Question

Overflow occurs when:

• A. Result exceeds storage
• B. Memory is full
• C. CPU stops
• D. Program ends

Hint:

Overflow is an arithmetic problem, not a memory problem. It occurs when the result is too large (or too small) to fit into the allotted bits.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Computers store numbers using a fixed number of bits. Since only a limited number of bits are available, there is a maximum value and a minimum value that can be represented. When a computation produces a value larger than the available storage capacity, overflow occurs. Overflow is one of the most common errors in digital systems and computer arithmetic.

Step 1: Understand storage limitation.
Suppose a system uses \(8\) bits. The maximum unsigned number that can be stored is: \[ 11111111_2 \] which equals \[ 255_{10} \]

Step 2: Consider an arithmetic operation.
If we add \[ 255+1 \] the result becomes \[ 256 \] which cannot be represented using only \(8\) bits.

Step 3: Identify the condition.
Since the result exceeds the available storage range, Overflow occurs Thus overflow is directly related to arithmetic results exceeding storage capacity. \[ \boxed{\text{Result exceeds storage}} \]