Data storage is measured in binary multiples.
Define the term bit.
Mark scheme
Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:
- A binary digit (1)
- Has the value 0 or 1 (1)
- The smallest unit of data storage (1)
- A single 0 or 1 (1)
Allow binary digit/binary place value for binary digit
Allow a single binary digit for a single 0 or 1
Do not accept a group of 8 bits/half a nibble of 4 bits, which describe a byte or a nibble
Do not accept a binary number/binary on its own
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2
A binary digit that can have the value 0 or 1.
Why: A binary digit (1) and has the value 0 or 1 (1).
Some marks1/2
It is the smallest unit of data storage.
Why: Smallest unit of data storage (1), but does not state that it is a binary digit or that it has the value 0 or 1.
No marks0/2
A group of 8 bits.
Why: Describes a byte, not a bit; no creditworthy point and named in the Do not accept line.