In a personal computer system, expansion cards such as graphics cards and network cards are inserted into which physical connectors on the motherboard to add new capabilities?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about the physical structure of a computer system and how additional hardware is added. When users want to improve graphics, add extra ports or provide network connectivity, they often install expansion cards. These cards must plug into specific connectors on the motherboard that are designed to carry signals and provide mechanical support.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on expansion cards such as graphics or network cards.
• The cards need to be inserted into the system to add capabilities.
• Options mention peripheral devices, pegs, slots, the back of the computer and cable sockets.
• We assume a standard desktop motherboard with visible connectors for cards.

Concept / Approach:
Motherboards include long, narrow connectors called expansion slots. Examples include PCI and PCI Express slots. Expansion cards are inserted into these slots, which provide both electrical connections and physical support. Peripheral devices are external devices, not connectors. Pegs and general cable sockets are not the terms used for these internal connectors.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the inside of a desktop computer. You can see long connectors on the motherboard where cards plug in. Step 2: These connectors are known as expansion slots and are often arranged in a row. Step 3: When you install a new graphics card or network card, you slide the card into an available slot and secure it to the case. Step 4: The term peripheral device refers to external hardware such as printers or scanners, not to connectors inside the case. Step 5: Pegs is not standard technical vocabulary for any computer connector. Step 6: Cable sockets describe connectors where cables are plugged in, such as USB or audio ports, but expansion cards use dedicated slots rather than simple sockets. Step 7: The phrase the back of the computer simply indicates a physical location where ports may be exposed after cards are installed, but it is not the actual connector that the card uses. Step 8: Therefore, the correct term is slots.

Verification / Alternative check:
Motherboard diagrams and installation guides refer to PCI slots, PCI Express slots and other expansion slots. The instructions describe aligning the card with a slot and pressing it firmly into place. None of these materials use pegs or the back of the computer to describe the connectors. This consistent terminology confirms that expansion cards are inserted into slots, not into devices or general sockets.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Peripheral devices are separate hardware components, not connectors. Pegs and cable sockets do not accurately describe the long board connectors on a motherboard. The back of the computer refers to the outer case, where input and output ports are accessible, but expansion cards must first plug into slots on the motherboard before their ports appear at the back.

Common Pitfalls:
Students who have never opened a computer case may confuse the external back panel with the internal connectors. Remember that the visible metal part of an expansion card exposes connectors to the outside but the card itself plugs into a slot on the motherboard. Thinking of expansion slot as a specific technical term will help you answer hardware questions more accurately.

Final Answer:
Expansion cards are inserted into slots on the motherboard.