Final answer:
Computer chips are classified as hardware because they are physical components within electronic devices. The development of the microchip, a significant type of hardware, was crucial for reducing the size and cost of computers, thus facilitating the personal computing revolution aligned with Moore's Law.
Step-by-step explanation:
Computer chips would be considered hardware, as they are physical components that make up the electronic circuits within computers and other digital devices. In comparison, software refers to the programs and operating systems that run on the hardware and instruct it to perform various tasks. The microchip, a key piece of hardware, contains a large number of electronic circuits integrated onto a small chip, typically made of silicon.
This innovation dramatically reduced the size and cost of early computers, enabling the creation and widespread adoption of personal computers. The creation of the microchip prompted the evolution of modern computing, leading to the powerful desktops and laptops we use today, a progression often associated with Moore's Law, noting the rapid technological advancements in this field.