WGU C952 Computer Architecture Practice Questions
2026 | Questions & Answers PDF
1. A stack is a container that allows elements to be stored and removed
in a last-in-first-out fashion
last-in-last-out fashion
in a first-in-first-out fashion
according to priority
2. Describe the effect of the push operation on the stack's structure.
The push operation decreases the stack size by removing the top
element.
The push operation rearranges the elements in the stack.
The push operation increases the stack size by adding a new
element at the top.
The push operation does not change the stack size.
3. If a computer has a larger cache memory compared to another with a smaller
cache, what impact would this have on the computer's performance during
data-intensive tasks?
The computer with larger cache memory would likely perform
better.
The computer with smaller cache memory would perform better due
to less complexity.
Both computers would perform equally regardless of cache size.
The computer with larger cache memory would be slower due to
increased latency.
,4. The element silicon is best used for which purpose?
as a semiconductor in computer chips
as a material to make airplane frames
as a malleable material for coins and jewelry
as a container to keep coffee hot
5. If a computer's secondary memory fails, what impact would this have on the
user's ability to access their files?
Users would be unable to access their files stored on secondary
memory.
Users would have faster access to files.
Users would still access files from primary memory.
Users would need to reinstall the operating system.
6. The rightmost bit of a binary number is the:
most significant bit
rising and falling edge
least significant bit
rising edge
7. The liquid crystal layer within the LCD monitor functions to:
Convert the visible light to an electron signal
Convert the visible light to binary code
Allow varying amounts of light to pass through it
Send an electric current to the light layer
,8. Describe the role of VLSI circuits in enhancing the capabilities of modern
computers.
VLSI circuits are primarily used for memory storage in computers.
VLSI circuits simplify the design of basic logic gates.
VLSI circuits allow for the integration of millions of transistors on a
single chip, which leads to more complex functionalities and smaller
device sizes.
VLSI circuits are only used in supercomputers for processing power.
9. Describe how the cost and performance of supercomputers compare to
personal computers.
Supercomputers and personal computers have the same cost and
performance.
Supercomputers are designed for personal use and are less powerful
than personal computers.
Supercomputers are cheaper and have similar performance to
personal computers.
Supercomputers are significantly more expensive and offer much
higher performance than personal computers.
10. If a new type of instruction is introduced to a CPU, what impact might this
have on the performance of the computer?
It would have no effect on performance.
It would likely slow down the computer due to increased complexity.
It could enhance the performance by allowing more efficient
processing of tasks.
It would require a complete hardware overhaul.
, 11. Chip is a common nickname for a(n)?
Transistor
Semiconductor
Integrated Circuit
Resistor
12. In an LEGv8 doubleword, which bit is considered the least significant bit?
The middle bit
The leftmost bit
The second bit from the right
The rightmost bit
13. Describe the role of general-purpose registers in a CPU's operation.
GPRs are dedicated to storing memory addresses exclusively.
GPRs are used to hold addresses or data for various instructions,
facilitating efficient processing.
GPRs only store instructions for execution.
GPRs are used solely for input and output operations.
14. Describe how PC-relative addressing calculates the effective address for an
instruction.
PC-relative addressing calculates the effective address by
subtracting a constant from the program counter.
PC-relative addressing calculates the effective address by adding
a constant value to the current value of the program counter.
2026 | Questions & Answers PDF
1. A stack is a container that allows elements to be stored and removed
in a last-in-first-out fashion
last-in-last-out fashion
in a first-in-first-out fashion
according to priority
2. Describe the effect of the push operation on the stack's structure.
The push operation decreases the stack size by removing the top
element.
The push operation rearranges the elements in the stack.
The push operation increases the stack size by adding a new
element at the top.
The push operation does not change the stack size.
3. If a computer has a larger cache memory compared to another with a smaller
cache, what impact would this have on the computer's performance during
data-intensive tasks?
The computer with larger cache memory would likely perform
better.
The computer with smaller cache memory would perform better due
to less complexity.
Both computers would perform equally regardless of cache size.
The computer with larger cache memory would be slower due to
increased latency.
,4. The element silicon is best used for which purpose?
as a semiconductor in computer chips
as a material to make airplane frames
as a malleable material for coins and jewelry
as a container to keep coffee hot
5. If a computer's secondary memory fails, what impact would this have on the
user's ability to access their files?
Users would be unable to access their files stored on secondary
memory.
Users would have faster access to files.
Users would still access files from primary memory.
Users would need to reinstall the operating system.
6. The rightmost bit of a binary number is the:
most significant bit
rising and falling edge
least significant bit
rising edge
7. The liquid crystal layer within the LCD monitor functions to:
Convert the visible light to an electron signal
Convert the visible light to binary code
Allow varying amounts of light to pass through it
Send an electric current to the light layer
,8. Describe the role of VLSI circuits in enhancing the capabilities of modern
computers.
VLSI circuits are primarily used for memory storage in computers.
VLSI circuits simplify the design of basic logic gates.
VLSI circuits allow for the integration of millions of transistors on a
single chip, which leads to more complex functionalities and smaller
device sizes.
VLSI circuits are only used in supercomputers for processing power.
9. Describe how the cost and performance of supercomputers compare to
personal computers.
Supercomputers and personal computers have the same cost and
performance.
Supercomputers are designed for personal use and are less powerful
than personal computers.
Supercomputers are cheaper and have similar performance to
personal computers.
Supercomputers are significantly more expensive and offer much
higher performance than personal computers.
10. If a new type of instruction is introduced to a CPU, what impact might this
have on the performance of the computer?
It would have no effect on performance.
It would likely slow down the computer due to increased complexity.
It could enhance the performance by allowing more efficient
processing of tasks.
It would require a complete hardware overhaul.
, 11. Chip is a common nickname for a(n)?
Transistor
Semiconductor
Integrated Circuit
Resistor
12. In an LEGv8 doubleword, which bit is considered the least significant bit?
The middle bit
The leftmost bit
The second bit from the right
The rightmost bit
13. Describe the role of general-purpose registers in a CPU's operation.
GPRs are dedicated to storing memory addresses exclusively.
GPRs are used to hold addresses or data for various instructions,
facilitating efficient processing.
GPRs only store instructions for execution.
GPRs are used solely for input and output operations.
14. Describe how PC-relative addressing calculates the effective address for an
instruction.
PC-relative addressing calculates the effective address by
subtracting a constant from the program counter.
PC-relative addressing calculates the effective address by adding
a constant value to the current value of the program counter.
