NAEP Technology and Engineering Literacy Grade 8 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a router in a computer network?
- To store large amounts of data for users
- To direct data packets between networks so information reaches the correct destination (Correct answer)
- To convert analog signals into digital signals
- To protect a network from viruses and malware
Correct answer: To direct data packets between networks so information reaches the correct destination
A router directs data packets between different networks, determining the best path for data to travel to reach its destination.
Question 2: What does 'open-source software' mean?
- Software that can only be used on open networks
- Software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to view, use, or modify (Correct answer)
- Software that requires an internet connection to run
- Software developed by government agencies and freely distributed
Correct answer: Software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to view, use, or modify
Open-source software has publicly available source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and distribute, fostering collaboration and transparency.
Question 3: In computing, what does 'bandwidth' refer to?
- The physical width of a network cable
- The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time (Correct answer)
- The number of devices connected to a network
- The time it takes a computer to start up
Correct answer: The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time
Bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across a network path, typically measured in bits per second (bps).
Question 4: A programmer writes code that repeats the same set of instructions 10 times. Which programming concept is being used?
- Conditional statement
- Variable declaration
- Loop (Correct answer)
- Function call
Correct answer: Loop
A loop is a programming construct that repeats a block of code a specified number of times or until a condition is met.
Question 5: What does URL stand for?
- Universal Resource Locator
- Uniform Resource Locator (Correct answer)
- United Reference Link
- Universal Routing Label
Correct answer: Uniform Resource Locator
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator, which is the address used to access a specific resource on the internet.
Question 6: Which of the following correctly identifies input and output in a computer system?
- A monitor is input; a keyboard is output
- A keyboard is input; a monitor is output (Correct answer)
- A printer is input; a mouse is output
- A speaker is input; a microphone is output
Correct answer: A keyboard is input; a monitor is output
A keyboard sends data into the computer (input), while a monitor displays processed data from the computer (output).
Question 7: What is the main purpose of encryption in digital communication?
- To speed up the transmission of data over a network
- To compress files so they take up less storage space
- To scramble data so only authorized parties can read it (Correct answer)
- To convert text files into images for easier sharing
Correct answer: To scramble data so only authorized parties can read it
Encryption converts readable data into a coded format that can only be decoded by someone with the correct key, protecting information from unauthorized access.
NAEP Technology and Engineering Literacy Grade 8 3
What is the primary function of a router in a computer network?