All Flashcards
What is data?
A collection of facts.
Why do computers use binary?
Binary is easily represented by electrical signals (on/off, high/low voltage).
Explain the concept of abstraction.
Simplifying complex systems by hiding unnecessary details, allowing focus on the main idea.
Why is abstraction important in computer science?
It allows us to use complex systems without needing to understand all the underlying details.
How is analog data converted to digital data?
Through sampling, where values of the analog signal are measured and recorded at regular intervals.
What is an overflow error?
An error that occurs when trying to store a number larger than the allocated memory space.
What is a rounding error?
An error that occurs when a number is approximated due to limited storage space, especially with repeating decimals.
How does context affect bit representation?
The same bit sequence can represent different types of data based on context (e.g., a letter or a number).
Explain sampling in the context of analog to digital conversion.
Measuring and recording the values of an analog signal at regular intervals to create a digital representation.
Why is digital data considered an abstraction?
It simplifies real-world information by providing a finite representation of something continuous.
What is a bit?
A single binary digit (0 or 1).
What is a byte?
8 bits.
What is a number base?
The number of digits or digit combinations a system uses to represent values.
What is the binary number system?
A base-2 number system using only 0 and 1.
What is the decimal number system?
A base-10 number system using digits 0-9.
What is the hexadecimal number system?
A base-16 number system using digits 0-9 and letters A-F.
What is ASCII?
A standard for converting text to binary.
What is Unicode?
A modern and comprehensive system for converting text to binary, supporting a wider range of characters than ASCII.
What is analog data?
Continuous data that changes smoothly.
What is digital data?
Discrete data with a finite set of possible values.
How is binary used in computer memory?
To store all data and instructions as 0s and 1s.
How is hexadecimal used in color codes?
To represent RGB color values (e.g., #FFFFFF for white).
Give an example of abstraction in a smartphone.
Using apps without knowing how they interact with the operating system.
How is digital data used in music?
To store audio files as a series of discrete samples.
How is abstraction used in web development?
Using HTML and CSS without needing to understand the underlying network protocols.
How are overflow errors relevant in financial calculations?
They can lead to incorrect balances if large sums exceed the storage capacity.
How are rounding errors relevant in scientific simulations?
They can accumulate and affect the accuracy of the results over time.
How is binary used in image representation?
Each pixel's color is represented by a binary code.
How is hexadecimal used in representing memory addresses?
Provides a more human-readable and compact way to represent binary memory locations.
How is digital data used in medical imaging (e.g., X-rays)?
Analog signals are converted to digital data for storage and processing, allowing doctors to view and analyze the images.