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.

327
Total Questions

Practice Questions

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

Correct Answer: Option C


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

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Storing intermediate results
C. Directing and coordinating operations
D. Performing calculations

Correct Answer: Option C


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

Correct Answer: Option B


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. Registers
C. Cache Memory
D. CU

Correct Answer: Option D


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. Advanced Logic Unit
D. Application 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. Store
B. Decode
C. Fetch
D. Execute

Correct Answer: Option C


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

Correct Answer: Option D


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. Increase memory size
B. Enable parallel processing
C. Decrease clock speed
D. Reduce power consumption only

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

Correct Answer: Option C


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

Correct Answer: Option B


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. Stores results
C. Interprets the instruction
D. Performs calculations

Correct Answer: Option C


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. Status Register
C. Address Register
D. Program Counter

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. Bytes
B. Watts
C. Hertz (Hz)
D. Pixels

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. RAM and Hard Disk
B. CPU and RAM
C. Input and Output devices
D. ALU and CU

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Bus
D. CU

Correct Answer: Option D


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

Correct Answer: Option D


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. Connect to the internet
B. Execute programs and process data
C. Display output on screen
D. Store large amounts of data

Correct Answer: Option B


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

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