Q: Which scheduling algorithm provides the shortest average waiting time?  

Answer: C) Shortest Job First (SJF)

In operating systems, scheduling algorithms are used to determine which process to run next. The shortest job first (SJF) scheduling algorithm is designed to minimize the average waiting time for processes. In this algorithm, the scheduler selects the process with the smallest execution time from the queue of waiting processes. Once the process with the shortest execution time is complete, the scheduler selects the next process with the shortest execution time, and so on. This algorithm works well in systems where the execution times of processes are known in advance, as it allows for efficient use of resources and minimizes the waiting time for processes. However, in systems where the execution times are not known in advance, other scheduling algorithms such as round-robin or priority scheduling may be more appropriate.