Chapter 10: Information Communication Technology: A New Direction
Solved textbook questions with step-by-step explanations.
Grade 9 Q&A: Chapter 10: Information Communication Technology: A New Direction
Welcome to the Questions and Answers section for Grade 9 Science, Chapter 10: "Information Communication Technology: A New Direction." This chapter introduces you to the fundamentals of ICT, covering computer components, software, networking, the internet, and the vast applications of ICT in various fields of life.
Important Questions and Answers
Q1: What is Information and Communication Technology (ICT)?
Answer: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to the diverse set of technological tools and resources used to create, store, manage, exchange, and process information. It encompasses computers, the internet, telecommunications, software, and various digital applications that facilitate communication and information handling.
Q2: Name the two main components of a computer system.
Answer: The two main components of a computer system are:
- Hardware: The physical, tangible components.
- Software: The intangible set of instructions or programs.
Q3: Give two examples each of input and output devices.
Answer:
- Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone, Webcam.
- Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Projector.
Q4: What is the function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)? Name its main parts.
Answer: The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer, responsible for executing instructions, performing calculations, and managing the overall operations of the computer. Its main parts are:
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
- Control Unit (CU): Manages and coordinates all operations.
- Registers: Small, high-speed storage locations.
Q5: Differentiate between RAM and ROM.
Answer:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory used for temporary storage of data and programs currently being used. Data is lost when the power is turned off.
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory that stores permanent instructions (like the boot-up instructions) that are not lost when the power is turned off.
Q6: What is software? List its two main types.
Answer: Software is a set of instructions or programs that tells the computer hardware what to do. It is intangible. Its two main types are:
- System Software: Manages basic computer operations (e.g., Operating System).
- Application Software: Performs specific tasks for the user (e.g., MS Word, web browser).
Q7: What is an Operating System (OS)? Give two examples.
Answer: An Operating System (OS) is the most important system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, provides a user interface, and allows applications to run. Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
Q8: Give two examples of application software.
Answer: Examples of application software include:
- Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
- Spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)
- Presentation software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides)
- Web browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)
- Media players (e.g., VLC Media Player)
Q9: What is a computer network? What are its advantages?
Answer: A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers and devices that can communicate and share data and resources. Advantages include:
- Resource sharing (e.g., printers, files, internet connection).
- Facilitates communication among users.
- Centralized data management and security.
- Cost reduction (by sharing resources).
Q10: Differentiate between LAN and WAN.
Answer:
- LAN (Local Area Network): Connects computers and devices within a small, limited geographical area, such as a home, office building, or school campus.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Connects computers and networks over a large geographical area, spanning cities, countries, or even continents. The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.
Q11: What is the Internet? How is it different from the World Wide Web (WWW)?
Answer:
- Internet: A global system of interconnected computer networks that uses standard communication protocols (TCP/IP) to link billions of devices worldwide. It is the underlying infrastructure.
- World Wide Web (WWW): A system of interlinked hypertext documents and other web resources that are accessed via the Internet. It is a service that runs on the Internet, providing a vast collection of websites and web pages.
Q12: List three important services provided by the Internet.
Answer: Important services provided by the Internet include:
- Email: For sending and receiving electronic messages.
- Web Browsing: Accessing information and websites on the World Wide Web.
- Online Chat/Messaging: Real-time text-based communication.
- Video Conferencing: Real-time audio and video communication.
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP): For transferring files.
Q13: Explain the application of ICT in Education.
Answer: In education, ICT has enabled:
- E-learning: Online courses, virtual classrooms, and educational apps provide flexible learning opportunities.
- Access to Information: Students and teachers can access vast digital libraries, research papers, and educational resources online.
- Interactive Learning: Multimedia content, simulations, and educational software make learning more engaging.
- Collaboration: Online platforms facilitate collaboration among students and teachers.
Q14: What is E-commerce? Give examples.
Answer: E-commerce (Electronic Commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transmitting of funds or data, over an electronic network, primarily the Internet. Examples include online shopping websites like Amazon, Flipkart, and online banking services.
Q15: How is ICT used in Healthcare?
Answer: ICT in healthcare includes:
- Telemedicine: Remote consultation, diagnosis, and treatment using communication technologies.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): Digital systems for managing patient information, improving record-keeping and accessibility.
- Medical Research: Facilitating data analysis, drug discovery, and sharing of research findings.
