CPU (Central Processing Unit) MCQs

Computer

CPU (Central Processing Unit) MCQs

Practice CPU MCQs with answers and explanations covering ALU, CU, registers, processors and central processing unit concepts frequently asked in competitive exams.

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Practice Questions

Page 1 of 17
Question #1
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is also known as the:
A. Input device
B. Memory of the computer
C. Heart of the computer
D. Brain of the computer

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The CPU is referred to as the brain of the computer as it performs all major processing tasks.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #2
Which of the following is NOT a main component of the CPU?
A. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
B. Control Unit (CU)
C. Random Access Memory (RAM)
D. Registers

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
RAM is primary memory outside the CPU, while ALU, CU, and Registers are integral parts of the CPU.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #3
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) primarily performs:
A. Storing data permanently
B. Controlling input/output devices
C. Fetching instructions from memory
D. Arithmetic and logical operations

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
ALU executes arithmetic operations like addition and logical operations like AND, OR.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #4
The Control Unit (CU) in CPU is responsible for:
A. Managing secondary storage
B. Directing and coordinating operations
C. Storing intermediate results
D. Performing calculations

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
CU fetches, decodes instructions and generates control signals for other components.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #5
Processor registers are used to:
A. Store data permanently
B. Control peripheral devices
C. Hold data and instructions for immediate processing
D. Perform input operations

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Registers provide fast temporary storage within the CPU for quick access by ALU.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #6
Which component of CPU acts as the manager directing the flow of data?
A. Registers
B. Cache Memory
C. CU
D. ALU

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The Control Unit manages and synchronizes the operations of the CPU.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #7
The full form of ALU is:
A. Arithmetic Logic Unit
B. Arithmetic Language Unit
C. Advanced Logic Unit
D. Application Logic Unit

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
ALU stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit, handling math and logic in the CPU.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #8
In the instruction cycle, the first step is usually:
A. Decode
B. Store
C. Execute
D. Fetch

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The CPU fetches the instruction from memory as the initial step of the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #9
Which of the following is a type of register that holds the address of the next instruction?
A. Memory Address Register
B. Program Counter
C. Instruction Register
D. Accumulator

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Program Counter (PC) keeps track of the address of the next instruction to be executed.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #10
Modern CPUs often include multiple cores to:
A. Reduce power consumption only
B. Enable parallel processing
C. Increase memory size
D. Decrease clock speed

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Multi-core processors allow simultaneous execution of instructions for better performance.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #11
The combination of ALU and CU forms the:
A. Input Unit
B. Output Unit
C. Memory Unit
D. Central Processing Unit

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
ALU and CU, along with registers, constitute the CPU.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #12
Registers are faster than:
A. All of the above
B. Hard disk
C. Cache memory
D. RAM

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Registers are the fastest storage in the computer hierarchy, located inside the CPU.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #13
What does the Control Unit do during the decode phase?
A. Fetches data from disk
B. Interprets the instruction
C. Performs calculations
D. Stores results

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Decoding involves interpreting the instruction to determine the required action.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #14
Which register temporarily holds data being processed by the ALU?
A. Accumulator
B. Program Counter
C. Status Register
D. Address Register

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Accumulator is commonly used to hold operands and results of ALU operations.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #15
The speed of a CPU is measured in:
A. Hertz (Hz)
B. Bytes
C. Pixels
D. Watts

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
CPU clock speed is measured in Hertz, indicating cycles per second.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #16
Cache memory is placed between:
A. ALU and CU
B. Input and Output devices
C. RAM and Hard Disk
D. CPU and RAM

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Cache provides faster access to frequently used data between CPU and main memory.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #17
The fetch-decode-execute cycle is also known as the:
A. Control cycle
B. Memory cycle
C. Instruction cycle
D. Data cycle

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
It represents the basic operational cycle of the CPU for processing instructions.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #18
Which unit coordinates the activities of all other units in the CPU?
A. CU
B. ALU
C. Bus
D. Register

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Control Unit directs the overall operation of the processor.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #19
A 64-bit processor can handle data in:
A. 64-bit chunks
B. 8-bit chunks
C. 32-bit chunks
D. 128-bit chunks only

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Bit width indicates the amount of data the processor can process at once.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Question #20
The main function of the CPU is to:
A. Execute programs and process data
B. Store large amounts of data
C. Connect to the internet
D. Display output on screen

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The CPU carries out instructions of computer programs through processing.

This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)