Data Representation Flashcards

Front

What are the smallest units of data in a computer?

Back

Bits (binary digits)

Answer explanation

The smallest units of data in a computer are bits (binary digits), which represent the most basic form of data in computing. Bytes, kilobytes, and megabytes are larger units derived from bits.

Front

How many bits are in a byte?

Back

8 bits

Answer explanation

A byte consists of 8 bits. This is a standard measurement in computing, where bits are the smallest unit of data, and 8 bits together form a byte, which can represent 256 different values.

Front

What number system do computers use to store data?

Back

Binary (base 2)

Answer explanation

Computers use the binary number system (base 2) to store data, as it represents information using only two states: 0 and 1. This is fundamental to digital electronics and computing.

Front

Why do computers use binary?

Back

Computers use binary because they use electronic circuits that can only be ON or OFF (1s and 0s).

Answer explanation

Computers use binary because their electronic circuits operate in two states: ON and OFF, represented by 1s and 0s. This makes binary the most efficient way for computers to process and store data.

Front

Largest number in an 8-bit binary number?

Back

255

Answer explanation

An 8-bit binary number can represent values from 0 to 255. The maximum value is calculated as 2^8 - 1, which equals 255. Therefore, the largest number that can be stored in an 8-bit binary number is B) 255.

Front

What number system does binary use?

Back

Base 2

Answer explanation

Binary uses Base 2, which means it consists of only two digits: 0 and 1. This is different from Base 10 (decimal), Base 8 (octal), and Base 16 (hexadecimal), which use more digits.

Front

How many possible values can a single binary digit represent?

Back

Two (0 and 1)

Answer explanation

A single binary digit, or bit, can represent two possible values: 0 and 1. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Two (0 and 1)', as it reflects the fundamental nature of binary representation.

Front

Why do we use place value in binary?

Back

To determine the value of each digit, just like in decimal

Answer explanation

We use place value in binary to determine the value of each digit, similar to how it's done in the decimal system. Each position represents a power of 2, allowing us to interpret the binary number correctly.

Front

What is an overflow error in binary?

Back

When a number is too large to fit in the allocated bits, causing loss of data

Answer explanation

An overflow error occurs when a number exceeds the maximum value that can be represented with the allocated bits. This leads to data loss, making option B the correct choice.

Front

ASCII

Back

American Standard Code for Information Interchange

Answer explanation

ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, which is the correct choice (A). It is a character encoding standard used for representing text in computers.