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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

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3 questions · 5 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markSound Swap Remove

Identify the term used for the number of bits used to record each sample of a sound.

[1 mark]
  • AAmplitude
  • BBit depth
  • CSample interval
  • DSample rate
Mark scheme
  • B Bit depth (1)
  • The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is bit depth.
  • A is not correct because amplitude is the height of the sound wave at the point it is sampled
  • C is not correct because the sample interval is the time between each sample
  • D is not correct because the sample rate is the number of samples taken each second
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

B Bit depth

Why: Selects the only correct option (1).

No marks0/1

D Sample rate

Why: Near miss: this is the number of samples taken each second, not the number of bits per sample (0).

No marks0/1

A Amplitude

Why: Typical confusion: amplitude is what is measured at a sample, not the number of bits used to store it (0).

2Describe2 marksSound Swap Remove

Sound is converted into binary using a limited bit depth.

Describe one limitation of representing a sound sample with a limited bit depth.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

  • Only a fixed number of amplitude values/levels can be represented (1) so the amplitude is rounded to the nearest available value/level (1)
  • Fewer amplitude values/levels are available to choose from (1) so similar/close amplitudes cannot be stored as different values (1)
  • The exact amplitude often falls between available values/levels (1) so the stored amplitude is not exact/less accurate (1)

Answers must relate to the number of bits per sample (bit depth) and the amplitude values/levels it can represent.

Do not accept answers about the sample rate, sample interval or the number of samples taken, or that confuse bit depth with the number of samples.

Do not award 'lower quality'/'more detail'/'less detail' unless it is linked to the number of amplitude values/levels.

Do not accept 'the sound cannot be played/stored' without a linked limitation.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Only a fixed number of amplitude values can be represented, so the amplitude is rounded to the nearest available value and some detail is lost.

Why: Linked points: fixed number of amplitude values (1) and rounding to the nearest available value (1).

Some marks1/2

Only a fixed number of amplitude values can be represented.

Why: Gives the first linked point only (1); it does not develop what this limitation leads to.

No marks0/2

A lower bit depth means fewer samples are taken, so parts of the sound are missed.

Why: Confuses bit depth with the number of samples/sample rate; no creditworthy point about amplitude values is given.

3Explain2 marksSound Swap Remove

Each sample of a sound wave is stored as a binary number.

Explain how increasing the bit depth affects the representation of a sound wave.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

  • Each sample is stored using more bits (1) so the amplitude can be recorded more precisely (1)
  • More different amplitude values can be represented (1) because each extra bit doubles the number of possible values (1)
  • The height of the wave at each sample point is measured more accurately (1) so the digital wave is closer to the analogue wave (1)
  • The gap between the true amplitude and the stored value is smaller (1) because there are more values for the sample to be rounded to (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Do not accept 'the sound is sampled more often' or 'more samples are taken per second', as these describe the sample rate, not the bit depth.

Do not accept 'the file size increases' on its own as an effect on the representation of the sound.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Each sample is stored using more bits, so the amplitude at each sample point can be recorded more precisely.

Why: Point (more bits per sample) (1) with linked reason (amplitude recorded more precisely) (1).

Some marks1/2

Each sample is stored using more bits.

Why: Creditworthy point (1) but no linked effect on the accuracy of the representation, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

It takes more samples every second, so the wave is stored in more detail.

Why: Confuses bit depth with sample rate, so no mark is awarded.

Questions by topic

2.1 Binary

Build a paper on this topic 58
Adding Binary Numbers 6 questions Binary and Hexadecimal Basics 10 questions Binary Shifts 6 questions Binary to Denary Conversion 6 questions Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Binary Conversion 6 questions Denary to Hexadecimal Conversion 6 questions Denary to Negative Binary Conversion 6 questions Hexadecimal to Binary Conversion 6 questions

2.2 Data representation

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Character Sets 18 questions Images 19 questions Sound 19 questions

2.3 Data storage and compression

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Compression 18 questions Units & Conversion 6 questions

3.1 Hardware

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Embedded Systems 17 questions Fetch Decode Execute Cycle 15 questions Primary Memory 15 questions Secondary Memory 15 questions Stored Program Computers 15 questions

3.2 Software

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File Management 18 questions Memory Management 16 questions Peripheral Management 11 questions Process Management 12 questions Purpose & Function of Operating Systems 17 questions Software Basics 13 questions User Management 18 questions Utility Software 19 questions

3.3 Programming languages

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Low and High Level Languages 19 questions Translators 18 questions

4.1 Networks

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Addressing 16 questions LANs & WANs 16 questions Network Speed 5 questions Packet Switching 16 questions Protocols & Layers 17 questions The Internet 16 questions Topologies 17 questions Wired Connections 17 questions Wireless Connections 18 questions

4.2 Network security

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Network Security Risks 18 questions Preventing Network Security Risks 18 questions

5.1 Environmental

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E-waste 17 questions Manufacturing Technology 19 questions

5.2 Ethical and legal

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Data Protection Act 17 questions Impact of AI 18 questions Intellectual Property 18 questions Software Licences 18 questions

5.3 Cybersecurity

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Malware 18 questions Social Engineering 18 questions

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