Computer organization — word length vs. bytes A 64-bit word consists of how many bytes in mainstream digital systems (8 bits = 1 byte)?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding how many bytes are contained in a given word size is foundational to computer architecture, memory addressing, and data alignment. A word is the natural unit of data used by a particular processor design. This question asks you to relate a 64-bit word length to its equivalent in bytes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• 1 byte = 8 bits (industry-standard definition).
• Word length under discussion = 64 bits.
• No exotic or legacy byte sizes are assumed; use modern conventions.

Concept / Approach:
To convert bits to bytes, use the direct proportionality: bytes = bits / 8. Word sizes such as 8, 16, 32, and 64 bits map to 1, 2, 4, and 8 bytes respectively. This mapping influences memory alignment, pointer sizes, and instruction encodings across contemporary 64-bit systems.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the relationship: 1 byte = 8 bits.Compute bytes = 64 / 8.64 / 8 = 8.Therefore, a 64-bit word contains 8 bytes.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check against common architectures: x86-64, ARM64, RISC-V RV64 all define a 64-bit general-purpose register width, typically equated with an 8-byte word for loads/stores and ABI data types like 64-bit integers and pointers (platform dependent).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 4 bytes: That corresponds to 32 bits, not 64 bits.
• 10 bytes and 12 bytes: These imply nonstandard byte sizes or word definitions and do not match 64 / 8.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing bits and bytes, especially when reading specifications that mix units.
• Assuming historical or nonstandard byte sizes; modern systems use 8-bit bytes.

Final Answer:
8 bytes