The delete operator returns ______ to the operating system

memory that is no longer needed
void
recycle bin
None of the above

The correct answer is: A. memory that is no longer needed.

The delete operator is used to deallocate memory that has been allocated by the new operator. When memory is deallocated, it is returned to the operating system so that it can be reused.

The void option is incorrect because the delete operator does not return anything. The recycle bin option is incorrect because the delete operator does not interact with the recycle bin.