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Paper 1: Principles of computer science

1(a)1 mark
Which one of the following is an example of decomposition?
1(b)3 marks
Trace the algorithm and state the output.
x = 4y = 1while x > 0:    y = y * x    x = x - 1print(y)
1(c)2 marks
Explain one advantage of a linear search over a binary search.
1(d)2 marks
Show the list [5, 2, 8, 1] after the first pass of a bubble sort into ascending order.
1(e)2 marks
Complete the output column of a truth table for P = NOT (A OR B) for inputs 00, 01, 10, 11.
2(a)1 mark
Convert 11001010 to denary.
2(b)2 marks
Represent −13 in 8-bit two's complement.
2(c)2 marks
Perform an arithmetic shift right of two places on 11110000 and state the effect.
2(d)2 marks
Explain what is meant by overflow.
2(e)3 marks
A bitmap image is 1,024 × 768 pixels with 16-bit colour depth. Calculate its size in kibibytes (KiB).
2(f)2 marks
Explain why lossless compression is used for text files.
2(g)2 marks
Encrypt the word CAT using a Caesar cipher with a shift of 3, and state one weakness of this cipher.
3(a)3 marks
Describe the main components of the von Neumann architecture.
3(b)4 marks
Describe the fetch–decode–execute cycle.
3(c)2 marks
Give two characteristics of an embedded system.
3(d)3 marks
A photographer needs portable storage for 2 TB of images. Recommend a storage type and justify it.
3(e)3 marks
Describe three functions of an operating system.
3(f)2 marks
Explain the purpose of defragmentation software.
3(g)2 marks
Give two differences between high-level and low-level languages.
3(h)3 marks
Compare compilers and interpreters.
4(a)2 marks
State two differences between a LAN and a WAN.
4(b)2 marks
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of a mesh topology.
4(c)3 marks
Explain how TCP and IP work together to send a file across the internet.
4(d)3 marks
A 40 MB file is downloaded over a connection of 8 megabits per second. Calculate the time taken in seconds. (Use 1 MB = 8 megabits.)
4(e)4 marks
Describe two threats to a network and a method of protection for each.
5(a)3 marks
Explain the environmental impact of discarded electronic devices.
5(b)2 marks
State two principles of data protection law.
5(c)4 marks
Explain how bias can occur in artificial intelligence systems and one consequence.
5(d)6 marks
A city council plans to install CCTV cameras with facial recognition. Discuss the impact of this plan.

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This paper is written by Plasmo in the style of the Edexcel GCSE Computer Science exam. It is not a past paper and is not produced or endorsed by the exam board.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Mock Exam: Paper 1: Principles of computer science | Plasmo