Which part of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations?

The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) is the part of the CPU specifically designed to carry out arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as logic operations like comparisons (e.g., greater than or equal to). The ALU is essential for executing the instructions provided by programs, as it processes numerical data and performs logical decision-making that underpins the functioning of software applications.

Understanding the role of the ALU within the CPU architecture is crucial for grasping the overall operation of a computer system. It directly interacts with the CPU's registers to perform calculations and decisions based on data, making it a fundamental component in data processing tasks. The effectiveness and speed of a CPU largely depend on the efficiency of its ALU, as it handles the most computationally intensive parts of task execution.

In contrast, the control unit is responsible for directing the operations of the processor, managing the execution of instructions and coordination of the hardware components. Registers serve as small storage locations within the CPU to hold data temporarily during processing, while the cache is a type of memory that stores frequently accessed data to increase the speed of data retrieval. Each of these components plays a crucial role in the overall CPU functionality, but only the ALU is tasked