Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in physics focuses on the use of modern electronic systems for transmitting, processing, and storing information. This chapter covers basic communication systems, signal types, modulation, the electromagnetic spectrum, fiber optics, satellites, and data transmission methods. It also highlights the role of ICT in modern life, including the internet, mobile networks, and broadcasting.
1. Which of the following is an example of analog communication?
- A. AM radio broadcasting ✅
- B. Digital TV
- C. Internet streaming
- D. SMS messaging
Explanation: AM radio transmits signals as continuously varying waveforms, making it analog.
2. The device used to convert sound waves into electrical signals is:
- A. Microphone ✅
- B. Loudspeaker
- C. Amplifier
- D. Modem
Explanation: Microphones convert acoustic energy into electrical signals for transmission.
3. Modulation in communication systems is necessary to:
- A. Transmit signals over long distances ✅
- B. Increase sound quality only
- C. Reduce electricity consumption
- D. Remove interference completely
Explanation: Modulation changes a carrier wave to carry information efficiently over long distances.
4. In frequency modulation (FM), the:
- A. Frequency of carrier wave changes ✅
- B. Amplitude of carrier wave changes
- C. Phase of carrier wave changes
- D. Wave speed changes
Explanation: FM varies the frequency of the carrier wave while amplitude remains constant.
5. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is used for satellite communication?
- A. Microwaves ✅
- B. Infrared
- C. Ultraviolet
- D. Gamma rays
Explanation: Microwaves can penetrate the atmosphere and are ideal for satellite links.
6. Optical fibers transmit data using:
- A. Total internal reflection ✅
- B. Diffraction
- C. Refraction
- D. Scattering
Explanation: Light signals are guided inside the fiber by repeated total internal reflection.
7. The device that converts digital signals to analog and vice versa is:
- A. Modem ✅
- B. Router
- C. Switch
- D. Transducer
Explanation: A modem modulates and demodulates signals for internet communication.
8. Geostationary satellites remain fixed relative to Earth because they:
- A. Orbit at the same speed as Earth’s rotation ✅
- B. Are stationary in space
- C. Have no gravitational effect
- D. Orbit at low altitudes
Explanation: Their orbital period matches Earth’s rotation, appearing stationary from the ground.
9. The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately:
- A. 3 × 10⁸ m/s ✅
- B. 1.5 × 10⁸ m/s
- C. 3 × 10⁶ m/s
- D. 1 × 10⁷ m/s
Explanation: This is a fundamental physical constant used in communication calculations.
10. Which technology is used for short-range wireless communication?
- A. Bluetooth ✅
- B. Satellite
- C. Microwave links
- D. Fiber optics
Explanation: Bluetooth operates over short distances, ideal for device-to-device connections.
11. Which modulation technique is used in standard television broadcasting?
- A. Amplitude modulation for video and FM for audio ✅
- B. FM for both video and audio
- C. AM for both video and audio
- D. Pulse code modulation only
Explanation: TV signals use AM for video transmission and FM for audio clarity.
12. Which component in a communication system boosts weak signals?
- A. Amplifier ✅
- B. Transducer
- C. Modem
- D. Oscillator
Explanation: Amplifiers increase signal strength for effective transmission.
13. Which term describes the maximum distance a signal can travel without degradation?
- A. Range ✅
- B. Bandwidth
- C. Frequency
- D. Latency
Explanation: Range depends on power, medium, and interference.
14. Which wave property determines the data capacity of a communication channel?
- A. Bandwidth ✅
- B. Amplitude
- C. Frequency
- D. Wavelength
Explanation: Higher bandwidth allows more data to be transmitted per second.
15. Which network type covers the largest geographical area?
- A. WAN ✅
- B. LAN
- C. MAN
- D. PAN
Explanation: Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect multiple cities or countries.