Which is a positive effect of microprocessor-controlled devices in the home?

People have more leisure time. The devices do the work.

Why are smart devices in the home a risk to the security of data?

They are connected to the internet and can be hacked. They also collect data about how the household lives.

Which is a possible negative effect of smart devices on health?

less physical activity. Work that kept people moving is done by machines.

Which is an advantage of microprocessor-controlled traffic lights?

Traffic flow can be improved. Timings can change with the amount of traffic.

Which is a concern about autonomous vehicles?

Their systems could be hacked or could fail. A fault could cause an accident.

Microprocessors at home and in transport · Cambridge IGCSE Information & Communication Technology

In plain words

A microprocessor is a tiny computer built into another device. Washing machines, heating systems, door locks, cars and traffic lights all have them now, and many are connected to the internet. The question is always the same: what have we gained, and what have we lost?

7 things to know

In the home, microprocessors control washing machines, ovens, heating, lighting, alarms and smart speakers.
Positive effects on lifestyle: devices do the work without supervision, so people have more leisure time, and can control their home from a phone when they are out. Smart heating and lighting save energy, and alarms and cameras improve security.
Negative effects on lifestyle: people can become lazy and less fit, and may lose household skills. Devices cost more and are harder to repair.
Social interaction can fall, because people stay at home and shop, bank and talk online.
Security of data: smart devices are connected to the internet, so they can be hacked, and they collect data about a household's habits.
In transport, microprocessors control traffic lights, monitor motorways and guide autonomous vehicles. They can improve traffic flow and reduce accidents caused by human error.
The risks in transport: a failure or a hacking attack could cause accidents or gridlock, the systems are expensive, drivers' jobs may be lost, and journeys can be tracked.

Worked example

A family buys a robotic vacuum cleaner and a smart heating system that they control from their phones. Give one positive and one negative effect on their lifestyle.

Positive: housework is done without them, so they have more leisure time.
Negative: they do less physical activity, which could affect their fitness. Or: the heating system could be hacked, since it is connected to the internet.

Tips and tricks

The syllabus lists what to think about at home: lifestyle, leisure time, physical fitness, security of data and social interaction. Use those words as a checklist.
Give both positive and negative effects unless the question asks for one side only.

5 questions, about 2 minutes.

It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.

Microprocessors at home and in transport: 5 questions and answers

These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.

Which is a positive effect of microprocessor-controlled devices in the home?
- People become less fit.
- People have more leisure time. (the answer)
- Devices can be hacked.
- Household skills are lost.
The devices do the work.
Why are smart devices in the home a risk to the security of data?
- They use too much electricity.
- They are connected to the internet and can be hacked. (the answer)
- They are too small.
- They have no microprocessor.
They also collect data about how the household lives.
Which is a possible negative effect of smart devices on health?
- more exercise
- less physical activity (the answer)
- better sleep
- improved eyesight
Work that kept people moving is done by machines.
Which is an advantage of microprocessor-controlled traffic lights?
- They never fail.
- Traffic flow can be improved. (the answer)
- They cost nothing.
- They cannot be hacked.
Timings can change with the amount of traffic.
Which is a concern about autonomous vehicles?
- They get tired.
- Their systems could be hacked or could fail. (the answer)
- They break the speed limit on purpose.
- They cannot detect other vehicles.
A fault could cause an accident.

5 questions

Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.

Worksheet

2 questions, 6 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.

Microprocessors at home and in transport

Cambridge IGCSE Information & Communication Technology 0417 · 6 marks · papermunch.org

Name ______________________________ Date ______________

Describe two positive and two negative effects of using microprocessor-controlled devices in the home.[4]
Show answerHide answer
Positive: people have more leisure time, because devices work without supervision. Devices can be controlled remotely from a smartphone. Negative: people may become less fit, because they do less physical work. Devices connected to the internet can be hacked.
I got this one
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of autonomous vehicles.[2]
Show answerHide answer
Advantage: fewer accidents are caused by human error. Disadvantage: a fault in the software or sensors could cause an accident. (Also: drivers may lose their jobs.)
I got this one

Answers: Microprocessors at home and in transport

1. Positive: people have more leisure time, because devices work without supervision. Devices can be controlled remotely from a smartphone. Negative: people may become less fit, because they do less physical work. Devices connected to the internet can be hacked.
2. Advantage: fewer accidents are caused by human error. Disadvantage: a fault in the software or sensors could cause an accident. (Also: drivers may lose their jobs.)