- Medical Imaging: Digital imaging techniques (e.g., MRI, CT scans).
Q16: Explain the concept of E-governance.
Answer: E-governance refers to the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to deliver government services, exchange information, communicate transactions, and integrate various stand-alone systems and services between government and citizens, government and businesses, and government and other government agencies. Examples include online applications for documents, bill payments, and tax filing.
Q17: What are the advantages of using ICT in communication?
Answer: Advantages of ICT in communication include:
- Instant Communication: Email, messaging apps allow real-time exchange of messages.
- Global Connectivity: Connects people across geographical boundaries.
- Multimedia Communication: Supports text, audio, video, and image sharing.
- Cost-effectiveness: Often cheaper than traditional communication methods.
- Collaboration: Facilitates remote teamwork and meetings (video conferencing).
Q18: What are some challenges associated with the widespread use of ICT?
Answer: Challenges associated with ICT include:
- Cybersecurity Threats: Hacking, data breaches, viruses, malware.
- Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology and internet, especially in rural areas.
- Privacy Concerns: Risk of personal data misuse.
- Information Overload: Difficulty in discerning reliable information.
- Job Displacement: Automation leading to job losses in some sectors.
- Health Issues: Eye strain, posture problems from prolonged screen use.
Q19: What are some emerging trends in ICT?
Answer: Emerging trends in ICT include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning, natural language processing.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Interconnection of everyday objects with the internet.
- Big Data: Analysis of large datasets for insights.
- Cloud Computing: Delivering computing services over the internet.
- Blockchain Technology: Distributed ledger technology (e.g., cryptocurrencies).
Q20: How has ICT transformed the business sector?
Answer: ICT has transformed the business sector by:
- Enabling e-commerce (online buying/selling).
- Improving supply chain management and logistics.
- Facilitating global market access.
- Enhancing communication and collaboration within organizations.
- Automating processes and improving efficiency.
- Providing data analytics for better decision-making.
Q21: What is the difference between system software and application software?
Answer:
- System Software: Programs that manage and control the computer's hardware and provide a platform for application software to run (e.g., Operating System, Utility Software).
- Application Software: Programs designed to perform specific tasks for the user, such as word processing, browsing the internet, or playing games (e.g., MS Word, Chrome, VLC Player).
Q22: Name the three main parts of the CPU.
Answer: The three main parts of the CPU are the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and Registers.
Q23: How does ICT help in disaster management?
Answer: ICT aids in disaster management through:
- Early Warning Systems: Using sensors and communication networks to detect and alert about impending disasters.
- Communication: Facilitating communication among rescue teams, authorities, and affected populations.
- Mapping and Monitoring: Using GIS and satellite imagery for damage assessment and resource allocation.
- Information Dissemination: Providing critical information to the public during emergencies.
Q24: What is the significance of the internet in modern society?
Answer: The Internet is significant because it provides instant access to vast amounts of information, enables global communication, facilitates e-commerce, supports e-learning, and powers social networking, transforming almost every aspect of modern life and fostering a globalized society.
Q25: What is a web browser? Give an example.
Answer: A web browser is an application software used to access and view information on the World Wide Web. It interprets HTML code and displays web pages. Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari.
Exercise Solutions
Q1: Complete the statements by choosing the correct option.
- The physical components of a computer are called hardware.
- The 'brain' of the computer is the CPU.
- RAM is a volatile memory.
- A computer network that connects computers in a small geographical area is called a LAN.
- The global system of interconnected computer networks is called the Internet.
Q2: Match the pairs.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Input Device |
| Monitor | Output Device |
| Windows | Operating System |
| MS Word | Application Software |
| Internet | WAN |
Q3: Give reasons.
- ICT has become essential in education.
Answer: ICT has become essential in education because it offers numerous benefits that enhance the learning and teaching process. It provides access to a vast amount of information and resources through digital libraries and the internet, facilitates e-learning and online courses, enables interactive learning through multimedia and simulations, and promotes collaboration among students and teachers through online platforms. This makes education more accessible, engaging, and effective, preparing students for the digital age. - The Internet has revolutionized communication.
Answer: The Internet has revolutionized communication by making it instant, global, and multi-faceted. It enables real-time communication through email, messaging apps, and video conferencing, connecting people across geographical boundaries at a low cost. Social media platforms allow for broad dissemination of information and social interaction. This has transformed personal, professional, and social interactions, making communication faster, more efficient, and more inclusive than ever before. - Cybersecurity is a major concern in ICT.
