coordinating and sequencing the flow of instructions and data

Answer

Storing and retrieving data from memory

Answer

Executing arithmetic and logical operations

Answer

Connecting and facilitating communication among different system components

Question 2

Within a computer system, which component is primarily responsible for executing and managing the execution of program instructions?

Accepted Answer

Processor (CPU)

Answer

Memory (RAM)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Devices

Answer

Bus

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a functional unit of a computer?

Accepted Answer

Hard drive

Answer

CPU

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/output devices

Question 4

Which component is NOT an essential part of a computer's CPU?

Accepted Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Device

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Control Unit (CU)

Answer

Registers

Question 5

Which component is not considered a core functional unit of a computer?

Accepted Answer

Graphics processing unit

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Memory unit

Answer

Arithmetic and logic unit

Question 6

In a computer system, which component is responsible for executing program instructions?

Accepted Answer

Processor

Answer

Main Memory

Answer

Input/Output Devices

Answer

System Bus

Question 7

In the fetch-decode-execute cycle, what is the correct order of events?

Accepted Answer

Fetch, Decode, Execute

Answer

Fetch, Execute, Decode

Answer

Decode, Fetch, Execute

Answer

Execute, Decode, Fetch

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a core component of a computer's functional architecture?

Accepted Answer

Hard Disk Drive (HDD/SSD)

Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Devices

Question 9

Within a computer system, what is the main role of the control unit?

Accepted Answer

Directing data flow and executing instructions.

Answer

Storing data and instructions.

Answer

Performing calculations on data.

Answer

Providing a graphical user interface.

Question 10

Which component in a computer system is primarily responsible for performing mathematical and logical operations?

Accepted Answer

Processor (CPU)

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output

Answer

Bus

Question 11

Which component is NOT a core functional unit within the CPU of a computer?

Accepted Answer

Power supply

Answer

Control unit

Answer

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Answer

Registers

Question 12

Which component is not a fundamental functional unit of a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Devices

Question 13

In a computer's hardware architecture, which component is considered the most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Processor

Answer

Operating system

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/output devices

Question 14

Which of the following is a storage device, not a functional unit of a computer?

Accepted Answer

Hard disk drive

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Arithmetic logic unit

Answer

Input/Output unit

Question 15

Which component is NOT a fundamental functional unit of a computer system, but instead serves as a storage device?

Accepted Answer

Hard disk drive

Answer

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Memory

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a physical component of a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Operating System

Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output Devices

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental functional unit of a computer's central processing unit (CPU)?

Accepted Answer

Cache memory

Answer

Arithmetic and logic unit

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Registers

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a core hardware component of a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Operating System (OS)

Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) devices

Question 19

Identify the component that serves as a supportive element in a computer system, distinct from its functional units:

Accepted Answer

Power supply

Answer

CPU

Answer

RAM

Question 20

In a computer system, which component is not directly involved in processing data?

Accepted Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Device

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Control Unit (CU)

Answer

Memory Unit

Question 21

Which component is NOT a fundamental part of a computer's architecture?

Accepted Answer

Power supply

Answer

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Memory

Question 22

What is a primary function of a register in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Storing temporary data during program execution

Answer

Performing complex mathematical calculations

Answer

Holding the complete set of instructions for a program

Question 23

In a computer's central processing unit (CPU), which component performs arithmetic and logical operations?

Accepted Answer

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

Answer

Memory unit

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Input/output (I/O) unit

Question 24

Which component is NOT a functional unit of the central processing unit (CPU)?

Accepted Answer

Hard disk drive

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Arithmetic logic unit

Answer

Registers

Question 25

Which type of memory loses its data when power is removed?

Accepted Answer

RAM

Answer

ROM

Answer

EEPROM

Answer

Flash Memory

Question 26

Within the realm of computer architecture, which concept is unrelated to the fundamental design and organization of a computer system at the hardware level?

Accepted Answer

Programming Languages

Answer

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

Answer

Memory Hierarchy

Answer

Parallel Processing

Question 27

What is the key difference between a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) and a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) instruction set architecture?

