Which of the following components would be considered a peripheral device?

A keyboard is classified as a peripheral device because it is an external hardware component that connects to the computer to provide input. Peripheral devices are typically not part of the core architecture of the computer system but instead support its functionality by allowing users to interact with the system. Keyboards, along with other input and output devices like mice, printers, and monitors, enhance user interaction and data entry.

In contrast, components such as the motherboard, CPU, and RAM are integral parts of the computer's internal architecture. The motherboard serves as the main circuit board that connects all components, the CPU is the processor that performs calculations and executes instructions, and RAM is the volatile memory that stores data temporarily for quick access by the CPU. These components are essential for the computer's core operations and are not considered peripherals.