What are the two main components of the central processing unit (CPU) in a personal computer?

The central processing unit (CPU) is often referred to as the brain of the computer, and it has two primary components: the Control Unit and the Arithmetic/Logic Unit.

The Control Unit is responsible for directing the operations of the processor and managing the flow of data within the system. It interprets instructions from programs and sends signals to the other parts of the computer to carry out those instructions.

The Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU) handles all arithmetic operations, such as addition and subtraction, as well as logical operations, which include comparisons. This component is crucial for performing the computations necessary for executing applications and processing data.

Selecting the correct answer captures the essence of the CPU's functionality, as both components work together to execute instructions and process data effectively. The focus is specifically on the internal architecture of the CPU rather than peripheral devices or external storage solutions, which are not fundamental components of the CPU itself.