A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Exam Preparation!

The relationship between the Control Unit and the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is best described by the assertion that the Control Unit manages instruction execution, while the ALU performs processing tasks.

The Control Unit is a critical component of the CPU that directs the operation of the processor. It orchestrates the execution of instructions by fetching them from memory, decoding them, and then scheduling the required operations. Essentially, it determines what operations need to be performed and in what order.

On the other hand, the ALU is responsible for carrying out arithmetic and logic operations. This includes addition, subtraction, logical comparisons, and other mathematical computations that are essential for executing instructions.

In essence, the Control Unit provides the necessary control signals and direction for the ALU to carry out its functions effectively. Therefore, this definition accurately reflects the collaborative relationship between the two units, with the Control Unit managing the flow of instructions and the ALU handling the computational tasks that result from those instructions.