Python MCQs Algorithm, Flowchart, Pseudocode

Q1. What is an algorithm?

A) A programming language
B) A flowchart
C) A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem
D) A software

✅ Correct Answer: (C) A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem
📘 Explanation: An algorithm is a finite, ordered set of steps used to solve a specific problem.

Q2. Which of the following is the first step in problem solving?

A) Coding
B) Testing
C) Problem analysis
D) Debugging

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Problem analysis
📘 Explanation: Before writing an algorithm, the problem must be clearly understood and analyzed.

Q3. An algorithm must have ______.

A) Infinite steps
B) No output
C) Finite number of steps
D) Only input

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Finite number of steps
📘 Explanation: A good algorithm must terminate after a finite number of steps..

Q4. Which symbol is used to represent START/STOP in a flowchart?

A) Rectangle
B) Diamond
C) Oval (Terminator)
D) Parallelogram

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Oval (Terminator)
📘 Explanation: The oval (terminator) symbol is used to indicate the beginning and end of a flowchart.

Q5. Which flowchart symbol is used for input/output operations?

A) Rectangle
B) Diamond
C) Oval
D) Parallelogram

✅ Correct Answer: (D) Parallelogram
📘 Explanation: The parallelogram symbol represents input and output operations.

Q6. The decision-making symbol in a flowchart is:

A) Rectangle
B) Diamond
C) Oval
D) Circle

✅ Correct Answer: (B) Diamond
📘 Explanation: The diamond symbol is used for decisions like Yes/No or True/False.

Q7. Which symbol represents processing in a flowchart?

A) Diamond
B) Oval
C) Rectangle
D) Parallelogram

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Rectangle
📘 Explanation: A rectangle is used to show calculations or processing steps.

Q8. Pseudocode is written using:

A) Strict programming syntax
B) Machine language
C) Simple English-like statements
D) Binary code

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Simple English-like statements
📘 Explanation: Pseudocode uses simple, readable language to describe logic without syntax rules.

Q9. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good algorithm?

A) Clarity
B) Finiteness
C) Ambiguity
D) Effectiveness

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Ambiguity
📘 Explanation: A good algorithm must be clear and unambiguous.

Q10. Which one comes after algorithm design?

A) Problem analysis
B) Coding
C) Testing
D) Documentation

✅ Correct Answer: (B) Coding
📘 Explanation: Once the algorithm is designed, it is converted into a program using coding.

Q11. Flowcharts are useful because they:

A) Increase coding errors
B) Make logic difficult
C) Visually represent logic
D) Replace programming

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Visually represent logic
📘 Explanation: Flowcharts help in visualizing program logic, making it easier to understand.

Q12. Which of the following is TRUE about pseudocode?

A) It is executed by computer
B) It is language-dependent
C) It is meant for human understanding
D) It replaces coding

✅ Correct Answer: (C) It is meant for human understanding
📘 Explanation: Pseudocode is designed for humans, not machines.

Q13. What does the rectangle symbol represent in a flowchart?

A) Input
B) Output
C) Processing
D) Decision

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Processing
📘 Explanation: Processing operations such as calculations are shown using rectangles.

Q14. Which of the following is an advantage of using algorithms?

A) Difficult to modify
B) Language dependent
C) Easy to understand and debug
D) Increases program size

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Easy to understand and debug
📘 Explanation: Algorithms make programs easier to understand, test, and debug.

Q15. Which of the following is NOT a flowchart symbol?

A) Oval
B) Diamond
C) Circle
D) Triangle

✅ Correct Answer: (D) Triangle
📘 Explanation: Triangle is not a standard flowchart symbol.

Q16. Which flowchart symbol is used for looping or repetition?

A) Rectangle
B) Diamond
C) Oval
D) Parallelogram

✅ Correct Answer: (B) Diamond
📘 Explanation: Loop conditions are represented using the decision (diamond) symbol.

Q17. Pseudocode helps programmers to:

A) Write final code
B) Understand program logic before coding
C) Execute programs
D) Compile programs

✅ Correct Answer: (B) Understand program logic before coding
📘 Explanation: Pseudocode helps plan logic before writing actual code.

Q18. An algorithm that produces incorrect output is called:

A) Efficient
B) Ambiguous
C) Invalid
D) Complete

✅ Correct Answer: (C) Invalid
📘 Explanation: An algorithm must produce correct output for valid input; otherwise it is invalid.

Q19. Flowcharts help in detecting:

A) Syntax errors
B) Logical errors
C) Runtime errors
D) Hardware errors

✅ Correct Answer: (B) Logical errors
📘 Explanation: Flowcharts help identify logical mistakes in program flow.

Q20. Which statement is TRUE about algorithms, flowcharts, and pseudocode?

A) They replace programming
B) They are language-dependent
C) They help in problem solving before coding
D) They are only for experts

✅ Correct Answer: (C) They help in problem solving before coding
📘 Explanation: All three tools help in planning and understanding logic before coding.