Identify the component of the CPU that carries out arithmetic and logical operations.
Mark scheme
- A Arithmetic logic unit (1)
- The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is arithmetic logic unit.
- B is not correct because the control unit decodes instructions and controls the CPU
- C is not correct because main memory is not part of the CPU and stores data and instructions
- D is not correct because a register stores small amounts of data within the CPU
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1
A Arithmetic logic unit
Why: Correct option: the arithmetic logic unit carries out arithmetic and logical operations (1).
No marks0/1
B Control unit
Why: Control unit is a CPU component but its role is to decode and control, not perform arithmetic or logical operations, so no mark.
No marks0/1
D Register
Why: Register stores data but does not carry out operations; a common misconception that any CPU component performs calculations, so no mark.