Computer Science for IGCSE & O level - Hardware (Section 30)

1
Which of the following is an example of a control application using sensors?
Answer
(C)
Turning on streetlights at dusk.
2
What type of memory is used for the temporary storage of data that the CPU actively uses?
Answer
(C)
RAM
3
What device applies the toner to the paper in a laser printer?
Answer
(D)
The developer unit
4
Where are the barcodes most commonly used?
Answer
(A)
In supermarkets.
5
How is the picture taken when the photograph is taken?
Answer
(B)
The light passes through the lens.
6
Which of the following statements is true about OLED technology?
Answer
B
D
7
In the context of a computer system, what does 'word' refer to?
Answer
(B)
A group of bits that can be transported as a single unit.
8
In a microphone, what is the purpose of the copper coil?
Answer
(C)
To create an electric current when it moves within a magnetic field.
9
What is the role of the ALU in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle?
Answer
(C)
Performing calculations and logical operations.
10
What are the steps in printing an image?
Answer
A
B
C
D
11
What is the primary purpose of an IP address?
Answer
(B)
To route data packets between networks.
12
What type of signal is used to drive a loudspeaker?
Answer
(B)
Analog
13
What determines the storage capacity of a DVD?
Answer
(D)
All of the above.
14
Which type of memory allows faster access to frequently used data and instructions?
Answer
(C)
Cache memory
15
What is a key characteristic that differentiates an IPv6 address from an IPv4 address?
Answer
(C)
IPv6 provides a larger address space.
16
What are some characteristics that define embedded systems?
Answer
A
B
C
17
What is the role of the Memory Data Register (MDR)?
Answer
(B)
Holds the data that is being read from or written to memory.
18
In a greenhouse environment control system, what sensors are used to measure the climate condition?
Answer
A
B
D
19
What are some applications of 3D scanners mentioned in the text?
Answer
A
B
20
What is an advantage of using SSDs over HDDs?
Answer
A
D
21
What is the key difference between inkjet and laser printers?
Answer
(C)
Inkjet uses ink; laser uses toner and heat.
22
What are some advantages of using a wired network connection?
Answer
A
B
23
What is the role of the current instruction register (CIR)?
Answer
(B)
To store the instruction being currently decoded.
24
In 3D printing, what is the purpose of 'support structures'?
Answer
(D)
To provide a base for overhanging features.
25
Which of the following is a type of sensor?
Answer
A
B
C
26
What happens during the 'execute' stage of the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle?
Answer
(C)
The instruction is carried out by the CPU.
27
What type of printing technology uses nozzles to spray ink?
Answer
(B)
Inkjet printing
28
What is a key disadvantage of QR codes?
Answer
(B)
They can transmit malicious code.
29
What is the primary purpose of the control gate in a flash memory cell?
Answer
(B)
To control the movement of electrons in the floating gate.
30
What type of display uses organic light emitting diodes?
Answer
(C)
OLED
31
What is a key advantage of SSDs over traditional HDDs?
Answer
(C)
Faster data access times.
32
Which of the following best describes the role of the DAC in a sound system?
Answer
(B)
To convert a digital signal into an analog signal.
33
In the context of barcodes, what is represented by the number of dark elements?
Answer
(C)
Different digits.
34
In an anti-lock braking system (ABS), what happens if the wheels are locking up?
Answer
(A)
The brakes release.
35
What is the main difference between a switch and a router?
Answer
(A)
A switch connects devices within a network; a router connects networks.
36
Which type of display technology relies on self-emissive organic compounds?
Answer
(C)
OLED
37
How is a character converted into a digital signal in a keyboard?
Answer
(B)
Each character is assigned to a unique ASCII value which represents the digital signal.
38
What happens to stock levels when a barcode is scanned?
Answer
(C)
The number of stock items is reduced.
39
What does RAM stand for?
Answer
(B)
Random Access Memory
40
What is the purpose of the Memory Address Register (MAR) during a write operation?
Answer
(B)
To hold the address of the memory location where data will be written.
41
In a central heating system, what is the role of the gas valve?
Answer
(B)
To regulate the flow of gas to the heater.
42
What is one of the features of the barcode system, as it relates to stock?
Answer
(C)
If it is at or below a pre-defined value, more stock is automatically ordered.
43
In the context of virtual memory, what is the role of the hard drive or SSD?
Answer
(B)
To store inactive data, acting as an extension of RAM.
44
What is the main benefit of the shorter wavelength blue laser in Blu-ray discs?
Answer
(B)
Higher storage capacity.
45
What is the primary function of the control gate in a flash memory cell?
Answer
(B)
To control the flow of electrons.
46
What is the main disadvantage of resistive touchscreens?
Answer
(B)
They have lower touch sensitivity.
47
What is the purpose of the actuator arm in a hard drive?
Answer
(C)
To position the read/write heads over the correct track
48
What are the components involved in writing to a flash memory cell?
Answer
A
B
C
49
What is a significant advantage of Blu-ray over DVD?
Answer
(C)
Blu-ray discs have a higher storage capacity.
50
What is the primary security concern when using cloud storage?
Answer
(B)
Data breaches and unauthorized access.