Which device generates random numbers from a physical process rather than a computer program?

• A. Geolocation
• B. Handicap
• C. Hardware generator
• D. Instant ticket

Answer: (C)

Generating random numbers from a physical process means using unpredictable real-world phenomena rather than a computer's predetermined algorithm. A hardware generator, or true random number generator, taps entropy from physical sources such as electronic noise or thermal noise and converts it into random numbers. Because it relies on something inherently random in the physical world, the output isn’t tied to a fixed seed or easily reproducible sequence, which is crucial for fair draws and secure gambling applications. The other items aren’t devices that produce randomness from physical processes: geolocation is about determining position, handicap is a betting term, and an instant ticket is just a type of lottery ticket. Therefore, the hardware generator is the device that generates random numbers from a physical process.