Two versions of the same photograph are displayed at the same size on a screen. Version A is 800 × 600 pixels. Version B is 1600 × 1200 pixels.
Explain why Version B can show more detail.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:
- Version B has more pixels in the same area (1) so each pixel represents a smaller part of the image (1)
- Version B has a higher pixel density (1) so finer detail can be represented (1)
- The pixels in Version B are smaller (1) so more detail can be captured in the same space (1)
- Version B has a higher resolution (1) because there are more pixels per unit of area (1)
For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.
Do not accept 'more pixels' on its own without saying same area/pixel density/smaller pixels.
Do not accept higher colour depth or more colours.
Example answers and how they were marked
Version B has more pixels in the same area (1) so each pixel represents a smaller part of the image (1).
Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): more pixels in the same area means smaller pixels and more detail.
Version B has more pixels in the same area.
Why: One mark for the point about pixel density; the linked reason about smaller pixels or finer detail is missing.
Version B has a higher colour depth, so it can display more colours.
Why: Colour depth is not the reason for more detail here; this is the common misconception that colour depth increases resolution.