Solution

The kernel of an operating system is responsible for low-level tasks that interact directly with hardware, such as memory management , process scheduling , device management , and file system management . The kernel ensures that resources like CPU time and memory are allocated efficiently, manages communication between hardware and software, and schedules tasks for execution. User interface management , however, is typically handled by a separate component, often part of the system's graphical user interface (GUI) or shell, which sits above the kernel. This separation ensures the kernel focuses on core system operations, while the user interface deals with user interactions.

• A, B, D, E (Incorrect): These are core responsibilities of the kernel. The kernel controls memory allocation, schedules processes, manages device communication, and handles file system operations.