AQA A Level · Computer Science 7517

The processor, registers and the Fetch-Execute cycle: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on The processor, registers and the Fetch-Execute cycle.

10 questions22 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which component of the processor is responsible for incrementing the address of the next instruction to be fetched after the current fetch cycle has started?

Question 2

1 mark

Which of the following describes the function of the Status Register within the processor?

Question 3

1 mark

A computer uses the Harvard architecture. Which of the following is a defining characteristic of this architecture compared to the von Neumann architecture?

Question 4

1 mark

During the Fetch-Execute cycle, once an instruction has been fetched from memory, where is it stored while it is being decoded by the Control Unit?

Question 5

1 mark

When an interrupt occurs, the current state of the volatile environment must be saved. Where is this state typically stored before the Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) is executed?

Question 6

2 marks

Which specific register in the processor is responsible for holding the address of the memory location currently being accessed for data or instructions?

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Question 7

3 marks

Describe the role of the Status Register during the execution of a comparison instruction in the processor.

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Question 8

5 marks

When an interrupt occurs, the processor must save the current state of the registers. Explain the process the processor follows to handle the interrupt and then return to the original task.

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Question 9

3 marks

Explain the role of the Control Unit (CU) and the Program Counter (PC) during the fetch stage of the Fetch-Execute cycle.

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Question 10

4 marks

A processor's performance is affected by several factors. Explain how (a) Word Length and (b) Data Bus Width specifically influence the speed at which a computer processes data.

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