This page contains the CBSE Computer Science with Python class 11 Unit-1 chapter 4 Microprocessors And Memory Concepts. You can find the solutions for chapter 4 of CBSE class 11 Computer Science with Python Exercise. So is the case if you are looking for CBSE class 11 Computer Science with Python related topic Microprocessors And Memory Concepts questions and answers for the Exercise.
Question a
a) Define word length of a microprocessor.
Answer a
The word length of a microprocessor is the number of bits it can process in a single instruction at one time. It is also called the word size. It indicates how much data the processor can handle at one time during processing.
A larger word length generally means better processing capability. For example, a 32-bit microprocessor can process more data at a time than an 8-bit microprocessor. Therefore, word length is an important factor that affects the speed and efficiency of a microprocessor.
Question b
b) Name the two types of Primary Memory.
Answer b
The two types of Primary Memory are:
1.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
2.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
RAM is used to store data and instructions temporarily while the computer is working. It is volatile memory, so its contents are lost when the power is switched off. ROM, on the other hand, stores important instructions permanently, such as the instructions needed to start the computer. It is non-volatile memory, so the data remains stored even when the power is off.
Thus, primary memory mainly consists of RAM and ROM, which together help the computer in processing and startup operations.
Question c
c) What is the purpose of System Clock?
Answer c
The System Clock controls the working speed of the microprocessor. It is an electronic circuit that generates regular pulses, and these pulses help the CPU perform its operations in a proper sequence.
The number of pulses generated in a unit of time is called the clock speed. A higher clock speed means the processor can carry out more operations in less time. Thus, the main purpose of the System Clock is to control the sequencing and execution of various operations in the computer and to help the processor work in a synchronized manner.
Question d
d) Differentiate between CISC and RISC processors.
Answer d
Basis
CISC Processors
RISC Processors
Full form
Complex Instruction Set Computer
Reduced Instruction Set Computer
Instruction set
Has a large number of instructions
Has a small and limited set of instructions
Nature of instructions
Instructions are more complex and can perform multi-step tasks
Instructions are simple and usually perform one basic task
Instruction length
Instructions are generally of variable size
Instructions are generally of uniform length
Execution speed
Complex instructions may take more time to decode
Simple instructions can usually be executed faster, often in one clock cycle
Design
Processor design is more complex
Processor design is simpler
Program size
Program size may be smaller because one instruction can do more work
Program size may be larger because more instructions may be needed
Examples
Intel Pentium
SPARC, PowerPC
CISC processors are designed with many complex instructions so that a single instruction can perform a larger task. RISC processors are designed with fewer and simpler instructions, which makes execution faster and more efficient in many cases. Thus, CISC focuses on reducing the number of instructions in a program, while RISC focuses on simplifying each instruction.
Question e
e) Why do we use secondary storage? Name any two secondary storage devices.
Answer e
Secondary storage is used to store data and programs permanently for future use. It is needed because primary memory has limited capacity and is mainly used while the computer is working. Also, primary memory is mostly volatile, so the data stored in it is lost when the power is switched off. Therefore, secondary storage is used to keep data safe even after the computer is turned off.
Secondary storage is useful for storing large amounts of data such as files, documents, software and other information for a long period of time. It helps the user save data and retrieve it whenever required.
Two secondary storage devices are:
1.
Hard Disk
2.
Compact Disk (CD)
Question f
f) How is Computer’s internal memory important?
Answer f
A computer’s internal memory is important because it stores the data and instructions needed while a task is being processed. It is the memory attached directly to the CPU, so the processor can access the required data quickly during execution.
It is divided into many memory locations, and each location has its own address. Because of these addresses, the computer can find any required data easily without searching the entire memory. This makes processing faster and more efficient.
Internal memory is also called primary memory or main memory. It plays an important role in carrying out current tasks by holding the working data and instructions until the task is completed.
Question g
g) Why is it more appropriate to call RAM as Read-Write memory?
Answer g
It is more appropriate to call RAM as Read-Write memory because data in RAM can be both read and written during the working of the computer. The CPU can store data and instructions in RAM and can also access them whenever needed for processing.
RAM is used as the computer’s main working memory, so it must allow both operations. New data can be written into it, and already stored data can be read from it during execution of programs. Because of this two-way use, the name Read-Write memory is more suitable.
RAM is also volatile, which means its contents are lost when the power is switched off.
