Computer Science Basics Quiz

The ability of a capacitor to store electrical charge. It's measured in Farads (F).

The process of a capacitor gaining charge from an electrical source, like a battery.

The process of a capacitor releasing its stored charge. The rate depends on the resistance in the circuit.

The time it takes for a capacitor to charge to 63.2% of the supply voltage, or discharge to 36.8% of its initial voltage. It is calculated by multiplying the resistance (R) and capacitance (C) of the circuit.

A type of capacitor that is small and can be used in many different applications. Values range from a few Pico Farads (pF) to 1 Micro Farad (µF). They can be used with either side connected to ground.

A type of capacitor that is larger and has a higher capacitance than ceramic capacitors. Values range from 1 µF to several Farads. They are polarized, meaning one end must be connected to ground.

A type of capacitor that is similar to electrolytic capacitors but has a higher capacitance and operates at higher temperatures. They are also polarized and typically have a longer lifespan than electrolytic capacitors.

A circuit utilizing both resistors and capacitors. The time constant (RC) determines the rate at which the circuit charges and discharges. It is used in timing circuits and filtering electronic signals.

The frequency of a sound wave is measured in Hertz (Hz) and determines the pitch of the sound. Humans can perceive sounds within the range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz.

The amplitude of a sound wave determines its loudness, measured in decibels (dB). A larger amplitude corresponds to a louder sound.

Sound waves are converted into electrical signals by microphones. These signals can be manipulated and stored for later playback.

Electrical signals representing sound are converted into magnetic patterns on audio tapes. This allows for recording and playback.

The process of converting electrical signals into physical representations on CDs, allowing for long-term storage and playback.

During signal transmission, some quality degradation is inevitable. This is due to various factors like noise and limitations in the transmission medium.

Sound, in its most basic form, is a series of pressure waves in air. These waves are created by vibrating objects, like drums, strings, or vocal cords.

The process of converting stored digital data into analog sound waves through a speaker, allowing us to hear the recorded audio.

A mathematical representation describing how signal conditioning affects the input signal. It shows the relationship between the input and output signals.

Changing the level of a signal, either by amplifying or attenuating it. This is essential for making signals compatible with other parts of a circuit or system.

Adjusting a sensor's output so it varies linearly with the measured variable. This is crucial for precise measurements, as most sensors have nonlinear outputs.

Converting one type of electrical signal to another. For example, converting a changing resistance to a voltage or current signal.

A circuit used to measure an unknown resistance by comparing it to a known resistance. It's often used to convert resistance changes into voltage or current changes.

Amplifiers whose gain varies with the resistance they are measuring. This is useful for converting resistance changes into voltage or current signals.

The ability of a circuit to respond to changing signals. It's crucial for applications where fast signal variations are important, like accelerometers and optical detectors.

The resistance a circuit presents to the input signal. It's important for matching the input signal source to the circuit, preventing signal loss.

A special type of diode that emits light when conducting electricity. They are used in numerous applications due to their small size, low cost, and long lifespan.

A semiconductor device that can act as a switch, turning current on or off, or as an amplifier, increasing the strength of a current.

The thin layer in a transistor that controls the flow of current between the emitter and collector.

The material in a transistor that emits electrons or holes, acting as the source of the current.

The material in a transistor that collects electrons or holes, acting as the destination of the current.

A type of transistor where a thin layer of p-type semiconductor is sandwiched between two layers of n-type semiconductor.

A type of transistor where a thin layer of n-type semiconductor is sandwiched between two layers of p-type semiconductor.

The process of applying a small voltage to the base of a transistor to allow a larger current to flow from the emitter to the collector.

The process of sending information as a continuous wave, often using an electrical voltage, pressure, or light intensity.

The process of sending information using discrete units, like bits, which represent ones and zeros.

Transmission of data one bit at a time, using a single line.

Transmission of multiple bits simultaneously, using multiple lines.

An analog signal can carry different amounts of information based on changes in its strength or frequency. For example, a louder sound is represented by a stronger signal.

A digital signal uses combinations of ones and zeros (bits) to represent information. Each bit is either on or off.

Digital signals are more resistant to degradation than analog signals because they are less prone to noise and interference.

A representation of a number using only the digits 0 and 1. Each position in the number represents a power of 2, starting from the rightmost position (2^0 = 1).

Each on/off space in computer memory. It can represent either a 0 or a 1 in binary form.

A group of 8 bits. It can represent any decimal number from 0 to 255 because 8 bits can hold a maximum binary value of 11111111.

A method of converting a decimal number to a binary number by repeatedly dividing by 2 and recording the remainders.