IT Past Paper Theory

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4. Describe how 3D printing would be used when creating objects for use in space
exploration. [6]
3D printings can be used for creating objects for use in space exploration.
1. 3D printing can create ‘hard-to-built’ objects with complex geometry for space vehicles
or satellites. For example, rocket nozzles and antennae.
2. 3D printing can make designs simpler using the computer where they don’t need to use
cutting tools. Designs are then printed as a whole part.
3. 3D printing is used to create replacement parts or specialist tools such as medical
instrument when needed. Models of new designs of space vehicles can be created
quickly.
4. When creating objects using 3D printing, they do not need to carry a collection of tools.
They just need a computer and a 3D printer. Therefore, it saves a lot of space and
weight.
5. They can create lattice structures instead of solid which reduced weight.

7. Describe how peer-to-peer file sharing can be carried out using the BitTorrent
protocol. [6]
BitTorrent protocol is used for peer-to-peer file sharing of large video files. It distributes the
load of downloading the files across several network resources.
1. Several sources known as hosts are collected to create swarm.
2. Each host will be given pieces of the file.
3. The BitTorrent protocol allows the user to join the swarm and download the file from
the available hosts.
4. The protocol will download the file in pieces, simultaneously, from various hosts in the
swarm.
5. The protocol then rearranges the pieces to create the completed file.
6. Each piece of the file is protected to stop it being modified by any users.
7. Each user trying to download the file is called a peer and each user that is providing an
upload of the file, as a part of the swarm, is called a seed.

8. Evaluate, by weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, the use of wireless

communications in the home. [8]
Nowadays, wireless communications have been widely used in our daily lives especially at
home. There are some advantages and disadvantages of using wireless communications. The
advantages are:
1. It allows the use of wireless doorbells placed at the front door where guests can easily
press it rather than knocking or banging the doors which can cause damage of
infrastructure.
2. It allows devices to be moved around freely while in use when doing activites. For
example, a wireless headphone can be used while a person is doing their laundry or
cleaning which does not disturb them by the cable hanging.
 3. It allows easy sharing of devices such as printers and scanners between computers so
that user no need to do complex configuration and setting up cables.
However, there are some disadvantages of using wireless communications.
1. It can create security issues if not set up properly so users' personal information can be
at risk such as hacking.
2. It is more open to inferences from electronic devices such as microwaves, ovens, and
fridges so it can prove unreliable.
In my opinion, as technologies evolved, the use of wireless communications would make
people's life much easier. They don't need to do setup routines using cables and wires as they
can connect it directly between devices.

9. In JavaScript, conditional statements can be used to carry out specific actions based
upon different conditions. The value of the variable ‘age’ is entered into a web page and
collected by the HTML code of the page. The function in Fig. 9.1 uses the ‘if else’ and ‘else
if’ conditional statements to test the value of the variable ‘age’. Line numbers are shown
only for your convenience when referring to the code.

(a) Explain, with reference to the code in the function, how the ‘if else’ and ‘else if’
statements operate to provide the appropriate statement when an age is entered into the
web page and collected by the HTML code. [6]
IF statement specifies block of code that is executed if a condition is TRUE. From the reference
above,
- Line 4 IF statement compares ‘age’ with condition less than 10 (<10). If TRUE, ‘You are
not old enough’ is stored in the variable ‘statement’. If FALSE, execution is passed to line
6.
- Line 6 ELSE IF statement compares ‘age’ with condition that is less than 18 (<18). If
TRUE, ‘You can go to this school’ is stored in the variable ‘statement’. If FALSE, execution
is passed to line 8.
- As it is passed to line 8, ‘You are old enough to go to this school’ is stored in variable
‘statement’.
To sum up, ELSE statement specifies the code if the IF condition is FALSE.
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1(a). Describe how computer-controlled 3D printing creates objects. [4]
- Computer file contains STL (standard triangle language) instructions for printing
objects.
- File is produced from CAD software.
- Software breaks object into layers and then creates 3D solid objects from computer
instructions.
- Objects are created from liquid/powder material.
- During the process, material is added to existing material (layer by layer).
- Once it is printed, supported parts are removed and any oversize printing is removed.
Finishing is done by polishing the 3D object.
(b) Describe, with examples, how 3D printing can be used in medicine by surgeons when
treating patients. [6]
3D printing can be used in many fields including medicine. It can be used by surgeons when
treating patients. 3D printing can:
1. Re-create damaged bone structures by printing customised structures for use in surgical
procedures.
2. It creates customised surgical implants to match patient anatomy.
3. It creates customised anatomical models for planning a surgery. It is used during
preparation in order to discuss within surgeons and avoid making mistakes.
4. It creates customised surgical tools to match patient requirements such as the size of
scalpel or syringe.
5. It creates customised surgical prostheses for arms and legs to aid recovery.

2. Ultra-high-definition television is available from video streaming services over the

internet.
(a) Describe the features of ultra-high-definition television systems that improve the
viewing experience. [3]
- UHD has resolution of 4 times the number of pixels as HD (8.29 megapixels VS 2.07
megapixels).
- UHD has resolution of both 4K and 8K.
- It increased the colour depth compared to HD.
- More LEDs in a given area on screen increase the resolution so there is more detail.