Which component of a computer handles the operations necessary to execute program instructions?

The correct choice addresses the component responsible for managing and directing the operations needed to execute program instructions – the control unit. The control unit plays a vital role in coordinating the activities of all the other parts of the computer. It retrieves, decodes, and executes instructions from program memory, effectively controlling the flow of data between the processor, memory, and input/output devices.

The control unit ensures that operations within the processor occur in the correct sequence. It provides timing and control signals that dictate when data should be transferred, when operations should take place, and what operations need to follow. This makes the control unit essential for executing program instructions seamlessly.

Other components like the arithmetic logic unit perform specific tasks related to mathematical calculations and logical operations, while the memory unit stores data and instructions. The address bus is a pathway for transferring addresses of data between the processor and memory but does not manage operations or execution directly.