Hardware is the physical parts of a computer you can touch. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the "brain" that carries out instructions. RAM (memory) temporarily holds data the computer is actively using, and clears when the computer turns off. Storage (like a hard drive or SSD) permanently holds files, photos and programs even when the power is off. Input devices (keyboard, mouse) send information in; output devices (screen, speakers) send information out.
Example
When you open a game, it loads from storage into RAM so the CPU can process it quickly while you play. If you save your progress, that gets written back to storage so it's still there next time, even after you turn the computer off.
Key terms
CPU:
The "brain" of a computer that carries out instructions.
RAM:
Temporary memory that clears when the computer is turned off.
Storage:
Where files and programs are permanently kept.
Questions
1. Hardware refers to:
The physical parts of a computer
Software programs only
The internet
A type of file
2. The CPU is often called the computer's:
Brain
Eyes
Heart
Skin
3. A keyboard is an example of a/an:
Input device
Output device
Storage device
CPU
4. A screen is an example of a/an:
Input device
Output device
CPU
RAM
5. RAM is a type of:
Permanent storage
Temporary memory
Input device
Screen
6. Storage (like a hard drive) is used to:
Permanently keep files
Only work while power is on
Replace the CPU
Display images
7. A mouse is an example of a/an:
Input device
Output device
Storage device
CPU
8. What happens to data in RAM when the computer turns off?
It is cleared
It is saved forever automatically
It becomes hardware
Nothing changes
9. Why is RAM useful even though it clears when the power is off?
It lets the CPU access active data very quickly
It replaces the need for storage
It has no real use
It only works overnight
10. Speakers are an example of a/an:
Output device
Input device
Storage device
CPU
11. An SSD (solid-state drive) is mainly used for:
Long-term storage
Temporary memory only
Input only
Displaying video
12. If a computer has more RAM, it can generally:
Handle more tasks at once, more smoothly
Store files permanently for longer
Turn on faster with no other benefit
Print documents faster
13. Saving a document to a hard drive means it will:
Still be there after the computer restarts
Disappear when the computer restarts
Become part of the CPU
Turn into RAM
14. Which best pairs an example with its category?
Webcam — input device
Hard drive — output device
CPU — input device
Mouse — storage device
15. Why might a computer feel "slow" when many programs are open at once?
RAM is being used up by too many active tasks
The CPU has physically shrunk
Storage has disappeared
Input devices have stopped working
16. Which best describes the relationship between the CPU and RAM?
The CPU processes data that RAM holds temporarily for quick access
RAM processes data while the CPU stores it permanently
They perform identical functions
RAM replaces the need for a CPU
17. A photo saved only in RAM (not yet saved to storage) and then the computer suddenly loses power will:
Likely be lost, since RAM is temporary
Be saved automatically forever
Turn into a printed photo
Move itself to the CPU
18. Why do gaming computers often need powerful CPUs and plenty of RAM?
Games process lots of instructions and data quickly in real time
Games do not use any hardware
Only storage matters for games
Input devices control all game processing
19. A USB flash drive is best classified as a:
Portable storage device
CPU
Type of RAM only
Output device only
20. Which scenario best shows understanding of input vs output devices?
Typing on a keyboard (input) to see text appear on a monitor (output)
A keyboard displaying video
A monitor typing text
Storage devices displaying sound
21. A computer with an SSD instead of an older HDD generally loads programs:
Faster, since SSDs access data more quickly
Slower, since SSDs are always slower
At exactly the same speed always
Only after a full reboot every time
Answer key (parent copy)
1. The physical parts of a computer
2. Brain
3. Input device
4. Output device
5. Temporary memory
6. Permanently keep files
7. Input device
8. It is cleared
9. It lets the CPU access active data very quickly
10. Output device
11. Long-term storage
12. Handle more tasks at once, more smoothly
13. Still be there after the computer restarts
14. Webcam — input device
15. RAM is being used up by too many active tasks
16. The CPU processes data that RAM holds temporarily for quick access
17. Likely be lost, since RAM is temporary
18. Games process lots of instructions and data quickly in real time
19. Portable storage device
20. Typing on a keyboard (input) to see text appear on a monitor (output)