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From Sand to Silicon: The History of Computer Chips - Test
Contributed by: Pike
  • 1. From Sand to Silicon: The History of Computer Chips is a fascinating journey that traces the evolution of computer chips from humble beginnings to the powerful silicon-based processors we rely on today. Starting with the basic elements found in sand, this narrative explores the intricate processes of designing, manufacturing, and optimizing computer chips. Along the way, it delves into key innovations, breakthroughs, and challenges that have shaped the development of these essential components of modern technology. By following this historical narrative, we gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible advancements and achievements that have propelled the computer industry forward.

    Who is considered the father of the microprocessor?
A) Steve Jobs
B) Alan Turing
C) Ted Hoff
D) Bill Gates
  • 2. What year was the first commercially available microprocessor introduced?
A) 1965
B) 1995
C) 1971
D) 1980
  • 3. Which company introduced the first microprocessor?
A) AMD
B) Intel
C) Cisco
D) IBM
  • 4. What material is commonly used in the fabrication of computer chips?
A) Gold
B) Silicon
C) Aluminum
D) Plastic
  • 5. Which process involves patterning a layer on a silicon wafer to create electronic components?
A) Implantation
B) Oxidation
C) Photolithography
D) Etching
  • 6. Which generation of computer chips marked the shift to integrated circuits?
A) First generation
B) Second generation
C) Third generation
D) Fourth generation
  • 7. Who co-founded Intel and is known for popularizing Moore's Law?
A) Paul Allen
B) Gordon Moore
C) Steve Wozniak
D) Larry Page
  • 8. What is the role of the BIOS in a computer system?
A) Control the operating system
B) Initiate hardware components during startup
C) Manage network connections
D) Encrypt data on the hard drive
  • 9. What does IC stand for in the context of computer chips?
A) Input Calibration
B) Integrated Circuit
C) Internal Component
D) Internet Connection
  • 10. What component is often called the 'brain' of the computer?
A) Hard Drive
B) Keyboard
C) Monitor
D) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • 11. What is the purpose of a heat sink in a computer?
A) Improve graphics performance
B) Enhance internet speed
C) Increase RAM capacity
D) Dissipate heat generated by the CPU
  • 12. What is the role of the control unit in a computer chip?
A) To direct the flow of data and instructions within the chip
B) To store temporary data
C) To communicate with external devices
D) To provide additional power to the chip
  • 13. Which company is known for the creation of the first transistor in 1947?
A) IBM
B) Bell Labs
C) Microsoft
D) Intel
  • 14. Who is credited with the invention of the first integrated circuit?
A) Robert Noyce
B) Jack Kilby
C) Gordon Moore
D) Steve Jobs
  • 15. Which company introduced the first commercially available NAND flash memory in 1987?
A) SanDisk
B) Toshiba
C) Samsung
D) Micron
  • 16. What is meant by 'RISC' in the context of computer chip architecture?
A) Rapid Integrated System Compatibility
B) Random Instruction Software Configuration
C) Redundant Input Signal Controller
D) Reduced Instruction Set Computing
  • 17. What technology is used to connect the CPU to other components on the motherboard?
A) Circuit
B) Link
C) Bus
D) Switch
  • 18. What component of a computer is responsible for storing data for the long term?
A) GPU
B) RAM
C) CPU
D) Hard drive
  • 19. What is the purpose of a serial interface in a computer chip?
A) To transmit data one bit at a time
B) To increase memory capacity
C) To process graphics
D) To synchronize operations
  • 20. What is the function of an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) in a computer chip?
A) To control external devices
B) To perform arithmetic and logical operations on data
C) To store data
D) To regulate power consumption
  • 21. What does DRAM stand for in relation to computer memory?
A) Distributed Remote Access Mode
B) Digital Read-Only Memory
C) Direct Random Access Method
D) Dynamic Random Access Memory
  • 22. What is the smallest unit of data in a computer chip?
A) Byte
B) Word
C) Nibble
D) Bit
  • 23. Which type of memory is volatile and loses its data when power is turned off?
A) Flash memory
B) ROM
C) RAM
D) Cache memory
  • 24. What does GPU stand for in the context of computer chips?
A) Gigabyte Processing Unit
B) Gaming Processing Unit
C) General Processing Unit
D) Graphics Processing Unit
  • 25. What is the significance of the 4004 microprocessor introduced by Intel in 1971?
A) It had the highest clock speed
B) It was the fastest microprocessor at the time
C) It introduced multi-core processing
D) It was the first single-chip microprocessor
  • 26. What type of memory is typically used for storing program instructions in computer chips?
A) Flash Memory
B) Random Access Memory (RAM)
C) Cache memory
D) Read-Only Memory (ROM)
  • 27. Moore's Law predicts that the number of transistors on a microchip will double approximately every:
A) 5 years
B) 20 years
C) 10 years
D) 2 years
  • 28. Which unit is used to measure clock speed of a CPU?
A) Hertz
B) Byte
C) Watt
D) Bit
  • 29. Which of the following is a type of volatile memory used in computers?
A) USB
B) SSD
C) DRAM
D) HDD
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