AP Computer Science Principles Unit 1

Bit

The smallest piece of information in a computer, representing a state of a single wire as either on (1) or off (0).

Binary Number System

A system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent all numbers, in contrast to the decimal system which uses ten digits.

Byte

A unit of digital information consisting of 8 bits.

Overflow

An error that occurs when a calculation exceeds the maximum limit that can be represented with a given number of bits.

Lossless Compression

A type of compression that reduces file size without losing any information, allowing the original data to be perfectly reconstructed.

Lossy Compression

A type of compression that reduces file size by discarding less important information, potentially affecting file quality.

Integer

Any number that can be written without a fractional component, including positive and negative whole numbers.

Sign Bit

The first bit in a binary number that indicates whether the integer is positive or negative.

Rounding Error

An error that occurs when a number is rounded during calculations, leading to a loss of precision.

Open Access

A publishing model that allows free, immediate online access to research articles.

Traditional Publishing Process

The process by which scientific papers are submitted to journals that manage reviews, revisions, typesetting, printing, and distribution.

Subscription Costs

The fees charged by academic journals, which have increased significantly over time, making access to research difficult.

Compression Algorithm

A method used to reduce the size of files by finding and replacing repeated sequences with shorter representations.

Cultural Resistance to Change

The reluctance within scientific communities to adopt new practices or norms, often prioritizing traditional metrics.

Scientific Discovery

The process of discovering new information and knowledge in science, accelerated by open access to research.

Access Inequity

The disparity in the ability to access research findings, often due to high costs and subscription barriers.