Hexadecimal usage in digital systems: “Many digital electronic systems work with hexadecimal rather than binary.” Evaluate this statement by considering internal hardware operation versus human-friendly representation.

Introduction / Context:
Digital hardware operates on binary signals. However, engineers and tools often use hexadecimal (base-16) to represent those binary values compactly. This question tests whether the learner recognizes the practical prevalence of hex in interfaces, documentation, and tooling, even though the physical logic remains binary.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Binary is the hardware-native representation.
• Hexadecimal is a compact textual/visual representation of binary data.
• Software tools, datasheets, and instruction set documents frequently present constants, addresses, and masks in hex.

Concept / Approach:
Each hexadecimal digit maps exactly to 4 binary bits (a nibble). This one-to-one nibble mapping makes hexadecimal ideal for representing bytes, words, and bitfields in a readable form. Thus, while systems operate in binary, many workflows “work in hexadecimal” from the user’s perspective: entering addresses, inspecting memory, writing constants, or configuring registers.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Examine any microcontroller reference manual: register addresses and bit masks are provided in hex; debuggers display memory and disassemblies in hex; network protocols and file formats are commonly documented in hex dumps for clarity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Incorrect: Ignores widespread hex use in tools and docs.
• Only for memory addresses or assemblers: Too narrow; hex is used across logs, protocols, and UI readouts.
• Depends on CPU word size: Hex usability is independent of 8/16/32/64-bit widths.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating representation with implementation; thinking “hexadecimal logic” exists in hardware. The logic is binary; hex is a human-friendly lens on those bits.

Final Answer:
Correct