Final answer:
Embedded system refers to the use of electronics and software within a product. It involves the integration of a computer chip into a physical device to perform specific functions and interact with the user or other systems. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Embedded system refers to the use of electronics and software within a product. It involves the integration of a computer chip, known as a microchip or integrated circuit, into a physical device. This allows the device to perform specific functions and interact with the user or other systems.
An example of an embedded system is the microprocessor that is found in various electronic devices like automobiles, cash registers, televisions, and household appliances. These devices use the embedded system to store and manipulate data, perform calculations, and execute specific tasks.
Compared to general-purpose computers like desktop systems, which are designed for a wide range of applications, embedded systems are typically built for a specific purpose and are more specialized in their functionality. By the end of the 1980s, microprocessors, which are themselves embedded systems, became integral parts of numerous devices, demonstrating the importance and widespread influence of this technology.