← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Automated systems in science

Sensors and a microprocessor measure and control conditions in experiments, and collect data in places too dangerous or remote for people, such as volcanoes or space.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 6.1 Automated Systems — Module 34

Understanding Automated systems in science in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The pH sensor reading is compared with the stored limit, and the actuator (pump) is switched on to bring the pH back to the correct level. The sensor and microprocessor collect data in a hazardous or remote place and send it to scientists, so no one has to enter the danger zone. An automated data logger takes readings at set intervals over long periods without tiring or missing a reading. Sensors can be sent to dangerous or remote places where people cannot safely go, such as volcanoes. Automatic logging works continuously and records readings at regular, accurate intervals. Faults, power cuts and hacking can interrupt automated systems. Sensors do not get bored or tired.

Common mistakes: A REPEAT loop must finish with UNTIL and a condition. WHILE does not close a REPEAT loop. The last line should be UNTIL experiment_over. The heater should switch on when the temperature is below the target, not above it. Using > would heat the experiment when it is already too hot. It should be IF temp < target THEN.

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Learning
Duo
A scientist wants temperature readings every minute for 3 weeks. Which is the better method?
The scientist stays and writes down every reading by handSensor and microprocessor log the data automatically
Matches
IF temperature > 25 THEN heater ← ON
↓
The wrong comparison is used. The heater should switch on when the temperature is BELOW the set value, not above it, otherwise the experiment gets hotter and hotter.
Applying
Meanings
Term
automated system in science
Meaning
Sensors and a microprocessor measure and control conditions in experiments, and collect data in places too dangerous or remote for people, such as volcanoes or space.
Practice
WHILE TRUE DO
Testing
Gaps
IF temperature 30 THEN
Check Answer
Spots
3 STORE temp IN log
4WHILE experiment_over

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Quick Questions

1. A scientist wants temperature readings every minute for 3 weeks. Which is the better method?
A. Sensor and microprocessor log the data automatically ✓
B. The scientist stays and writes down every reading by hand
An automated data logger takes readings at set intervals over long periods without tiring or missing a reading.
2. Which place is a good use of an automated system in science?
A. Measuring the temperature of a classroom desk
B. Measuring gas and temperature inside a volcano crater ✓
Sensors can be sent to dangerous or remote places where people cannot safely go, such as volcanoes.
3. An experiment must stay at 37 degrees Celsius. What does the microprocessor do when the temperature sensor reads 34 degrees?
A. Ignores the reading and switches the heater off
B. Compares it with the stored value and switches the heater on ✓
The microprocessor compares the sensor reading with the stored value and signals the actuator (heater) to bring the temperature back up.
4. Which statement about a space probe is true?
A. Sensors collect data and send it back to scientists on Earth ✓
B. A scientist must travel with it to read each sensor
Space is too remote and dangerous for people to reach easily, so automated sensors collect the data for them.
5. In a pH-controlled experiment, the pH sensor reads 5 but the target is 7. What happens next in the automated system?
A. The microprocessor tells an actuator to add alkali ✓
B. The pH sensor adds the alkali itself
A sensor only measures. The microprocessor decides, and an actuator (such as a pump) acts to change the pH.

Match the Pairs

IF temperature < 25 THEN heater ← ON → Keeps an experiment at a set temperature by switching a heater on when the sensor reading drops below the stored value
WAIT 60 seconds; STORE reading → Data logging: the system records a sensor reading at regular intervals so readings can be collected over a long period without a person present
A pH-controlled experiment: if the pH sensor reading is too high, the microprocessor makes a pump add acid → IF pH > 7.5 THEN pump ← ON
A probe in a dangerous place such as a volcano sends sensor readings to scientists instead of a person going there → OUTPUT gas_reading TO base_station
IF temperature > 25 THEN heater ← ON → The wrong comparison is used. The heater should switch on when the temperature is BELOW the set value, not above it, otherwise the experiment gets hotter and hotter.
WHILE experiment_running: STORE reading (no WAIT) → There is no time interval between readings, so the system stores huge amounts of data very quickly and the memory fills up long before a long experiment ends.

Key Term

automated system in science
Sensors and a microprocessor measure and control conditions in experiments, and collect data in places too dangerous or remote for people, such as volcanoes or space.

Fill in the Blanks

1. IF temperature < 30 THEN heater ← ON ENDIF
Hint: Type the comparison operator that checks whether the experiment is colder than the set temperature.
2. WHILE running = TRUE reading ← ReadSensor(pH) ENDWHILE
Hint: Type the keyword that starts a loop so the system keeps taking readings over a long period.
3. reading ← ReadSensor(gas) OUTPUT reading WAIT 60
Hint: Type the keyword that sends the volcano sensor reading out to the scientists at the base.
4. IF pH < 7 THEN alkaliPump ← ON ENDIF
Hint: Type the value that switches the pump actuator on to bring the pH back up.
5. IF temperature > 30 THEN heater ← OFF ENDIF
Hint: Type the keyword that closes the selection statement.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A REPEAT
B temp ← READ_TEMP()
C STORE temp IN log
D WHILE experiment_over
Line D — A REPEAT loop must finish with UNTIL and a condition. WHILE does not close a REPEAT loop. The last line should be UNTIL experiment_over.
Question 2
A target ← 37
B IF temp > target THEN
C heater ← ON
D ELSE
E heater ← OFF
F ENDIF
Line B — The heater should switch on when the temperature is below the target, not above it. Using > would heat the experiment when it is already too hot. It should be IF temp < target THEN.
Question 3
A ph ← READ_PH()
B IF ph < 7 THEN
C OPEN acid_valve
D ENDIF
Line C — A pH below 7 means the liquid is too acidic. The microprocessor must open the alkali valve to raise the pH. Adding more acid would make it worse.
Question 4
A REPEAT
B READ_GAS() ← gas
C SEND gas TO base
D UNTIL probe_lost
Line B — In pseudocode the variable goes on the left of the arrow and the value goes on the right. The line should be gas ← READ_GAS() so the sensor reading is stored in gas.
Question 5
A FOR hour ← 1 TO 24
B light[day] ← READ_LIGHT()
C WAIT 1 HOUR
D NEXT hour
Line B — The loop counter is hour, so the array index must be hour. The variable day does not exist in this program. It should be light[hour] ← READ_LIGHT().

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