Based on the text, how does lossless compression differ from lossy compression?
- Lossless discards details; lossy preserves every original bit
- Lossless works only for video; lossy works only for text
- Lossless preserves all information; lossy may remove some detail (correct answer)
- Lossless always makes files larger; lossy always makes them smaller
Explanation: This question tests AP Computer Science Principles skills in understanding data compression, specifically differentiating between lossless and lossy compression methods. Lossless compression reduces file size by removing redundancy without losing any original information, while lossy compression achieves greater size reduction by permanently discarding some data deemed less important. The fundamental distinction is that lossless compression allows perfect reconstruction of the original data, whereas lossy compression results in an approximation of the original. Choice C is correct because it accurately states that lossless preserves all information while lossy may remove some detail, capturing the essential difference between these compression types. Choice A is incorrect because it reverses the definitions - lossless preserves details while lossy discards them, not the other way around. To help students: Create visual comparisons showing how the same file looks after lossless versus lossy compression. Emphasize that the choice between methods depends on whether perfect accuracy or smaller file size is more important for the specific use case.