Accepted Answer

RISC instruction sets have a smaller number of instructions

Answer

RISC architectures depend more on memory access

Answer

RISC instructions are generally slower to execute

Answer

RISC architectures require more power

Question 28

In a computer's central processing unit (CPU), what is the primary function of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU)?

Accepted Answer

Performing arithmetic and logical operations

Answer

Retrieving data from memory

Answer

Temporarily storing instructions

Answer

Managing the overall operation of the CPU

Question 29

In computer architecture, what is the main purpose of an Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)?

Accepted Answer

Defines the instructions a processor can execute, bridging hardware and software.

Answer

Determines the processor's physical structure and design.

Answer

Specifies data transfer protocols between computer components.

Question 30

According to the von Neumann architecture, which component is NOT considered an essential part?

Accepted Answer

Graphics card

Answer

Central processing unit (CPU)

Answer

Main memory

Answer

Input/output (I/O) devices

Question 31

Which component directly influences a computer's processing speed, determining how fast it executes instructions?

Accepted Answer

Processor speed (GHz)

Answer

RAM capacity (GB)

Answer

Operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Question 32

Within a computer system, what is the primary function of the central processing unit (CPU)?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting and executing program instructions, performing calculations, and managing data flow

Answer

Temporarily storing data and instructions during program execution

Answer

Storing long-term data like documents and images

Answer

Connecting external peripherals like printers and keyboards to the computer

Question 33

Within a computer system, what is the primary function of the address bus?

Accepted Answer

To identify the specific memory location where data or instructions are stored within the system memory.

Answer

To transfer data directly between the processor and various input/output devices.

Answer

To carry the instructions or data being processed from the processor to the memory.

Question 34

Which component of a computer system is primarily responsible for storing data and instructions for the CPU?

Accepted Answer

Memory

Answer

Processor

Answer

Input/Output Devices

Question 35

In a computer system, which component is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations?

Accepted Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output devices

Question 36

In a computer system, which component acts as the central controller and executor of instructions, akin to the 'brain' of the computer?

Accepted Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Device

Answer

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Answer

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Question 37

What is the main role of the processor in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Processing data and executing instructions

Answer

Storing data and programs long-term

Answer

Managing input and output operations

Answer

Supporting graphical user interfaces

Question 38

In a computer system, which component is responsible for coordinating and controlling the flow of data?

Accepted Answer

CPU

Answer

Motherboard

Answer

RAM

Answer

I/O devices

Question 39

In a von Neumann architecture, where are instructions and data stored?

Accepted Answer

In the same memory locations

Answer

In separate memory locations

Answer

In the registers

Question 40

Which I/O device is primarily responsible for displaying visual information on a computer?

Accepted Answer

Monitor

Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Printer

Answer

Microphone

Question 41

Which component is NOT considered a functional unit within a computer's CPU?

Accepted Answer

Stack

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Control Unit

Answer

Registers

Question 42

Within a typical computer system, what is the control unit's main function?

Accepted Answer

Managing the flow of data and instructions throughout the system

Answer

Storing and processing data and instructions

Answer

Performing mathematical and logical operations on data

Question 43

In a computer system, which component is responsible for managing the execution of instructions and coordinating the actions of other hardware components?

Accepted Answer

Control unit

Answer

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

Answer

Memory unit

Question 44

Which computer component is responsible for interpreting and executing instructions from software?

Accepted Answer

CPU

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output devices

Answer

Bus

Question 45

Which term describes the specific machine language instructions that are executed by a particular operating system?

Accepted Answer

Machine instructions

Answer

Assembly language

Answer

Bytecode

Answer

Source code

Question 46

What is the correct sequence of stages in the instruction cycle?

Accepted Answer

Fetch, decode, execute, writeback

Answer

Decode, fetch, execute, writeback

Answer

Execute, decode, fetch, writeback

Answer

Writeback, fetch, decode, execute

Question 47

Which component is NOT a core functional unit of a traditional computer architecture?

