[CS] Quiz 1 Big-O Notation, Search Algorithms, Memory Hierarchy

Intro: What are the microscopic switches inside the CPU called?

• Resistors
• Transistors
• Diodes
• Capacitors
• ICs

Answer explanation

Transistors are the building blocks of modern CPUs, allowing for the creation of binary states (1s and 0s).

Binary: How many different combinations can 8 bits (1 byte) have?

• 128
• 64
• 256
• 512
• 1024

Answer explanation

A byte consists of 8 bits, which can have 2^8 or 256 different combinations of 0s and 1s.

Hexadecimal: What is the hexadecimal equivalent of the binary number 1101?

• 7
• D
• B
• A
• E

Answer explanation

The binary number 1101 corresponds to the decimal number 13, which is represented as 'D' in hexadecimal.

Logic Gates: In a circuit, if both A and B are ON, which logic gate will turn the output ON?

• OR
• XOR
• NOT
• AND
• NAND

Answer explanation

An AND gate outputs ON only when both inputs are ON.

Boolean Algebra: What is the result of applying the NOT operation to a binary 1?

• 0
• 1
• 2
• -1
• NULL

Answer explanation

The NOT operation inverts the binary value, so 1 becomes 0.

ASCII: What binary code does the ASCII character 'A' translate to?

• 1000010
• 1100001
• 1000001
• 1100010
• 10000001

Answer explanation

In ASCII, the character 'A' corresponds to the binary code 01000001.

Kernel: What role does the kernel play in a computer's operating system?

• Manages hardware resources
• Provides user interface
• Connects to the internet
• Runs applications
• Handles graphics

Answer explanation

The kernel manages how the hardware and software components of a computer interact.

Machine Code: What is the primary function of machine code in computing?

• To interface with the user
• To interpret instructions
• To store data
• To give direct instructions to the CPU
• To debug errors

Answer explanation

Machine code is the lowest-level code that gives the CPU specific instructions on what to do.

RAM: What type of memory is used by the CPU to store data temporarily while executing instructions?

• ROM
• RAM
• Cache
• Hard Drive
• SSD

Answer explanation

RAM (Random Access Memory) is used for storing data temporarily while the CPU processes it.

Fetch-Execute Cycle: Which of the following is NOT part of the Fetch-Execute Cycle?

• Fetch
• Decode
• Compute
• Execute
• Store

Answer explanation

The Fetch-Execute Cycle consists of Fetch, Decode, Execute, and Store steps; "Compute" is not part of this cycle.