Oxford Cambridge and RSA
GCSE (9-1) Computer Science
Computer Systems
J277/01
Topic: Unit 1.2 Sound
Time allowed: 20 minutes
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INSTRUCTIONS INFORMATION
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1
Sound needs to be converted into binary to be processed by a computer.

(a) Define the term 'Sample Rate'.
[1]

(b) Define the term 'Bit Depth'.
[1]
2
A student records a 10-second audio clip.
The recording uses a sample rate of 3,000 Hz and a bit depth of 8 bits.

(a) Calculate the file size of the recording in bits.
Show your working.
[2]
Working:
Answer:
bits

(b) Convert your answer from part (a) into bytes.
[1]
Answer:
bytes
3

Describe how an analogue sound wave is converted into a digital file.
Use the terms 'amplitude', 'measure', and 'binary' in your answer.
[3]
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4
A musician is recording a song in a studio.
They decide to increase the Bit Depth from 16-bit to 24-bit.

(a) Explain the effect this change will have on the quality of the sound.
[2]

(b) Explain the effect this change will have on the file size of the recording.
[2]
5
A podcast producer needs to reduce the file size of their latest episode so it can be downloaded faster. The current file is too large.

(a) State two changes the producer could make to the sound file to reduce its size.
Do not use compression in your answer.
[2]
1.
2.

(b) For one of the changes you identified in part (a), explain why this might negatively affect the listener's experience.
[2]
Change chosen:
Effect:
END OF QUESTION PAPER