Year 6 Computer Science: Data, Hardware, and Robotics

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering data representation, analogue-to-digital conversion, CPU architecture, computer storage types, and robotics applications.

Data

Information stored and used by computers—ranging from a single letter to an entire library—which is converted into sequences of $0\text{s}$ and $1\text{s}$ for processing.

Bit

The smallest single unit of digital information, representing a individual binary value of $0$ or $1$.

Nibble

A unit of computer data storage consisting of $4\text{ bits}$.

Byte

A unit of digital data storage consisting of $8\text{ bits}$ that can represent up to $256$ distinct values.

Kilobyte (KB)

A data size unit equivalent to $1,024\text{ bytes}$, typical for small files such as a short email or a tiny image.

Megabyte (MB)

A data size unit equivalent to $1,024\text{ KB}$, typical for files such as a digital photo or a large document.

Gigabyte (GB)

A data size unit equivalent to $1,024\text{ MB}$, typical for larger media such as a video game or an HD movie.

Terabyte (TB)

A data size unit equivalent to $1,024\text{ GB}$, typical for massive storage collections such as databases and video libraries.

Analogue Data

Data that flows smoothly and continuously, such as human voice, a sunrise, or violin music.

Digital Data

Data that uses discrete values rather than continuous streams, stored by computers as binary code snapshots.

Sampling

The process of taking snapshots of a continuous analogue sound wave at regular intervals and rounding decimal values into discrete numbers.

Coding

The process of converting each sampled snapshot of an analogue signal into a binary number made of $0\text{s}$ and $1\text{s}$.

Sampling Rate

The frequency at which snapshots of a wave are taken; higher rates capture greater detail and produce higher digital sound quality.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The processor that acts as the computer's brain, responsible for interpreting and executing instructions from hardware and software.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The main component of the CPU that carries out all mathematical calculations and logical operations.

Control Unit (CU)

The main component of the CPU that manages and directs processor operations by reading and interpreting instructions.

Primary Storage (RAM)

Fast, immediate computer memory acting as the 'thinking space' where the CPU holds data it is currently using.

Secondary Storage

Long-term computer storage that saves the operating system, applications, and user files, retaining its contents even when powered off.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A traditional secondary storage device that relies on spinning magnetic disks, offering cost-effective capacity at slower speeds.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A secondary storage device with no moving parts that is faster and more reliable than an HDD, but typically more expensive.

External Drives

Portable HDDs or SSDs connected from outside the computer case, primarily used for system backups and transferring files.

Memory Cards and USB Drives

Compact, convenient secondary storage media designed for easy file sharing and transport across devices.

Hardware and Software Selection Criteria

The five essential factors to evaluate when purchasing or upgrading a computer system: functionality, cost, speed, aesthetics, and durability.

Robotics Applications

Automated systems linked to computer control, including medical supply delivery drones, robotic vacuums, car assembly lines, and automated food harvesting.