Computers and their components: past paper questions

Where the questions come from

• Question 6May/June 2026, paper 12Structured11 marks

  A health monitor attaches to a person’s arm and measures key health information, for example heart rate. The monitor transmits data to the user’s smartphone. The results are analysed by the phone, which displays information to the user about their health.

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• Question 6Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Structured7 marks

  The processor uses several registers, including the Accumulator (ACC) and the Current Instruction Register (CIR). Complete the table by describing the role of each register.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Structured16 marks

  A computer system has a dual-core Central Processing Unit (CPU). State the purpose of the system clock and the Control Unit (CU) in a CPU.

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• Question 7Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Structured7 marks

  Describe the principal operations of a 3D printer.

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• Question 8May/June 2026, paper 13Structured10 marks

  A computer is used to record sound. The computer has Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM). Complete the table by naming and describing two other types of ROM.

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• Question 9Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Structured3 marks

  Describe the differences between a monitoring system and a control system.

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• Question 5Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Structured6 marks

  A security system has both a floodlight (very bright light) and an audio alarm. The data from multiple sensors is analysed and used to: • turn on the floodlight • sound the audio alarm.

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• Question 9Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Structured5 marks

  Explain the importance of feedback in a control system.

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• Question 10Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Structured4 marks

  An architect needs a model of a building. Explain how the model will be printed using a 3D printer.

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• Question 2Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Structured6 marks

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

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Structured6 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 chocolate bars made at the end of production.

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Structured10 marks

  A restaurant accesses software and stores data using cloud computing. Give two benefits of storing data using cloud computing.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Structured12 marks

  A student has a computer. The computer is designed using the Von Neumann model for a computer system. Complete the table by describing the purpose of each of the given registers.

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Structured8 marks

  A computer has an Operating System (OS). State one purpose of the Operating System.

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• Question 11Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Structured3 marks

  An automated system opens doors when a person is detected within 2 metres. The system closes the doors when there is no longer a person within 2 metres. Identify whether the automated system is an example of a monitoring system or a control system.

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• Question 9Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Structured4 marks

  A road bridge has a weight limit and a height limit for vehicles. For example, a vehicle must weigh less than $10000\text{ kg}$ and must have a height of less than $3\text{ m}$. The bridge has a warning system.

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• Question 7Oct/Nov 2023, paper 13Structured11 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 RAM.

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2025, paper 13Structured7 marks

  A network engineer is setting up a Local Area Network (LAN) in an office. The network uses both wired and wireless connectivity. Give three advantages of a wireless network compared to a wired network.

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• Question 2Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Structured6 marks

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

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• Question 4May/June 2023, paper 11Structured20 marks

  A networked closed-circuit television (CCTV) system in a house uses sensors and cameras to detect the presence of a person. It then tracks the person and records a video of their movements. Data from the CCTV cameras is transmitted to a central computer.

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• Question 4May/June 2025, paper 11Structured6 marks

  A shop installs a new system that allows users to purchase items without going through a manual checkout.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Structured3 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 the front of the car or the distance between the car and the object is decreasing too quickly.

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• Question 5May/June 2023, paper 12Structured15 marks

  A student has purchased a new laptop. The laptop is designed using the Von Neumann model for a computer system. Identify two types of signal that a control bus can transfer.

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• Question 6May/June 2025, paper 11Structured14 marks

  A programmer is buying a new computer.

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• Question 2May/June 2024, paper 11Structured18 marksHas a diagram

  A video doorbell is attached to the front door of a house. The doorbell uses a motion sensor to detect when a visitor walks in front of the door. When the motion sensor is activated: • The digital camera in the doorbell starts recording a video.

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• Question 3May/June 2023, paper 13Structured15 marks

  A mobile telephone is used to record a video. The mobile telephone has a touchscreen. There are different types of touchscreen.

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• Question 2May/June 2025, paper 13Structured10 marks

  A computer has a processor. The processor has a Control Unit (CU) and system clock. Explain how the CU and the system clock work together.

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• Question 2May/June 2024, paper 12Structured17 marks

  A computer game is being designed that users will be able to play using a virtual reality (VR) headset. Complete the description of the principal operation of a VR headset.

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• Question 7May/June 2024, paper 13Structured22 marksHas a diagram

  Robots are used to serve food and drink to customers at a restaurant. 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 in the navigation system.

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