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Trace the sequence of events when a circular wait condition arises among three processes P1, P2, and P3, each holding one resource and waiting for another. What happens next?

easy🧠🧾 Concept Trace Q12 of Q15
Operating Systems - Deadlock - Four Necessary Conditions (Coffman)
Trace the sequence of events when a circular wait condition arises among three processes P1, P2, and P3, each holding one resource and waiting for another. What happens next?
AEach process waits indefinitely because each is holding a resource the next process needs, forming a cycle.
BOne process releases its resource voluntarily, breaking the cycle immediately.
CThe operating system preempts resources from one process to resolve the wait.
DProcesses detect the cycle and terminate themselves automatically.
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Identify circular wait

    Each process holds a resource and waits for another held by the next process, forming a cycle.

  2. Step 2: Understand consequences

    Because each process waits for a resource held by another in the cycle, none can proceed, causing indefinite waiting.

  3. Step 3: Analyze other options

    One process releases its resource voluntarily, breaking the cycle immediately assumes voluntary release, which is not guaranteed. The operating system preempts resources from one process to resolve the wait involves preemption, which is not part of the circular wait condition. Processes detect the cycle and terminate themselves automatically assumes automatic termination, which is not standard behavior.

  4. Final Answer:

    Option A -> Option A

  5. Quick Check:

    Circular wait leads to indefinite blocking without external intervention.
Quick Trick: Circular wait means processes wait in a cycle, causing indefinite blocking [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming processes will release resources voluntarily
  • Confusing circular wait with preemption or automatic recovery
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Options A, C, and D describe interventions or behaviors not guaranteed by the circular wait condition itself.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests understanding of the deadlock cycle and its consequences.
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