Which component stores the current result or operands for ALU operations?

Which component stores the current result or operands for ALU operations?

• A. RAM
• B. Accumulator
• C. ROM
• D. I/O Port

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is where the ALU keeps its working data. The accumulator is a special register used to hold one of the operands and also to store the result of ALU operations. In many CPU designs, the ALU reads one operand from the accumulator, takes the other from memory or another register, performs the operation, and then writes the result back into the accumulator. This setup lets you chain calculations efficiently by keeping the current value in a fast, readily accessible place. RAM holds data and program state more generally, ROM stores fixed instructions, and I/O ports handle peripheral communication; none of these are dedicated to holding the immediate operands and results of ALU operations like the accumulator is.

The idea being tested is where the ALU keeps its working data. The accumulator is a special register used to hold one of the operands and also to store the result of ALU operations. In many CPU designs, the ALU reads one operand from the accumulator, takes the other from memory or another register, performs the operation, and then writes the result back into the accumulator. This setup lets you chain calculations efficiently by keeping the current value in a fast, readily accessible place. RAM holds data and program state more generally, ROM stores fixed instructions, and I/O ports handle peripheral communication; none of these are dedicated to holding the immediate operands and results of ALU operations like the accumulator is.