What is the primary factor that affects the performance of Round Robin…
2025
What is the primary factor that affects the performance of Round Robin scheduling?
Answer: C. Time quantum size — In Round Robin (RR) CPU scheduling, the time quantum is the fixed amount of time a process is allowed to run before being preempted and placed back at the end…
- A.
Context switch time
- B.
I/O burst time
- C.
Time quantum size
- D.
Priority of processes
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Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
In Round Robin (RR) CPU scheduling, the time quantum is the fixed amount of time a process is allowed to run before being preempted and placed back at the end of the ready queue.
Choosing the right time quantum size is a delicate balancing act that directly dictates the efficiency and responsiveness of the operating system:
If the Time Quantum is too large: The algorithm behaves exactly like First-Come, First-Served (FCFS). Processes with long CPU bursts will hold onto the processor for their entire duration, causing shorter, interactive processes to experience high waiting times.
If the Time Quantum is too small: The CPU will switch between tasks incredibly quickly. While this provides excellent responsiveness (giving the illusion that all programs are running simultaneously), it triggers a massive amount of context switches. Since saving and loading process states takes CPU cycles, a tiny time quantum forces the system to waste most of its processing power on scheduling overhead rather than actual user programs.