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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 693 exam-style questions, each with its mark scheme and example answers. Print it, or answer it on paper and then open the mark schemes. Or browse the questions by topic.

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3 questions · 5 marks

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1Multiple choice1 markSound Swap Remove

A sound file is created by sampling an analogue sound wave.

Identify the term for the number of samples taken each second.

[1 mark]
  • ABit depth
  • BSample interval
  • CSample rate
  • DSample resolution
Mark scheme
  • C Sample rate (1)
  • The only correct answer is C. The correct answer is sample rate.
  • A is not correct because bit depth is the number of bits used to record each sample
  • B is not correct because the sample interval is the time between each sample
  • D is not correct because sample resolution is another name for the bit depth
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

C Sample rate

Why: Selects the only correct option (1).

No marks0/1

B Sample interval

Why: Near miss: the sample interval is the time between samples, not the number of samples per second (0).

No marks0/1

D Sample resolution

Why: Misconception reported in examiners' reports: sample resolution means the bit depth, not the number of samples per second (0).

2Describe2 marksSound Swap Remove

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

Describe how bit depth affects the stored value of a sound sample.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • The bit depth is the number of bits used to store each sample/measurement (1) so a higher bit depth gives more possible/discrete values for the amplitude (1)
  • A higher bit depth records the amplitude more accurately (1) because the stored value can be closer to the actual height of the wave (1)
  • A low bit depth gives fewer possible amplitude values (1) so the amplitude is rounded to the nearest value, making the recording less accurate (1)

Do not accept sample rate/sample interval (number of samples per second) in place of bit depth.

Do not accept 'more bits gives better quality' or 'more accurate' on its own, without a development linked to the number of values or the amplitude stored.

Do not accept file size on its own, and a file size point cannot earn the second mark, as it does not describe the stored value.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

The bit depth is the number of bits used to store each sample, so a higher bit depth gives more possible values for the amplitude that can be stored.

Why: First point, the number of bits per sample (1), then the linked development, more possible values for the amplitude (1).

Some marks1/2

The bit depth is the number of bits used to store one sample.

Why: Gives the first point, the number of bits per sample (1), but does not develop how this affects the value that is stored.

No marks0/2

A higher bit depth makes the sound better quality and more accurate.

Why: Near-miss: 'better quality' and 'more accurate' on their own, with no development linked to the number of values or the amplitude, so no mark is awarded.

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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