Identify the component that stores instructions and data during the fetch-decode-execute cycle.
Mark scheme
- C Main memory (RAM) (1)
- The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is main memory (RAM); accept 'main memory', 'RAM' or 'random access memory'.
- A is not correct because the arithmetic logic unit performs arithmetic and logical operations
- B is not correct because the clock sends regular pulses to synchronise the components of the CPU
- D is not correct because the program counter holds the address of the next instruction, not the instructions and data
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1
C Main memory (RAM)
Why: Correct option: main memory (RAM) stores instructions and data during the fetch-decode-execute cycle (1).
No marks0/1
D Program counter
Why: Near-miss distractor: the program counter holds the address of the next instruction, not the instructions and data (0).
No marks0/1
A Arithmetic logic unit
Why: Misconception: the ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations, so it does not store instructions and data (0).