A Level Computer Science (A2) chapter 3: Hardware and Virtual Machines MCQs with answers
By Team Megalecture · Updated 4 Nov 2026
68 exam-style questions on Hardware and Virtual Machines, each with the answer and a short explanation. Ten of them are below to try. The chapter test draws ten fresh questions each time and is marked the moment you finish, with your score by topic.
Processors, Parallel Processing and Virtual Machines28 questions
Boolean Algebra and Logic Circuits40 questions
Ten Hardware and Virtual Machines questions with answers
Try each one, then open the answer. These ten stay the same; the test draws new ones every time.
1. Which is a limitation of a virtual machine?
A
programs generally run more slowly than on real hardware
B
it can run only one single type of program at any one time
C
it cannot ever be copied or deleted once made
D
it is always faster than running natively on the host
Show answer
Answer: A. The extra software layer between the guest and the hardware adds overhead, and the virtual machines share the host's processor, memory and disk.
2. Which is a valid size for a group of cells in a Karnaugh map?
A
8 cells
B
3 cells
C
5 cells
D
6 cells
Show answer
Answer: A. Groups must contain 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 cells, a power of 2, and be rectangular, and the largest groups are used. Sizes of 3, 5 and 6 do not correspond to a simpler product term.
3. Java programs are compiled to bytecode and run on a Java virtual machine. What is the role of the virtual machine here?
A
it lets the same bytecode run on different computers
B
it converts the source code into an image file
C
it stores the bytecode in a database on the server
D
it speeds up the network connection for the program
Show answer
Answer: A. Each platform has its own JVM that interprets or translates the bytecode for that hardware, so the same compiled program is portable.
4. A processor detects an interrupt at the end of the fetch–execute cycle. Which happens next?
A
the current program is deleted from the computer's memory
B
the register contents are saved, then the interrupt routine runs
C
the processor is switched off and then completely restarted
D
the interrupt is ignored until the program has finished running completely
Show answer
Answer: B. The processor saves the current state (the program counter and register contents), runs the interrupt service routine, and then restores the state so that the interrupted program can carry on.
5. An SR flip-flop can be built from which components?
A
two NOR gates, each output feeding an input of the other
B
two AND gates connected in series with one another
C
one NOT gate and one OR gate connected together in a chain
D
two XOR gates that have no feedback between them
Show answer
Answer: A. Cross-coupled NOR (or NAND) gates provide feedback, and this feedback is what lets the circuit hold its state.
6. A task takes 3 instructions on a CISC processor and 8 instructions on a RISC processor. Which explains why the RISC program is longer?
A
each RISC instruction is a simpler step, so more are needed
B
RISC instructions are always longer when counted in bits
C
RISC has to run the same program more than once to finish the task
D
RISC processors are not able to use registers at all
Show answer
Answer: A. A CISC instruction may perform a whole load-calculate-store sequence, but on a RISC processor this is written as several simple instructions, so the code is longer but each instruction is quick to execute.
7. Which feature is more typical of a RISC processor than a CISC processor?
A
a large number of general-purpose registers
B
instructions of many different lengths in bits
C
a large number of complex addressing modes
D
a program that needs fewer instructions overall
Show answer
Answer: A. RISC designs use many registers to keep data close to the ALU, and instructions that work on registers. CISC has variable-length instructions and complex addressing modes.
8. Why can a flip-flop be used to store a bit?
A
its output stays at the last value set until new inputs change it
B
its output is always 1 whatever the inputs happen to be
C
its output changes at every single clock pulse in turn
D
it has no outputs at all, only inputs into the circuit itself
Show answer
Answer: A. The feedback in the circuit maintains its state while S and R (or J and K) are both 0, so the stored bit is retained without change.
9. Output X of a circuit is 1 only when at least two of the inputs A, B and C are 1. Which expression gives X?
A
(A AND B) OR C
B
(A AND B) OR (B AND C) OR (A AND C)
C
(A OR B) AND C
D
(A AND B AND C) OR (A XOR B)
Show answer
Answer: B. Each product term covers a pair of inputs at 1, and any pair at 1 makes X = 1. The other expressions are 1 for some rows that have only one input at 1, or 0 for some that have two.
10. A company runs three servers, each with a different operating system, on one physical computer. What makes this possible?
A
a massively parallel computer
B
a SIMD processor
C
virtual machines
D
a pipeline
Show answer
Answer: C. A hypervisor lets several virtual machines share one host's hardware, each having its own guest operating system.
Hardware and Virtual Machines: questions students ask
How many Hardware and Virtual Machines MCQs are there?
68, each with the answer and a short explanation, across 2 topics: Processors, Parallel Processing and Virtual Machines, Boolean Algebra and Logic Circuits. Every chapter test draws ten of them, so you can take it many times.
Is the A Level Computer Science (A2) chapter 3 test free?
Yes. The test, the answers and the explanations are free and need no sign-up. Sign in only if you want your scores kept across devices.
How is the chapter test marked?
The moment you press Finish: your score, the right answer and an explanation for every question, and the ones you got wrong saved in My mistakes to retry.
