CPU Quiz

What is the primary role of a compiler?

• To execute high-level code line by line during runtime.

• To translate the entire high-level program into machine code before execution, creating an executable file.

• To translate machine code back into a high-level language for debugging.

• To manage the CPU's cache memory.

Which of the following best describes machine code?

• A high-level language that is easy for humans to read and write.

• A set of mnemonics representing CPU operations, specific to a CPU family.

• Binary sequences (0s and 1s) that are directly understood and executed by the CPU.

• The comments and documentation written by programmers.

In the context of machine code instructions, what does the 'opcode' (operation code) typically specify?

• The memory address where the data for the operation is located.

• The actual data value to be used in an operation.

• The specific operation to be performed by the CPU (e.g., ADD, LOAD, STORE).

• The size of the operand or data.

An interpreter translates high-level code:

• All at once into an executable file, which is then run.

• Line by line, executing each line immediately after translation.

• Into assembly language, which then requires an assembler.

• Directly into electrical signals without an intermediate code.

The term 'mnemonic' in assembly language refers to:

• A numerical representation of a CPU instruction.

• A short, easy-to-remember symbolic code for a CPU instruction (e.g., LDA for Load Accumulator).

• A type of CPU register that stores memory addresses.

• The part of an instruction that specifies the data or address (the operand).

What are the three main stages of the CPU's Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, in the correct order?

• Decode, Execute, Fetch

• Fetch, Execute, Decode

• Fetch, Decode, Execute

• Execute, Store, Fetch

Which CPU register holds the memory address of the next instruction to be fetched from RAM?

• Memory Address Register (MAR)

• Program Counter (PC)

• Current Instruction Register (CIR)

• Accumulator (ACC)

The Data Bus in a computer system is primarily characterized as:

• Unidirectional, carrying addresses from the CPU to memory.

• Bidirectional, carrying data and instructions between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.

• Unidirectional, carrying control signals from the Control Unit.

• A temporary storage location within the CPU.

What is the name given to the complete list of commands and instructions that a specific CPU can understand and process?

• Command Index

• Execution Library

• Instruction Set

• Register Manifest

Which of these CPU characteristics typically has the most direct impact on the number of simple instructions it can process per second?

• The brand of the motherboard

• The size of the CPU's heat sink

• The CPU's clock speed

• The number of available USB ports