Final answer:
Processes using the semaphore variable mutex can experience a deadlock, starvation, or successful execution in their critical sections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is computers and technology.
In this scenario, the semaphore variable mutex is used to control access to a critical section of code, ensuring that only one process can execute it at a time. Each process must call wait(mutex) before entering the critical section and signal(mutex) afterward.
Based on the given information, the correct answer is d) All of these:
- A deadlock can occur if multiple processes are waiting indefinitely for the mutex variable and none of them can proceed.
- Processes can starve to enter the critical section if they are continuously delayed by other processes acquiring the mutex before them.
- Several processes can be executing in their critical sections if they successfully acquire the mutex without being blocked by others.