CPU (Central Processing Unit) MCQs

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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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Total Questions

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
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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. Random Access Memory (RAM)
B. Control Unit (CU)
C. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
D. Registers
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Correct Answer: Option A

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. Arithmetic and logical operations
D. Fetching instructions from memory
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Correct Answer: Option C

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. Storing intermediate results
B. Performing calculations
C. Directing and coordinating operations
D. Managing secondary storage
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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. Store data permanently
B. Control peripheral devices
C. Hold data and instructions for immediate processing
D. Perform input operations
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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. ALU
C. CU
D. Cache Memory
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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. Application Logic Unit
C. Arithmetic Logic Unit
D. Advanced Logic Unit
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Correct Answer: Option C

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. Execute
C. Fetch
D. Store
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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. Program Counter
C. Memory Address Register
D. Accumulator
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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. Enable parallel processing
B. Decrease clock speed
C. Reduce power consumption only
D. Increase memory size
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Correct Answer: Option A

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. Memory Unit
B. Output Unit
C. Central Processing Unit
D. Input Unit
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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. RAM
B. Hard disk
C. All of the above
D. Cache memory
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Correct Answer: Option C

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. Stores results
C. Fetches data from disk
D. Interprets the instruction
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Correct Answer: Option D

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. Status Register
B. Program Counter
C. Accumulator
D. Address Register
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Correct Answer: Option C

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. Watts
D. Pixels
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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. CPU and RAM
B. ALU and CU
C. Input and Output devices
D. RAM and Hard Disk
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Correct Answer: Option A

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. Instruction cycle
C. Memory cycle
D. Data cycle
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Correct Answer: Option B

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. ALU
B. Register
C. CU
D. Bus
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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. 128-bit chunks only
B. 8-bit chunks
C. 32-bit chunks
D. 64-bit chunks
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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. Store large amounts of data
B. Execute programs and process data
C. Display output on screen
D. Connect to the internet
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
The CPU carries out instructions of computer programs through processing.
This question belongs to: Computer CPU (Central Processing Unit)

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