The binary number system only contains two digits, 0 and 1. Zero means it is off while 1 means it is on. Take a remote control, for example, the turn/off button only has two options which the switch can represent like the binary number system. When you text or email, each letter, and number has its own specific binary code consisting of only 0 and 1. Each digit is called a bit, 4 bits make a nibble, and 2 nibbles make a byte. The number system has a base of 2. So how can 0 and 1 make a whole word?
How the Binary System Works
The binary system can be positive or negative; positive powers make a whole number while negative powers make a fraction. Usually, the powers of 10 would be used, but the binary system uses a base number of 2 instead. The binary system usually starts at 2 to the 0 power, which equals 1, any number to 0 equals 1. Then it would increase, 2 to the 1st power is 2, 2 to the 2nd power equals 4, etc. Each time a bit is added the number doubles. The numbers 32, 65, and 97 are the most important numbers to remember. The number 32 stands for space, 65 stands for A, and 97 stands for a. Knowing these numbers can help you form a word or phrase. There are no limits on the binary number because there are infinite numbers you can create. The binary number 001101 would be 13 in decimal.
Here is the ASCII Reference Sheet:
Why Do Computers Use the Binary System?
Electronic devices use the binary number system because it can read faster, there are only two options, on or off. An example where a binary system can be incorporated is the on/off button on a device or hot/cold in a car. The temperature found on a phone does not have two options, therefore it isn't. If you were to break down a text you sent to a friend, all you will see is 0 and 1; there will be millions and billions of bits to create a single text. In the past, people wrote in binary numbers because it can be decoded, however that took a long time to write and decode, therefore it was used to create an easier alphabet. The binary number has a purpose of processing and storing the data it receives. With the system, the 0 and 1 can be used to create different images in pixels, like a brand logo or animal. If you want to learn more on binary numbers, take a class on computer science or computer science principles.
Written by: Amber Truong
Sources:
Brennan, Eugene. “Why Is Binary Used in Electronics and Computers?” TurboFuture, 14 Sept. 2021, turbofuture.com/computers/Why-is-Binary-Used-in-Computers.
“How Does the Binary System Work?” Wonderopolis, 11 Feb. 2020, wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-does-the-binary-system-work.
“Ascii Cheat Sheet………….” Proudtobnepali, 20 June 2013, proudtobnepali.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/ascii-cheat-sheet.
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