Answer: Cybersecurity is a major concern in ICT because the increasing reliance on digital systems and networks makes them vulnerable to various threats. Cyberattacks (like hacking, malware, phishing) can lead to data breaches, financial fraud, identity theft, disruption of critical services, and loss of privacy. Protecting sensitive information and ensuring the integrity and availability of digital systems is crucial to prevent significant economic, social, and personal damage, making cybersecurity a paramount aspect of ICT management.
Q4: Write answers to the following questions in your own words.
- Explain the components of a computer system.
Answer: A computer system primarily consists of two main components:- Hardware: These are the physical, tangible parts of the computer that you can see and touch. This includes input devices (like keyboard, mouse), output devices (like monitor, printer), the Central Processing Unit (CPU) which is the brain, memory (RAM and ROM), and storage devices (like hard drives).
- Software: These are the intangible sets of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do. Software is broadly categorized into System Software (like the Operating System, which manages the computer's resources) and Application Software (like word processors or web browsers, which perform specific tasks for the user).
- Describe the applications of ICT in different fields.
Answer: ICT has widespread applications:- Education: E-learning, online courses, digital libraries, research.
- Business & Commerce: E-commerce (online shopping), online banking, digital marketing, supply chain management.
- Healthcare: Telemedicine, Electronic Health Records (EHR), medical research, digital imaging.
- Governance: E-governance (online services, public information), smart cities.
- Communication: Email, messaging apps, social media, video conferencing.
- Entertainment: Online gaming, streaming services.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet?
Answer: Advantages:- Vast source of information and knowledge.
- Facilitates global communication (email, messaging, video calls).
- Enables online services (banking, shopping, education, entertainment).
- Promotes social connectivity and collaboration.
- Provides opportunities for business and innovation.
- Risk of cyber threats (hacking, malware, phishing).
- Privacy concerns and data misuse.
- Information overload and spread of misinformation.
- Potential for addiction and social isolation.
- Digital divide (unequal access).
- Exposure to inappropriate content.
Q5: Give scientific reasons.
- RAM is called volatile memory.
Answer: RAM (Random Access Memory) is called volatile memory because its contents are lost when the computer's power is turned off or interrupted. It requires continuous power to maintain the stored information. RAM is used for temporary storage of data and programs that the CPU is actively using, allowing for fast access. Once the power is gone, the data in RAM vanishes, which is why permanent storage devices like hard drives are needed to save information for later use. - Operating System is essential for a computer to function.
Answer: The Operating System (OS) is essential for a computer to function because it acts as the primary interface between the user, hardware, and application software. It manages all the computer's resources, including the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices. The OS handles tasks like file management, process management, memory management, and provides a graphical user interface (GUI) or command-line interface, allowing users to interact with the computer and run applications. Without an OS, the hardware would not know how to communicate or perform any tasks. - Computer networks are important in today's world.
Answer: Computer networks are important in today's world because they enable efficient communication, resource sharing, and data exchange among multiple computers and devices. They facilitate global connectivity through the internet, allowing people to access vast amounts of information, communicate instantly (email, chat, video calls), conduct online business (e-commerce), and collaborate remotely. Networks also allow for centralized data management, enhanced security, and cost reduction by sharing hardware resources like printers, making them indispensable for modern businesses, education, and social interaction.
Q6: Draw neat and labeled diagrams.
- Basic components of a computer system
Sketch: (Imagine a simple block diagram showing:
- An 'Input Devices' block (e.g., Keyboard, Mouse) with an arrow pointing to 'CPU'.
- A 'CPU' block (with ALU, CU, Registers inside).
- A 'Memory' block (RAM, ROM) connected to CPU.
- A 'Storage Devices' block (HDD, USB) connected to CPU.
- An 'Output Devices' block (e.g., Monitor, Printer) with an arrow pointing from 'CPU'.
(Show arrows indicating data flow.) - A simple computer network (e.g., LAN)
Sketch: (Imagine a diagram showing 3-4 computers connected to a central switch/router, with a printer also connected to the network. Label: Computers, Switch/Router, Printer, Internet Connection.)
References
- Maharashtra State Board Science and Technology Standard Nine Textbook (Latest Edition) - Chapter 10: Information Communication Technology: A New Direction.
- Maharashtra State Board 9th Standard Science Syllabus.
- Balbharati Science and Technology Textbook Part 1.