Free Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions and Answers
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) is Pearson Edexcel's GCSE Computer Science qualification, specification 1CP2, taken in England. The questions here come from Pearson Edexcel's published question papers from June 2022 to June 2025, plus its specimen papers, with answers and marking guidance taken from Pearson Edexcel's own mark schemes. Written-answer questions let you work out your answer and then reveal what the mark scheme accepts; diagrams, graphs and source material appear with the questions that use them.
If you searched for Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) dumps, an ExamTopics discussion or a free PDF, this is the question bank for it: practice questions with verified answers and explanations, a timed practice test and updates whenever Pearson Edexcel changes the exam.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
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Question #1
Devices are connected to networks. Give two reasons for connecting computers in a network.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: Any two: share files/data; share applications/software; share peripherals (e.g. printers); share an internet connection; collaborate; communicate (email, video conferencing); central control/management (security, updates, backup).
Explanation
One mark for each of two valid reasons from: share files/data, share applications/software, collaborate, share peripherals, share connectivity, access files from any computer/hot desk, central control/management, allow communication.
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Question #2
Devices are connected to networks. Describe one way a local area network (LAN) is different from a wide area network (WAN).
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: A LAN covers a small geographic area whereas a WAN covers a large geographic area (or LAN uses infrastructure owned by one company, WAN uses third-party infrastructure).
Explanation
Two marks for a description such as: LAN small area / WAN large area (2); LAN uses one company's infrastructure / WAN uses third-party infrastructure (2); LAN connects individual devices/uses switches (1) whereas WAN connects LANs/uses gateways (1). Do not accept 'smaller/larger' referring to physical size of the network.
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Question #3
Devices are connected to networks. A network has a speed of 17.08 megabits per second. Identify the equivalent speed in bits per second.
Correct answer: B
Explanation
17 080 000 is 17.08 × 1000². A is 17.08 × 1000, C is 17.08 × 1000³, D is 17.08 × 1000⁴.
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Question #4
Devices are connected to networks. Define the term ‘latency’.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: The delay/amount of time between data/signal being sent and it being received.
Explanation
One mark. Do not accept reference to delay/lag on its own.
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Question #5
Data is split up into packets for transmission over a network. Each device on a network has a unique identifier that is used when sending or receiving packets of data. State the name of the unique identifier.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: IP address (or MAC address)
Explanation
One mark for IP (address) or MAC (address).
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Question #6
Data is split up into packets for transmission over a network. Identify the item included between the header and the footer in a data packet.
Correct answer: A
Explanation
B and C are located in the header; D is not located in a packet.
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Question #7
Describe how a firewall protects a local area network (LAN).
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: A firewall monitors/checks traffic using a set of rules or a list of authorised/unauthorised computers/addresses/protocols to decide whether data is allowed into or out of the network.
Explanation
Two from: monitors/checks traffic (1); using a set of rules / list of authorised/unauthorised computers/addresses/protocols (1); to decide if data is allowed into or out of the network (1).
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Question #8
State the name of an email protocol.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: POP3 (or IMAP or SMTP)
Explanation
One mark for any one of POP3, IMAP, SMTP. Accept POP.
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Question #9
Explain one disadvantage of using a star network topology.
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Correct answer: If the central device (switch) fails, all communication could fail. Alternatively: it can be expensive/difficult to set up because each device needs its own cable to the central device; or the number of devices is limited because the central device has a fixed number of connections.
Explanation
Linked explanation, one mark for the disadvantage and one for the reason: all communication could fail (1) because the central device fails (1); difficult/expensive to set up (1) because each device needs a cable to the central device (1); number of devices limited (1) because central device supports fixed number of connections (1). Accept router, hub or switch for the central device. Do not accept server.
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Question #10
Some low-level programming languages use mnemonics. State the purpose of a mnemonic.
Type your answer, then reveal.
Correct answer: To represent an instruction/command, making it easy to read/write/learn/remember/understand.
Explanation
One mark for any one: represent an instruction/command; make an instruction easy to read/write/learn/remember/understand; an instruction in a set of instructions. Accept generic definitions such as shortening information so it is easy to remember.
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Discussion
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