In computing, which of the following components is responsible for processing instructions?

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the primary component in a computer that is responsible for processing instructions. It acts as the "brain" of the computer, executing commands from programs and executing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations specified by the instructions. The CPU processes data by fetching it from memory, interpreting the data’s instructions, and executing them in sequence.

The motherboard serves as the main circuit board that connects all components of the computer, including the CPU, but does not process instructions itself. RAM, or Random Access Memory, temporarily holds data and instructions that the CPU is currently using; it is crucial for performance but does not individually carry out processing tasks. The hard drive is responsible for data storage, keeping the operating system, applications, and files, but it does not actively process instructions.