Get the complete solved exercise for 9th Class Computer Chapter 1 – Introduction to Systems. Detailed answers to MCQs, short and long questions with explanations.
1. What is the primary function of a system?
Statement: The primary function of a system is its main purpose or objective.
Options:
a) To work independently
b) To achieve a common goal
c) To create new systems
d) To provide entertainment
Answer: b) To achieve a common goal
Explanation: A system is designed to work as an interconnected unit with different components working together to achieve a specific goal.
Tip: Remember that a system is about coordination and achieving objectives efficiently.
2. What is one of the fundamental concepts of any system?
Statement: A fundamental concept of a system refers to a core characteristic that defines it.
Options:
a) Its size
b) Its objective
c) Its age
d) Its price
Answer: b) Its objective
Explanation: Every system has an objective that determines its purpose and functioning. Size, age, and price are variable attributes but not fundamental.
Tip: Always look for the core reason why a system exists.
3. What is an example of a simple system?
Statement: A simple system consists of few components and is easy to understand.
Options:
a) A human body regulating temperature
b) A computer network
c) The Internet
Answer: a) A human body regulating temperature
Explanation: A simple system has minimal elements and direct relationships. The human body’s temperature regulation (homeostasis) is a straightforward system, while networks and the Internet are complex systems.
Tip: Think of simplicity as minimal interaction and direct cause-effect relationships.
4. What type of environment remains unchanged unless the system provides an output?
Statement: The type of environment that does not change unless influenced by a system.
Options:
a) Dynamic
b) Static
c) Deterministic
d) Non-deterministic
Answer: b) Static
Explanation: A static environment remains constant and does not change unless the system actively alters it. Dynamic environments change regardless of system outputs.
Tip: “Static” means unchanging, while “dynamic” means continuously evolving.
5. What are the basic components of a system?
Statement: A system consists of essential elements that define its structure and function.
Options:
a) Users, hardware, software
b) Objectives, components, environment, communication
c) Inputs, outputs, processes
d) Sensors, actuators, controllers
Answer: c) Inputs, outputs, processes
Explanation: Every system has inputs (resources), processes (actions), and outputs (results), forming the essential building blocks.
Tip: If asked about components, always break a system down into inputs, processes, and outputs.
6. What concept does the theory of systems aim to understand?
Statement: The theory of systems focuses on analyzing specific aspects of a system.
Options:
a) Hardware design
b) System interactions and development over time
c) Software applications
Answer: b) System interactions and development over time
Explanation: System theory studies how different parts of a system interact and evolve over time.
Tip: Think about how elements of a system influence each other over time.
7. What role does the Operating System (OS) play in a computer?
Statement: The OS has an important function in managing system operations.
Options:
a) It only coordinates and executes instructions
b) It temporarily stores data and instructions for the CPU
c) It receives input from interface components and decides what to do with it
d) It provides long-term storage of data and software
Answer: c) It receives input from interface components and decides what to do with it
Explanation: The OS manages user inputs, system resources, and coordinates execution of programs.
Tip: The OS is like a traffic controller, managing instructions, resources, and execution.
8. Which of the following describes the Von Neumann architecture’s main characteristic?
Statement: Von Neumann architecture is a foundational computer design model.
Options:
a) Separate memory for data and instructions
b) Parallel execution of instructions
c) A single memory store for both program instructions and data
d) Multiple CPUs for different tasks
Answer: c) A single memory store for both program instructions and data
Explanation: The Von Neumann architecture uses a single memory to store both instructions and data, unlike Harvard architecture, which separates them.
Tip: Remember that Von Neumann = Single memory; Harvard = Separate memory.
9. What is a disadvantage of the Von Neumann architecture?
Statement: This architecture has limitations that affect system performance.
Options:
a) Complex design due to separate memory spaces
b) Difficult to modify programs stored in memory
c) Bottleneck due to shared memory space for instructions and data
d) Lack of flexibility in executing instructions
Answer: c) Bottleneck due to shared memory space for instructions and data
Explanation: The “Von Neumann bottleneck” occurs because data and instructions share the same memory, leading to performance limitations.
Tip: If you see “Von Neumann bottleneck” in a question, it’s always about shared memory slowing performance.
Here are the solved MCQs, Short Questions, and Long Questions with well-explained answers and key terms:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
10. Which of the following transports data inside a computer among different components?
Statement: Data transfer inside a computer is managed by a specific system component.
Options:
a) Control Unit
b) System Bus
c) Memory
d) Processor
Answer: b) System Bus
Explanation: The System Bus is responsible for transferring data between different components of the computer, such as the CPU, memory, and input/output devices.
Tip: Remember that the System Bus acts as a highway for data transfer inside a computer.
Short Questions with Answers
1. Define a system. What are its basic components?
Answer:
A system is a set of interconnected components that work together to achieve a common goal.
