Which unit is primarily responsible for running programs and performing calculations?

• A. CPU
• B. GPU
• C. Storage
• D. Input

Answer: (A)

The CPU is the brain of the computer, built to run programs and perform calculations. A program is a set of instructions that the CPU fetches, decodes, and executes in a cycle. The arithmetic logic unit handles all the math and logical operations, while the control unit coordinates the sequence of steps and data movement between memory and other parts of the system. The GPU, by contrast, handles specialized, highly parallel tasks like graphics or workloads that can be split into many small operations; it isn’t the general-purpose processor for running most programs. Storage holds data for longer-term use but doesn’t actively execute instructions, and input devices bring data into the system rather than performing computations. So, the unit best suited for running programs and doing calculations is the CPU.