Accepted Answer

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Memory Unit

Answer

Input/Output Unit

Question 48

Which component of a computer system functions as the central processing unit (CPU), controlling the execution of instructions and coordinating the entire system?

Accepted Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) devices

Answer

Memory units

Answer

Buses

Question 49

Who is known as the 'father of modern computing' for their groundbreaking contributions to computer architecture?

Accepted Answer

John von Neumann

Answer

Alan Turing

Answer

Charles Babbage

Answer

Grace Hopper

Question 50

Which component is NOT a fundamental functional unit of a computer?

Accepted Answer

Program Counter

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Control Unit

Answer

Registers

Question 51

Question:

Define the concept of a bus in computer architecture and explain the different types of buses, such as the data bus, address bus, and control bus.

Accepted Answer

Option 1:

A bus is a shared pathway that connects various components in a computer system, enabling them to communicate and exchange data.

Answer

Option 2:

A bus is a temporary storage device for data.

Answer

Option 3:

A bus is a processor that executes instructions.

Answer

Option 4:

A bus is a software that manages communication between components.

Question 52

How do the distinct characteristics of memory technologies, including DRAM, SRAM, and Flash, influence the design and performance of computer architectures?

Accepted Answer

The selection of memory technology influences factors like system speed, power consumption, and cost, thereby shaping design choices for computer architecture.

Answer

Memory technologies have no substantial impact on computer architecture and performance.

Answer

DRAM, being the fastest memory, is exclusively used as the primary memory in computer systems.

Answer

Flash memory, as a volatile technology, is unsuitable for long-term data storage.

Question 53

What is the primary purpose of memory protection in operating systems?

Accepted Answer

To prevent unauthorized access to memory by isolating the memory space of different processes.

Answer

To improve system performance by reducing memory accesses.

Answer

To provide inherent protection against memory corruption in modern operating systems.

Answer

To conserve memory resources in embedded systems.

Question 54

Which component of a computer system is primarily responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations?

Accepted Answer

CPU

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) devices

Answer

Operating system

Question 55

What is the primary purpose of memory in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

To store instructions and data

Answer

To perform calculations

Answer

To provide input and output

Answer

To connect to peripherals

Question 56

Which type of I/O device allows users to input data into a computer?

Accepted Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Printer

Answer

Monitor

Answer

Hard drive

Question 57

How is data transferred between the CPU and memory?

Accepted Answer

Through the data bus

Answer

Through the address bus

Answer

Through the control bus

Answer

Through the expansion bus

Question 58

What is the purpose of the address bus?

Accepted Answer

To carry the address of the memory location to be accessed

Answer

To carry the data to be written to memory

Answer

To control the flow of instructions

Answer

To connect peripherals to the motherboard

Question 59

What is the main function of a compiler?

Accepted Answer

To convert high-level languages into machine code

Answer

To execute machine instructions

Answer

To interpret high-level languages

Answer

To provide a user interface to the operating system

Question 60

How do branch predictors enhance the performance of modern processors?

Accepted Answer

By reducing the performance penalty of branch instructions by predicting their outcomes before execution.

Answer

By eliminating the need for the processor to fetch instructions from memory.

Answer

By being solely beneficial in processors with multiple cores.

Answer

By guaranteeing accurate prediction of every branch instruction's outcome.

Question 61

Which component is not part of the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Accumulator

Answer

CPU

Answer

Memory

Answer

I/O Devices

Question 62

In a computer architecture, which component is mainly used to store data and instructions?

Accepted Answer

Memory

Answer

CPU

Answer

Storage device

Answer

Input/Output device

Question 63

In a computer system, which component ensures that instructions are executed in the correct order?

Accepted Answer

Control Unit

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output Devices

Question 64

Virtual memory can be a powerful tool, but it also has a potential drawback. What is this drawback?

Accepted Answer

It can slow down program execution.

Answer

It increases the amount of memory available to programs.

Answer

It reduces the need for the computer to access the hard drive.

Answer

It allows multiple programs to run simultaneously.