Which component of the CPU is responsible for executing arithmetic operations?

The Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU) is the component of the CPU specifically designed to carry out arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as logic operations like AND, OR, and NOT. This is a fundamental part of how data is processed within a computer. The ALU directly manipulates binary numbers based on the instructions given by the control unit, performing both arithmetic calculations and logical comparisons necessary for program execution.

The control unit orchestrates the actions of the CPU, directing data flow between the ALU, registers, and memory, but it does not perform actual computations itself. The microprocessor is a broader term encompassing the entire processing unit, including the ALU and control unit. Storage devices refer to hardware that retains data but does not perform any processing or execution of operations. Therefore, the ALU stands out as the essential component for executing arithmetic operations within the CPU architecture.