Hardware — AS & A Level Computer Science (9618) questions by topic

Explaining lexical analysis during compilation, identifying the largest file size among mixed kibibyte and megabyte options, and completing a table of sensors a navigating robot could use are the kind of tasks this topic sets, across 18 real questions from 2023 to 2025 papers worth 3 to 22 marks.

Explain, describe, identify, complete and convert are the top command words, and convert specifically means correctly moving between binary-prefix units such as kibibytes and kilobytes rather than treating them as equivalent. Because unit-conversion questions punish a single misremembered multiplier, checking a worked answer against instant marking is a fast way to confirm the right base was used throughout.

May–June 2025, Paper 11

Question 6 · 14 marks

A programmer is buying a new computer. The programmer is considering the following two computers: Specification --- --------------- Computer 1 Quad-core 2.2 GHz processor; 16-bit…

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May–June 2025, Paper 32

Question 8 · 4 marks

Explain what is meant by lexical analysis during program compilation.

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May–June 2024, Paper 12

Question 2 · 17 marks

Complete the description of the principal operation of a VR headset. A headset can have one or two ........................ that output the image to the user. The headset has…

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Question 7 · 6 marks

Tick (✓) one box only to identify the largest file size. [ ] 3300 kibibytes [ ] 0.3 megabytes [ ] 3 mebibytes [ ] 3300 kilobytes

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May–June 2024, Paper 13

Question 7 · 22 marks

A robot navigates through the restaurant to the table it is serving. Complete the table by identifying two sensors that can be included in the robot and the purpose of each sensor…

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October–November 2024, Paper 11

Question 5 · 6 marks

A security system has both a floodlight (very bright light) and an audio alarm. Sensors are used to detect if doors are open, the external daylight level and if people are…

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October–November 2024, Paper 12

Question 2 · 6 marks

Embedded systems are used in many electronic devices. Describe the drawbacks of embedded systems.

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Question 9 · 4 marks

A road bridge has a weight limit and a height limit for vehicles. For example, a vehicle must weigh less than 10 000 kg and must have a height of less than 3 m. The bridge has a…

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October–November 2024, Paper 13

Question 2 · 6 marks

A memory buffer uses Dynamic RAM (DRAM). Identify two differences between DRAM and Static RAM (SRAM).

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Question 3 · 3 marks

A car has an automatic braking system. A sensor is used to measure the distance to objects that are in front of the car. The car automatically brakes if an object is too close to…

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October–November 2024, Paper 31

Question 8 · 7 marks

Describe the process of segmentation for memory management.

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October–November 2024, Paper 33

Question 8 · 7 marks

Describe the process of segmentation for memory management.

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May–June 2023, Paper 13

Question 3 · 15 marks

A mobile telephone is used to record a video. The mobile telephone has a touchscreen. There are different types of touchscreen. Complete the description of the principal operation…

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October–November 2023, Paper 11

Question 7 · 7 marks

Describe the principal operations of a 3D printer.

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Question 9 · 5 marks

Explain the importance of feedback in a control system.

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October–November 2023, Paper 12

Question 1 · 6 marks

A factory makes chocolate bars. The factory uses a conveyor belt that moves the products from one stage of production to the next stage. An automated system counts the number of…

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Question 3 · 6 marks

State one difference between a kibibyte and a megabyte.

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October–November 2023, Paper 13

Question 7 · 11 marks

A laptop computer has Static RAM (SRAM). A virtual reality headset and a laser printer are connected to the laptop. Explain why Static RAM is used in the laptop instead of Dynamic…

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