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Operating Systems

What term describes the following? a synchronization object that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time.

Difficulty: Hard

About this MCQ

This Hard Operating Systems MCQ checks one syllabus fact.

The question is: “What term describes the following? a synchronization object that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time.”

The accepted answer is B. Mutex. Mutex is the fact required by “What term describes the following? a synchronization object that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time.” (option B). Option A (“Memory fragmentation”) does not match the stem; it is a near-miss used to catch incomplete recall of Mutex. Option C (“Zombie process”) does not match the stem; it is a near-miss used to catch incomplete recall of Mutex. Remaining alternatives (Real-time operating system (RTOS)) fall outside the same rule and should be eliminated once Mutex is identified. Operating Systems questions of this type reward precise definitions rather than approximate associations. Operating Systems recall of this distinction is a regular item in FPSC, PPSC, NTS, and CSS papers.

Correct answer

B. Mutex

Explanation

Mutex is the fact required by “What term describes the following? a synchronization object that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time.” (option B). Option A (“Memory fragmentation”) does not match the stem; it is a near-miss used to catch incomplete recall of Mutex. Option C (“Zombie process”) does not match the stem; it is a near-miss used to catch incomplete recall of Mutex. Remaining alternatives (Real-time operating system (RTOS)) fall outside the same rule and should be eliminated once Mutex is identified. Operating Systems questions of this type reward precise definitions rather than approximate associations. Operating Systems recall of this distinction is a regular item in FPSC, PPSC, NTS, and CSS papers.

Source: Operating Systems Official Reference Guide

Tags: computer science, operating systems, OS concepts, process management

Submitted by: MCQsHub Editorial

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