This question tests the ability to identify standard logic gate symbols used in digital electronics.
The figure shows a gate with two inputs and one output. The body of the gate has a curved shape on the input side (similar to an OR gate), a pointed output side, and a second curved line set back from the input curve. This additional curved line at the input is the distinguishing feature of the XOR (Exclusive OR) gate.
The XOR gate produces a HIGH output (1) only when its two inputs are different. When both inputs are the same (both 0 or both 1), the output is LOW (0). Its truth table is:
Input A
Input B
Output
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
The key distinctions from the other options:
An OR gate has the same curved body shape but lacks the extra curved line at the input. It outputs HIGH when at least one input is HIGH, including when both are HIGH.
An XNOR gate looks like an XOR gate but has a small circle (bubble) at the output, indicating inversion. It outputs HIGH when both inputs are the same.
A NOT gate (inverter) has only one input, is shaped as a triangle with a small circle at the output, and simply inverts the input signal.
When distinguishing XOR from OR in diagrams, always look for the double curved line on the input side. That extra curve is the hallmark of the Exclusive OR family of gates.
