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. Brain of the computer
B. Memory of the computer
C. Input device
D. Heart of the computer

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Registers
B. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
C. Random Access Memory (RAM)
D. Control Unit (CU)

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. Controlling input/output devices
B. Arithmetic and logical operations
C. Storing data permanently
D. Fetching instructions from memory

Correct Answer: Option B


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. Directing and coordinating operations
B. Managing secondary storage
C. Storing intermediate results
D. Performing calculations

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Perform input operations
B. Store data permanently
C. Hold data and instructions for immediate processing
D. Control peripheral devices

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. ALU
B. Cache Memory
C. CU
D. Registers

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 Language Unit
B. Arithmetic Logic Unit
C. Application Logic Unit
D. Advanced Logic Unit

Correct Answer: Option B


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. Execute
B. Fetch
C. Decode
D. Store

Correct Answer: Option B


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. Accumulator
B. Program Counter
C. Instruction Register
D. Memory Address Register

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. Increase memory size
C. Enable parallel processing
D. Decrease clock speed

Correct Answer: Option C


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. Central Processing Unit
B. Output Unit
C. Memory Unit
D. Input Unit

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Hard disk
B. RAM
C. Cache memory
D. All of the above

Correct Answer: Option D


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. Performs calculations
B. Interprets the instruction
C. Fetches data from disk
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. Pixels
B. Watts
C. Hertz (Hz)
D. Bytes

Correct Answer: Option C


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. CPU and RAM
C. RAM and Hard Disk
D. Input and Output devices

Correct Answer: Option B


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. Memory cycle
B. Control cycle
C. Data cycle
D. Instruction cycle

Correct Answer: Option D


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. Register
B. ALU
C. CU
D. Bus

Correct Answer: Option C


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. 32-bit chunks
B. 128-bit chunks only
C. 64-bit chunks
D. 8-bit chunks

Correct Answer: Option C


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. Connect to the internet
C. Display output on screen
D. Store large amounts of data

Correct Answer: Option A


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

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