What part of the CPU executes the tasks as instructed by the control unit?

The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is the component of the CPU responsible for executing tasks as instructed by the control unit. The ALU performs all arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as logical operations like comparisons. It takes input data from the registers or memory, processes this data according to the commands given by the control unit, and returns the results back to the appropriate location.

Understanding the role of the ALU is critical because it directly contributes to the CPU's ability to perform calculations and logical decisions, which are fundamental to programming and computational tasks. The control unit orchestrates the overall operation of the CPU by directing the flow of data to and from the ALU, ensuring that it receives the right instructions and data to execute correctly.