What is the binary number system?

The binary number system is defined as a base-2 system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1. This system is fundamental to computer science and digital electronics because it aligns perfectly with the way that computer systems operate—representing data and instructions in electrical states. In a binary system, each digit is known as a bit, and these bits can be grouped together to form larger units like bytes, which are essential for everything from simple calculations to complex operations in computing.

In the context of computers, binary numbers are utilized for various tasks, including data storage, processing, and communication. The only two states (0 and 1) can be easily represented with electrical signals—off and on, respectively—making binary an efficient and reliable numbering system for the design and function of digital circuits.

The other choices describe different number systems or uses of number systems that do not apply to the binary framework. For example, the base-10 system represents decimal numbering, typically used in human arithmetic; the base-16 system refers to hexadecimal, which encompasses digits 0-9 and letters A-F, and is used primarily in computing for more compact representation of binary data and memory addresses rather than data representation in computers. These differences highlight why the binary system