Address width: What is the minimum number of address lines required to address a 64K memory?

Introduction / Context:
Address lines determine how many distinct locations a memory can select. The count follows a power-of-two relationship: with N address lines, you can uniquely address 2^N locations. This question applies the formula to a common capacity figure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Memory size is 64K locations (65,536 locations).
• Each unique address selects one location.
• We need the minimum whole number of lines to reach at least 65,536 addresses.

Concept / Approach:
Use the identity 2^N = number of unique addresses. Solve for N such that 2^N ≥ 65,536. Because 2^16 = 65,536 exactly, N = 16 address lines are required.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compute log2(65,536) = 16 exactly. Any fewer lines would address fewer than 65,536 locations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing 64K bytes with 64K words and mixing address lines with data bus width; the address lines depend on number of locations, not data word size.

Final Answer:
16