Question h
h) What is the purpose of Cache memory?
Answer h
The main purpose of Cache memory is to store frequently used data and instructions so that the CPU can access them more quickly. It is a special high-speed memory that helps reduce the time taken to fetch data during processing.
The CPU works much faster than the main memory. Because of this, the CPU may have to wait if the required data is taken directly from main memory every time. Cache memory solves this problem by keeping commonly needed data ready at a faster location. It is placed between the CPU and the main memory.
Thus, cache memory helps in increasing the speed of processing and improves the overall performance of the computer.
Question i
i) Explain in brief the different ports and their purposes.
Answer i
A port is a point of connection on the computer where a cable from a peripheral device is attached. It allows data to flow between the computer and external devices. Different ports are used for different types of devices and communication.
Some important ports and their purposes are given below:
•
Serial Port – It transmits data one bit at a time through a single wire. Its speed is comparatively slow. It is commonly known as a COM port and was used for connecting devices such as a mouse and modem.
•
PS/2 Port – It is a round port used for plugging in a keyboard or mouse. These ports are now becoming less common in modern computers.
•
USB Port – USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard, low-cost, plug and play port. It is widely used for connecting devices such as flash drives, digital cameras, printers, scanners, keyboard, mouse and many other devices.
•
Infrared Port – It is used for wireless data transfer through infrared waves. For this communication, both the computer and the device must have infrared ports. It is used for wireless communication between computers and peripheral devices.
•
Bluetooth Port – It is used for short-range wireless communication between devices such as mobile phones, computers and PDAs. It uses radio waves to transmit data between Bluetooth-enabled devices.
•
FireWire Port – It is a type of serial port used for rapid data transfer from one electronic device to another. It is useful for connecting devices such as a scanner or digital camera/camcorder to the computer.
Thus, different ports help the computer connect with different peripheral devices and make data communication possible according to the need of the device.
Question j
j) Distinguish between the following pairs:
a.
Primary memory and Secondary memory
c.
RAM and ROM
d.
Bluetooth and Infrared port
Answer j
a) Primary Memory and Secondary Memory
Basis
Primary Memory
Secondary Memory
Meaning
It is the internal memory attached to the CPU and is used during processing.
It is the external memory used for storing data and programs for long-term use.
Access
It is directly accessible by the CPU.
It is used for storage and is not accessed in the same immediate way as primary memory.
Purpose
It stores data and instructions temporarily while the computer is working.
It stores data and programs permanently for later use.
Nature
It is generally volatile, so data is lost when the power is switched off.
It is generally non-volatile, so data remains stored even when the power is off.
Storage capacity
It has limited capacity.
It has larger storage capacity.
Speed
It is faster.
It is slower than primary memory.
Examples
RAM, ROM
Hard disk, Compact Disk, Pen drive
Primary memory is used when the computer is actively processing data, whereas secondary memory is used to keep data safe for future use. Since primary memory is limited and mostly volatile, secondary storage becomes necessary for permanence and larger storage.
c) RAM and ROM
Basis
RAM
ROM
Full form
Random Access Memory
Read Only Memory
Operation
Data can be read from and written to.
Data can mainly be read only.
Nature
It is volatile memory.
It is non-volatile memory.
Data retention
Data is lost when the power is switched off.
Data remains stored even when the power is switched off.
Use
It stores data and instructions while the computer is working.
It stores important permanent instructions, such as start-up instructions.
Speed
It is generally faster.
It is generally slower than RAM.
Change in contents
Its contents keep changing during processing.
Its contents are normally fixed and are not changed during normal use.
RAM is the main working memory of the computer and is used during execution of programs. ROM stores essential instructions that the computer needs permanently, such as the instructions required to start the computer.
d) Bluetooth and Infrared Port
Basis
Bluetooth
Infrared Port
Technology used
Uses radio waves
Uses infrared waves
Type of connection
Used for short-range wireless communication
Used for wireless communication through infrared link
Devices used
Connects devices such as mobile phones, computers and PDAs
Used between a computer and other peripheral devices having infrared support
Working requirement
Devices must be Bluetooth-enabled
Both devices must have infrared ports
Range and convenience
More convenient for general short-range wireless communication
Used for specific infrared-based communication
Both of these ports are used for wireless data transfer, but they work on different technologies. Bluetooth uses radio waves, while the Infrared port uses infrared signals.