Practice IB Computer Science (CS) Topic B.2 Simulations with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for B.2 Simulations and mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 style where relevant.
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Commercial airlines and military organizations utilize advanced flight simulators to train pilots in a controlled environment. These systems use complex mathematical models to replicate the aerodynamics of an aircraft and the physics of the surrounding atmosphere.
Simulated environments allow pilots to experience a wide range of flight conditions, from routine take-offs to critical mechanical failures, without leaving the ground.
Identify four technical requirements that must be met for a flight simulator to provide a high-fidelity (highly realistic) experience for a trainee pilot.
Define the term real-time simulation.
Explain why certain atmospheric phenomena, such as localized microbursts or extreme turbulence, are difficult for simulators to model with absolute precision.
Discuss the advantages of using flight simulations for emergency procedure training compared to using actual aircraft.
To what extent can a pilot's performance in a simulated environment be used to predict their actual behavior during a genuine in-flight crisis?
A community health clinic operates with two primary treatment rooms and a shared diagnostic area. Patients arriving at the clinic must first register at the reception desk, after which a nurse records their vital signs in the diagnostic area. Once vitals are recorded, the patient waits for an available treatment room to consult with a doctor.
Currently, the clinic follows a strict first-come, first-served (FCFS) protocol. Even during peak hours, the nurse only processes one patient at a time, and the doctors do not begin their consultation until the full digital file (including vitals) is uploaded to the system.
The regional health board has provided the clinic with discrete-event simulation software to analyze patient flow. The software models various scenarios, accounting for different ailment categories (e.g., minor injuries, respiratory infections, routine check-ups) and the specific time required for each stage of the visit.
Describe how the clinic could use 'parallel processing' to improve the throughput of patients without increasing the number of staff members.
Explain the difference between a static model and a dynamic model in the context of this clinic simulation.
Identify three variables that must be defined in the simulation's 'stochastic' (probabilistic) elements to accurately reflect real-world variability in the clinic.
Outline two resource-based constraints in the current clinic workflow that act as bottlenecks, slowing the total time a patient spends in the facility.
The simulation software generates a schedule that prioritizes 'Shortest Processing Time First' (SPT) to maximize the number of patients seen per hour. Although more patients are being processed, the clinic has seen a rise in negative feedback.
Suggest two human or qualitative factors that the simulation software may have ignored in its optimization, leading to these complaints.
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The rise in global temperatures has led to the melting of the sea ice in polar regions. Scientists have developed a number of computer models that can be used to make predictions about the rate of sea ice melting in these polar regions and its effect on coastal areas globally. In order to create a computer model a number of variables are identified.
A computer model of the effects of the melting of the sea ice in the Arctic Ocean may include the following variables:
In this model the following rules have been determined:
The initial values are:
For the next iteration, assume there is an increase of 0.04 °C in the ocean surface temperature.
The scientists observed when running the model numerous times using historical data there were significant differences between observed and expected results.
A second model was developed that included new variables and rules.
The surface of the ocean reflects the heat from the sun. The ratio between the area covered by the sea ice and the area where there is no sea ice (open ocean) affects the value of the average albedo. The lower the albedo, the quicker the sea ice will melt.
The average albedo is calculated using this formula:
Note:
The average albedo will change with every iteration of the model. Each iteration is 2 years after the previous.
The rules for the model are:
Explain why the accuracy of the simulation in predicting the area of the sea ice is critical.
Using the information above state the area of the sea ice.
Using the information above state the change in sea level.
Identify two ways that this model could be implemented.
Using the rules and initial values above, construct the pseudocode that would enable the area of the sea ice and the sea level rise to be calculated if there was an increase of 0.04 °C in the ocean surface temperature.
Copy and complete the following table showing each variable’s data type and a suitable range of values that would represent the information shown above.
Using the formula, rules and initial data given above, construct the pseudocode that would calculate the year that the area of sea ice will be less than 10 000 km2.
Urban planning and infrastructure development increasingly rely on computational models to handle the complexities of modern transportation. Traffic flow simulations are used to design efficient road networks and minimize congestion in growing cities.
State four quantitative parameters required to initialize a computer simulation of vehicle traffic at a major intersection.
Propose three visual formats that could be used to present simulation results to assist engineers in identifying traffic bottlenecks.
Explain the methodology of using a stochastic computer model to determine the optimal timing for traffic light cycles at a new junction.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using predictive traffic simulations as the primary basis for high-cost infrastructure investments, such as new highways.
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Investment planning is something that many people need to be aware of. Planning for your future requires research because bad choices can be very costly.
Interest paid on money invested is usually in the form of compound interest. The formula to calculate compound interest is:
where:
An additional 30 000 at the end of each month.
The monthly interest rate is 0.5% and this rate is compounded at the end of each month.
Each month, tax is calculated on the monthly profit (the interest earned that month) at a rate of 25% when the investment total () is T40 000, the tax rate is 40%.
The tax is calculated at the end of each month after interest has been added. A running total of the tax is kept and only deducted from the investment total () at the end of the year.
Outline, using a diagram or otherwise, a method of calculating the total value of the investment after 12 months.
Construct an algorithm to calculate the fund value at the end of each month. This algorithm should also calculate the total value of the investment after the tax has been deducted after 12 months.
Calculate the total value of the investment after two years if the principal sum of $30,000 is invested. The yearly interest rate is 10,% and this rate is compounded at the end of each year.
Many investment companies offer alternative investment schemes and use modelling to set the rates of interest.
Explain why the investment company would use modelling when setting the rates of interest.