Hex to binary — direct digit mapping: Convert the hexadecimal value F2 to its binary equivalent using nibble expansion.

Introduction / Context:
Hexadecimal to binary conversion is quick because each hex digit corresponds exactly to one 4-bit nibble. Converting F2 demonstrates this one-to-one mapping, an everyday skill for interpreting register contents and instruction encodings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Hex input: F2.
• Hex digits: F = 15, 2 = 2.
• Unsigned bit-pattern conversion.

Concept / Approach:
Expand each hex digit to its 4-bit binary code and concatenate in order. F → 1111, 2 → 0010, yielding an 8-bit result for the two-digit hex number.

Step-by-Step Solution:
F → 1111.2 → 0010.Combine → 1111 0010 → 11110010.

Verification / Alternative check:
Decimal check: F2₁₆ = (15 × 16) + 2 = 240 + 2 = 242; 11110010₂ also equals 242, confirming correctness.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
11100011, 10100001, and 11111100 correspond to different hex values (E3, A1, and FC respectively), not F2.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing digit order or mistyping the low nibble 0010 as 0100; dropping leading zeros in the low nibble unintentionally.

Final Answer:
11110010