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Year 10 - Computing

Calculation of sound file size

Representation of text, images and sound

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils will discover how letters, images and sounds are represented with binary digits. They will also explore the factors that impact the quality of those representations and investigate the effects these quality choices have on file size.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how sample resolution and sample rate affect the size and quality of a sound file.

Key Notes

  • Adjusting the sample resolution when digitising sound affects the accuracy of the sound being captured.
  • Adjusting the sample rate when digitising sound affects the completeness of the sound being captured.
  • The file size of a sound file is determined from its sample resolution, sample rate and duration.
  • Selection of sample resolution and rate depend on the use of the sound and the limitations imposed by the file size.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • accuracy: how close a measurement is to its actual value
  • duration: the length of time that something lasts

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Any sound that is digitised is going to be noticeably different to the original sound.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.

Adjusting the sample resolution when digitising sound affects the accuracy of the sound being captured. Adjusting the sample rate when digitising sound affects the completeness of the sound being captured.

2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'accuracy'

how close a measurement is to its actual value. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: Any sound that is digitised is going to be noticeably different to the original sound. Correction: When sound is turned into digital form with a high enough sampling rate and sample resolution, the difference from the original sound is too small for human ears to notice.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Computing guide library.