The Importance of CPU Execution in Handling Clock Interrupts

What fraction of the CPU execution is devoted to handling clock interrupts?

Based on the given data, what is the percentage of CPU execution dedicated to handling clock interrupts?

Answer:

The fraction of the CPU execution that is devoted to handling clock interrupts is "12 percent."

In the process of CPU execution, the handling of clock interrupts plays a significant role in the overall functioning of the computer system. The clock interrupt handler on a particular computer requires 2ms per clock tick, including process switching overhead. With the clock running at 60 Hz, meaning 60 clock interrupts each second, it is crucial to understand the fraction of CPU execution dedicated to handling these interrupts.

The calculation to determine this fraction is straightforward. By multiplying the time taken for each clock tick (2ms) by the frequency of clock interrupts (60 Hz), we get 120ms. Converting this to seconds, we arrive at a total of 1 second. Therefore, the fraction of CPU execution devoted to handling clock interrupts is 12 percent.

This percentage highlights the significant impact of clock interrupts on the CPU's workload. Ensuring efficient handling of these interrupts is essential for maintaining the overall performance and responsiveness of the computer system.