Skip to content

Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Year 10 - Computing

Bubble sort

Searching and sorting algorithms

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will have opportunities to analyse, interpret, modify, and implement a range of searching and sorting algorithms. They will have the opportunity to compare the features and efficiency of these algorithms and make suggestions about the most suitable algorithm for a given task.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to perform a bubble sort to order data in a list.

Key Notes

  • The bubble sort algorithm works by repeatedly going through a list.
  • It compares adjacent items and swaps the items if they are in the wrong order.
  • Each time the algorithm goes through the list it is called a pass.
  • The pass through the list is repeated until no more changes are made on a pass.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • bubble sort: a sorting algorithm that repeatedly compares pairs of values within a list and swaps them if they are out of order
  • pass: a complete traversal of a list

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The bubble sort algorithm stops on the last swap.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The bubble sort algorithm works by repeatedly going through a list. It compares adjacent items and swaps the items if they are in the wrong order.

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

a sorting algorithm that repeatedly compares pairs of values within a list and swaps them if they are out of order. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.

3. Correct this common computing misconception.

Mistake: The bubble sort algorithm stops on the last swap. Correction: The pass through the list is repeated until no more changes are made on a pass. The last pass is needed to confirm the data is in order.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Computing guide library.