Learning Objectives: Analogue and Digital Data

Analogue and digital data are defined and explained as follows:

• Analogue data is continuous and varies smoothly, while digital data is discrete and represented by binary values.

• Analogue data is discrete and represented by binary values, while digital data is continuous and varies smoothly.

• Both analogue and digital data are always continuous and never discrete.

• Analogue data and digital data are both represented only by text.

Select the option that correctly identifies real-world examples of both types of data.

• Height (continuous), Number of students (discrete)

• Color of cars (continuous), Temperature (discrete)

• Weight (discrete), Number of apples (continuous)

• Age in years (continuous), Shoe size (continuous)

Key differences between analogue and digital data include:

• Analogue data is continuous, while digital data is discrete.

• Analogue data is always more accurate than digital data.

• Digital data cannot be stored electronically, but analogue data can.

• Analogue data is used only in computers, while digital data is used in radios.

Recognise which of the following are analogue and digital devices.

• Analogue: Thermometer, Digital: Calculator

• Analogue: Calculator, Digital: Thermometer

• Analogue: Computer, Digital: Wall clock

• Analogue: Smartphone, Digital: Mercury thermometer

Analogue data is converted to digital to allow computers to process, store, and transmit information efficiently. Which of the following best explains why this conversion is necessary?

• Because computers can only process digital data

• Because analogue data is always more accurate

• Because digital data cannot be transmitted

• Because analogue data is easier to store

What is the definition of 'Analogue'?

• A) A type of data that is made up of separate values, usually as numbers or codes, like a digital clock.

• B) Analog data: smooth, continuous changes, like a dimmer switch or sound wave.

• C) Information that can be collected, stored, and used by people or computers.

• D) A tool or device for a specific job, e.g., smartphone or thermometer.

What is the definition of 'Digital'?

• A) A tool or device for a specific job, e.g., smartphone or thermometer.

• B) Analog data: smooth, continuous changes, like a dimmer switch or sound wave.

• C) A type of data that is made up of separate values, usually as numbers or codes, like a digital clock.

• D) Information that can be collected, stored, and used by people or computers.

What is the definition of 'Device'?

• A tool or device for a specific job, e.g., smartphone or thermometer.

• Information that can be collected, stored, and used by people or computers.

• Analog data: smooth, continuous changes, like a dimmer switch or sound wave.

• A type of data that is made up of separate values, usually as numbers or codes, like a digital clock.

What is the definition of 'Data'?

• A) Information that can be collected, stored, and used by people or computers.

• B) A tool or device for a specific job, e.g., smartphone or thermometer.

• C) Analog data: smooth, continuous changes, like a dimmer switch or sound wave.

• D) A type of data that is made up of separate values, usually as numbers or codes, like a digital clock.

What is analogue data?

• Information that varies in set steps

• Information that varies smoothly and continuously

• Information that is always digital

• Information that never changes