Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• B To reduce the time taken to transmit a file (1)
• The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is to reduce the time taken to transmit a file.
• A is not correct because compression reduces file size, which can reduce the number of packets sent
• C is not correct because lossy compression can reduce the quality of a file
• D is not correct because encryption, not compression, can make a file harder to open

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

• It reads/monitors the temperature/humidity/light level using sensors (1) to switch the heaters/vents/lamps/watering system on or off when the reading is outside the set range (1)
• It compares the readings from the sensors with the set values/thresholds stored in its memory (1) to decide whether the conditions need to be changed (1)
• It monitors the light level using a light sensor (1) and turns the lamps on when the light falls below the level the plants need (1)
• It monitors the soil moisture using a soil moisture sensor (1) and turns the water pump/irrigation on when the soil is too dry (1)

For the second mark, the action/response must be linked to the sensor reading given in the first point.

Allow named sensors (temperature/humidity/light/soil moisture) and named outputs (heater, fan, vent/window, lamp, irrigation/water pump).

Do not accept answers that only name a sensor or only name an output, e.g. 'it has a temperature sensor and a heater', as there is no link between the reading and the control action.

Do not accept answers where a person switches the equipment on or off, as the embedded system controls the conditions automatically.