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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

Build a practice paper from 687 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 · 7 marks

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1Convert2 marksBinary to Hexadecimal Conversion Swap Remove

Binary, denary and hexadecimal patterns represent numbers.

Convert the binary pattern 1100 1010 to hexadecimal.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct digit in the correct position:

  • C (1)
  • A (1)

Answer: CA

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

CA

Why: Each nibble is one hexadecimal digit: 1100 = C, 1010 = A: both digits are correct (2).

Some marks1/2

C10

Why: One digit is correct (1), but the second is written as 10 in denary instead of A.

No marks0/2

AC

Why: The digits are the wrong way round, so neither is in the correct position.

2Explain2 marksBinary and Hexadecimal Basics Swap Remove

A computer stores a colour as a 24-bit binary pattern.

The programmer writes the colour in hexadecimal rather than in binary. Explain one reason why.

[2 marks]
Mark scheme

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

  • Hexadecimal is shorter/has fewer digits than binary (1) because each hexadecimal digit represents 4 bits/a nibble (1)
  • Hexadecimal is easier to read/write (1) because there are fewer characters/digits to enter (1)
  • Hexadecimal is easier to convert to and from binary (1) because four binary bits map to one hexadecimal digit (1)

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

Allow the 24-bit colour as the linked reason, e.g. a 24-bit value can be written as only 6 hexadecimal digits (1).

Do not accept 'easier'/'simpler' on its own: naming what is easier, such as easier to read/write, is the first mark, but the second mark needs a linked reason.

Only credit 'fewer digits/characters' once, as the reason for one point; do not award it again as the reason for a second point.

Do not accept that hexadecimal uses less storage space/memory than binary, or that it is more compact to store; the same number of bits is stored.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

Hexadecimal is shorter than binary because each hexadecimal digit represents 4 bits, so the 24-bit colour needs only 6 hexadecimal digits.

Why: Gives the point that hexadecimal is shorter (1) and links it to each hexadecimal digit representing 4 bits, using the 24-bit colour as the linked reason (1).

Some marks1/2

Hexadecimal is easier to read than binary.

Why: Names what is easier to read (1) but gives no linked reason such as fewer digits to enter, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

Hexadecimal is used because it takes up less storage space than binary.

Why: The same number of bits is stored in either notation, so this is a misconception and earns no mark.

3Calculate3 marksAdding Binary Numbers Swap Remove

Computers manipulate binary patterns.

(a)

Complete the table to show the 8-bit result of the binary addition.

[2 marks]
1286432168421
10111001
10111100
Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct nibble in the correct order:

  • 0111 (1)
  • 0101 (1)

0 marks if the response is not 8-bit binary.

Ignore a carry shown beyond the eighth bit.

Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks2/2

0111 0101

Why: 185 + 188 = 373, which needs 9 bits; the 8 bits that are kept are both correct (2).

Some marks1/2

0000 0101

Why: Forgets to carry the 1s. The second nibble is correct (1); the first is not.

No marks0/2

1011 1101

Why: Never carries. Neither nibble is correct.

(b)

State the name of the error that occurs when this addition is carried out.

[1 mark]
Mark scheme

Award one mark for:

  • overflow (error) (1)
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1

Overflow

Why: The result needs more bits than are available (1).

No marks0/1

Underflow

Why: A near miss: the result is too big for 8 bits, not too small.

No marks0/1

A syntax error

Why: A syntax error is a mistake in a program's code, not in arithmetic.

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 12 questions

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