OCR Gateway Physics P4P5P6 - 18/06/13

1.

Over the last 50 years or so, electronic components have gotten smaller- it's known as miniaturisation.

2.

This has both benefits and drawbacks for makers of electronics, and for the people who use them.
Maker
Benefits: Smaller devices use less raw materials. Most customers like smaller devices.
Drawbacks: It can be more complex to produce small devices, and more expensive.

Users
Benefits: More portable electronic devices available. More powerful and feature-filled devices produced.
Drawbacks: Smaller devices can be more expensive. They're easier to lose down the back of the sofa.

3.

Computers have become smaller, cheaper and more powerful too. As more people have access to more computing power (e.g. computers and phones) society needs to decide how this should, or should not, be allowed to be used.
For example, society needs to think about controlling hacking, privacy and access to personal data.