Basic components:
- Input (data entry)
- Process (operations performed on data)
- Output (result of processing)
- Feedback (response to improve system performance)
Key terms: system, components, input, process, output, feedback
2. Differentiate between natural and artificial systems.
Answer:
- Natural System: Occurs naturally (e.g., the human body, the ecosystem).
- Artificial System: Created by humans (e.g., computers, transportation systems).
Key terms: natural system, artificial system, ecosystem, human-made
3. Describe the main components of a computer system.
Answer:
- Hardware: Physical parts (CPU, memory, storage, input/output devices).
- Software: Programs and operating systems that control the hardware.
- Users: People who operate the computer.
- Data: Information processed by the system.
Key terms: hardware, software, users, data
4. List and describe the types of computing systems.
Answer:
- Supercomputers: High-performance, used for scientific calculations.
- Mainframes: Large-scale computing for enterprise applications.
- Servers: Provide resources over a network.
- Personal Computers (PCs): For individual use.
- Embedded Systems: Special-purpose computers inside other devices.
Key terms: supercomputer, mainframe, server, PC, embedded system
5. What are the main components of the Von Neumann architecture?
Answer:
- Memory Unit: Stores data and instructions.
- Control Unit: Directs the operation of the processor.
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs calculations and logical operations.
- Input/Output (I/O) System: Handles data entry and output.
- System Bus: Transfers data between components.
Key terms: memory unit, control unit, ALU, input/output, system bus
6. What is the Von Neumann architecture? List its key components.
Answer:
The Von Neumann architecture is a computer design model where instructions and data are stored in the same memory.
Key Components:
- Memory Unit
- Control Unit
- ALU
- System Bus
Key terms: Von Neumann, stored program concept, memory
7. What are the main steps in the Von Neumann architecture’s instruction cycle?
Answer:
- Fetch: Retrieve instruction from memory.
- Decode: Interpret the instruction.
- Execute: Perform the operation.
- Store: Save the result.
Key terms: fetch, decode, execute, store
8. What is the Von Neumann bottleneck?
Answer:
The Von Neumann bottleneck refers to the limitation caused by a single memory pathway for both data and instructions, slowing processing speed.
Key terms: bottleneck, single memory, processing speed
9. What is a key advantage of the Von Neumann architecture?
Answer:
A key advantage is its flexibility, allowing different programs to be executed using the same hardware without modification.
Key terms: flexibility, stored program concept
10. What are the three main requirements for a computing system to function?
Answer:
- Processing Unit (CPU): Executes instructions.
- Memory: Stores data and instructions.
- Input/Output (I/O) Devices: Interact with users and other systems.
Key terms: CPU, memory, input/output
Long Questions with Detailed Answers
1. Define and describe the concept of a system. Explain the fundamental components, objectives, environment, and methods of communication within a system.
Answer:
A system is a group of interconnected components working together to achieve a goal.
- Components: Input, process, output, feedback.
- Objectives: Purpose of the system (e.g., computing, control).
- Environment: External conditions affecting the system.
- Communication: Data exchange between components (signals, networks).
Key terms: system, input, process, output, feedback, communication
2. Differentiate between natural and artificial systems.
Answer:
- Natural Systems: Exist in nature, self-regulating (e.g., ecosystem, human body).
- Artificial Systems: Man-made, designed for a purpose (e.g., computers, transportation).
Key terms: natural, artificial, self-regulating, man-made
3. Examine the relationship between systems and different branches of science.
Answer:
- Science: Theories behind system operations.
- Engineering: Practical application of system designs.
- Computer Science: Digital systems and algorithms.
- Mathematics: Logical models for system analysis.
Key terms: science, engineering, computer science, mathematics
4. Explore the types of computing systems such as supercomputers, embedded systems, and networks.
Answer:
- Supercomputers: Extreme processing power for simulations.
- Embedded Systems: Found in cars, appliances, industrial machines.
- Networks: Connect multiple computing systems for communication.
Key terms: supercomputers, embedded systems, networks
5. Describe the main characteristics of a computer system, including objectives, components, and interactions.
Answer:
- Objectives: Computing, data processing, automation.
- Components: CPU, memory, storage, input/output.
- Interactions: Data exchange between components.
Key terms: computing, automation, CPU, memory
6. Explain the Von Neumann architecture of a computer.
Answer:
The Von Neumann architecture consists of:
- Memory (stores instructions & data).
- Control Unit (manages execution).
- ALU (performs arithmetic/logic).
- System Bus (transfers data).
Key terms: Von Neumann, memory, ALU, control unit
7. Provide a detailed explanation of how a computer interacts with its environment.
Answer:
- User Input: Through keyboard, mouse, etc.
- Processing: CPU executes tasks.
- Output: Display, sound, prints results.
- Network: Communicates with other systems.
Key terms: input, processing, output, network
8. Describe the steps of retrieving and displaying a file using a computer.
Answer:
- User Input: Clicks on a file.
- Processing: OS retrieves file from storage.
- Execution: File is opened using appropriate software.
- Output: Displayed on screen.
Key terms: file retrieval, OS, processing, display
