Basic components of a computer system

Correct answer: B. Distribute writes evenly across memory cells

Explanation: The governing concept is the limited write endurance of flash memory. Each NAND memory cell can tolerate only a finite number of program-and-erase cycles. Wear-leveling algorithms distribute write activity across available cells instead of repeatedly using the same cells, helping prevent premature failure and extending usable drive life. Option B is correct. It does not store every file in one cell, cool a monitor, or change a printer driver.

Correct answer: C. No mechanical head must move to reach data locations

Explanation: The governing concept is the difference between mechanical and electronic storage access. A hard disk may suffer delays when a mechanical head moves between fragmented areas, but an SSD reads flash cells electronically and has no moving read head. Consequently, ordinary file fragmentation does not create the same seek penalty, while unnecessary defragmentation can add writes to flash memory. Option C is correct; the other choices make false claims about SSD files, audio-only storage, or operating systems.

Correct answer: A. More pixels and finer detail appear in the same area

Explanation: The governing concept is display resolution, which is the number of pixels used to form an image, commonly expressed as width by height. If the physical display area is comparable, a higher resolution places more pixels in that area, allowing finer image detail and sharper text, although the visible result also depends on screen size and scaling. Therefore A is correct; resolution does not directly change speaker volume, CPU permanence, or storage capacity.

Correct answer: B. Moving visuals appearing smoother

Explanation: The governing concept is refresh rate, measured in hertz, which indicates how many times a display updates its image each second. When suitable content and hardware are available, a higher rate can reduce the perceived gap between successive frames, so scrolling, animation, or games may look smoother and feel more responsive. Hence B is correct. Refresh rate does not increase storage, save printer ink, or add keyboard keys.

Correct answer: B. Changes in the electric field caused by a finger touch

Explanation: The governing concept is capacitive touch sensing. A capacitive screen maintains an electrical field, and a conductive finger changes the local capacitance or electrical field at the contact point. Sensors measure that change and calculate the touch location, allowing the device to respond to taps or gestures. Therefore B is correct. Paper pressure, sound intensity, and printer ink do not represent the normal sensing principle of a capacitive touchscreen.

Correct answer: C. More samples of sound are taken per second

Explanation: The governing concept is digital audio sampling. A sample rate tells the system how many measurements of the sound wave are captured each second. Increasing it records more measurements per second, which can represent changes in the waveform more accurately and may improve the available frequency range. It can also increase storage and data requirements. Therefore option C is correct; the other options describe unrelated effects.

Correct answer: D. Increase the power of the audio signal to drive the speaker

Explanation: An amplifier is an electronic output-stage device whose governing function is to increase the power of an audio signal. A source may produce a signal that is too weak to move a speaker cone effectively; the amplifier supplies the required energy while following the signal’s waveform. Thus option D is correct. Storage belongs to memory, scanning to an input device, and central processing to the CPU.

Correct answer: B. Ground yourself properly

Explanation: The governing safety concept is electrostatic discharge, or ESD. A person can carry a small static charge that is harmless to the body but damaging to memory chips and other sensitive circuits. Before handling components, switch off and disconnect the computer, then discharge or ground yourself using an appropriate grounded metal surface or an ESD wrist strap. Therefore option B is correct; wet hands and rubbing increase danger.

Correct answer: A. The new component may require more power than the available supply can provide

Explanation: Hardware compatibility includes electrical power, not only physical connection. A new graphics card, processor, or drive may draw more current than the power supply can safely deliver, especially under load. Insufficient capacity can cause crashes, unexpected shutdowns, failure to boot, or overheating of the supply. Therefore option A is correct. File names, monitor colors, and keyboard keys are not direct consequences of an inadequate power budget.

Correct answer: B. So it can fit correctly in the cabinet and motherboard

Explanation: The governing concept is physical compatibility, often described through a component’s form factor. The dimensions, mounting points, slot position, and clearance must match the cabinet and motherboard so the part can be installed securely and connected correctly. A component may be electrically suitable yet still not fit physically. Therefore option B is correct; color, printing an operating system, and internet speed do not determine physical fit.

Correct answer: C. It becomes easier to isolate the faulty component

Explanation: This is a controlled troubleshooting and substitution method. Replacing a suspected part with an identical or compatible component that is known to work creates a comparison: if the fault disappears, the original part is likely defective; if it remains, another connection or component may be responsible. Change only one part at a time to preserve useful evidence. Therefore option C is correct; the other choices are unrelated effects.

Correct answer: A. Performance also depends on memory, storage, temperature, and software

Explanation: Computer speed depends on the interaction of several resources, not only the CPU. Limited RAM can cause swapping, a slow or nearly full storage drive can delay reading and writing, overheating can reduce processor speed, and inefficient software can increase workload. Therefore, troubleshooting should compare CPU use with memory, storage, temperature, and running programs. Option A is correct; the other choices wrongly assign performance to unrelated devices or deny the CPU’s role.