The correct answer is: A. Returns an optimal solution when there is a proper cooling schedule.
Simulated annealing is a metaheuristic algorithm that is used to find the global optimum of a given problem. It is based on the annealing process in metallurgy, where a material is heated to a high temperature and then slowly cooled. This process allows the material to reach its lowest energy state, which is the most stable state.
Simulated annealing works in a similar way. It starts with a random solution and then repeatedly moves to neighboring solutions. Each move is accepted or rejected based on a probability that is determined by the current temperature. The temperature is gradually lowered over time, which makes it less likely that the algorithm will accept moves that are not improving the solution.
Simulated annealing is a powerful algorithm that can be used to solve a variety of problems. However, it is important to choose the right cooling schedule. If
the temperature is lowered too quickly, the algorithm may not be able to find the global optimum. If the temperature is lowered too slowly, the algorithm may take a long time to converge.Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: Returns an optimal solution when there is a proper cooling schedule. This is the correct answer. Simulated annealing can find the global optimum of a given problem if the cooling schedule is chosen correctly.
- Option B: Returns an optimal solution when there is no proper cooling schedule. This is not correct. Simulated annealing may not be able to find the global optimum if the cooling schedule is not chosen correctly.
- Option C: It will not return an optimal solution when there is a proper cooling schedule. This is not correct. Simulated annealing can find the global optimum of a given problem if the cooling schedule is chosen correctly.
- Option D: None of the mentioned. This is not correct. Option A is the correct answer.