Question 1

What is an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in CBSE Class 12 AI?

Accepted Answer

A neural network is a machine learning model inspired by the human brain that makes decisions by mimicking biological neurons. Each neuron computes a weighted sum of inputs plus bias, applies a non-linear activation function, and transmits signals to downstream layers. Networks with two or more hidden layers are defined as Deep Neural Networks (Deep Learning).

Question 2

What are the 7 key components of a Neural Network in Unit 6?

Accepted Answer

The seven components are: 1) Neurons/Nodes (computational units); 2) Weights (connection strengths/synapses); 3) Activation Functions (decision-makers adding non-linearity like Sigmoid, Tanh, ReLU); 4) Bias (constant horizontal threshold shift); 5) Connections (directed communication paths); 6) Learning Rules (Backpropagation via gradient descent); and 7) Propagation Functions (Forward propagation for predictions and Backward propagation for weight updates).

Question 3

What are the 5 primary types of Neural Networks covered in the syllabus?

Accepted Answer

The five types are: 1) Perceptron (Frank Rosenblatt 1958, single-layer binary classifier); 2) Feedforward Neural Networks (FFNN/MLP with one-way data flow); 3) Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN with 3D filters for computer vision); 4) Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN with feedback loops for sequential NLP/speech data); and 5) Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN with competing Generator and Discriminator).

Question 4

How does Backpropagation work in Neural Network training?

Accepted Answer

Backpropagation (backward propagation of errors) is an optimization algorithm that calculates the gradient of the loss function with respect to every weight and bias using the chain rule of calculus. It propagates error backwards from the output layer through hidden layers to update connection weights using optimization routines like Gradient Descent or Adam.

Understanding Neural NetworksDeep Learning Foundations & Architectures

6.1 What is a Neural Network?

Next: Unit 7 · Generative AI