3.2

Input and output devices

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478)  · Unit 3: Hardware  · 10 flashcards

Input and output devices is topic 3.2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) syllabus , positioned in Unit 3 — Hardware , alongside Computer architecture, Memory and storage and Logic gates.  In one line: An input device sends data and control signals to a computer. Examples include a keyboard (for text input) and a mouse (for controlling the cursor).

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (computer systems theory) and Paper 2 (algorithms, programming and logic).

The deck below contains 10 flashcards — 2 definitions, 6 key concepts and 2 application cards — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.  Use the 2 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.

Key definition

An 'input device' and provide two examples

An input device sends data and control signals to a computer. Examples include a keyboard (for text input) and a mouse (for controlling the cursor).

What the Cambridge 0478 syllabus says

Official 2026-2028 spec

These are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.

  1. Understand Understand what is meant by an input device and why it is required, including barcode scanner, digital camera, keyboard, microphone, optical mouse, QR code scanner, touch screen, 2D and 3D scanners
  2. Understand Understand what is meant by an output device and why it is required, including actuator, DLP projector, inkjet printer, laser printer, LED screen, LCD projector, LCD screen, speaker, 3D printer
  3. Understand Understand what is meant by a sensor and the purposes of sensors including acoustic, accelerometer, flow, gas, humidity, infra-red, level, light, magnetic field, moisture, pH, pressure, proximity, temperature
  4. Identify Identify the type of data captured by each sensor and understand when each sensor would be used, including selecting the most suitable sensor for a given context
Definition Flip

Define an 'input device' and provide two examples.

Answer Flip

An input device sends data and control signals to a computer. Examples include a keyboard (for text input) and a mouse (for controlling the cursor).

Definition Flip

Define an 'output device' and provide two examples.

Answer Flip

An output device receives data from a computer and presents it to the user. Examples include a monitor (for visual display) and a printer (for producing hard copies).

Key Concept Flip

Explain how a touchscreen functions as both an input and an output device.

Answer Flip

A touchscreen displays information (output) like a monitor. It also allows the user to interact with the system by touching the screen, sending signals to the computer (input).

Key Concept Flip

Describe the function of a scanner and give a practical example.

Answer Flip

A scanner converts physical documents or images into a digital format that can be stored and processed by a computer.

Example: scanning a photograph to save it on a computer.
Key Concept Flip

Explain how a microphone works as an input device.

Answer Flip

A microphone converts sound waves into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to a computer for processing or recording. This allows audio input for voice commands or recording audio files.

Key Concept Flip

Describe how a digital camera functions as an input device.

Answer Flip

A digital camera captures images or videos and converts them into digital data that can be stored and transferred to a computer. This allows users to upload photos or videos.

Key Concept Flip

Explain the role of sensors as input devices, providing an example.

Answer Flip

Sensors detect and measure physical quantities (e.g., temperature, light, pressure) and convert them into electrical signals that a computer can interpret.

Example: a temperature sensor in a smart thermostat.
Key Concept Flip

Describe the function of a printer as an output device, mentioning different types.

Answer Flip

A printer produces hard copies of digital documents or images. Different types include inkjet printers (spraying ink), laser printers (using toner), and 3D printers (creating three-dimensional objects).

Key Concept Flip

Describe the function of speakers as an output device.

Answer Flip

Speakers convert electrical signals from a computer into audible sound waves, allowing users to hear audio output, such as music, speech, or system sounds.

Key Concept Flip

Explain the function of an actuator and provide an example.

Answer Flip

An actuator is an output device that converts an electrical signal into a physical action or movement.

Example: a motor that controls the movement of a robotic arm or a valve opening to control fluid flow.

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3.1 Computer architecture 3.3 Memory and storage

Key Questions: Input and output devices

Define an 'input device' and provide two examples.

An input device sends data and control signals to a computer. Examples include a keyboard (for text input) and a mouse (for controlling the cursor).

Define an 'output device' and provide two examples.

An output device receives data from a computer and presents it to the user. Examples include a monitor (for visual display) and a printer (for producing hard copies).

More topics in Unit 3 — Hardware

Input and output devices sits alongside these Computer Science decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

3.1 Computer architecture

10 flashcards
3.3 Memory and storage

9 flashcards
3.4 Logic gates

10 flashcards

Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers

These are the official Cambridge 0478 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.

input device output device keyboard mouse touchscreen scanner microphone camera sensor monitor printer speaker actuator

Key terms covered in this Input and output devices deck

Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.

An 'input device' and provide two examples
An 'output device' and provide two examples

How to study this Input and output devices deck

Start in Study Mode, attempt each card before flipping, then rate Hard, Okay or Easy. Cards you rate Hard come back within a day; cards you rate Easy push out to weeks. Your progress is saved in your browser, so come back daily for 5–10 minute reviews until every card reads Mastered.