Not really a programming question but a technical question. Why do computers read binary and how? Part 1

Question

for a better understanding of the question why do computers only read binary and how do they process the 1s and 0s into words? I think I know how compilers work, I think they read the programming language and turns it into binary and then the computer reads the 1s and 0s and sends out the gives out the answer that the code told the computer to do. why does it only use binary and not 2s and 3s? if I changed the symbols of 1 and 0 would it mess up and if yes why?
https://www.sololearn.com/discuss/303809/?ref=

Answer 1

Because at the hardware level, what is read is a voltage HIGH (1) or a voltage LOW (0). It's just a matter of translating electric current into binary.

Answer 2

That would be a ternary number system - you could but it's not as efficient as a binary system.

Answer 3

Sure but what would be the point?

Answer 4

Think of it as a switch, it's either on (1) or off (0). In other words, it's either true (1) or false (0)

The magic of it all consists of ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE, and the magicians are the TRANSISTORS.

Check out this Ted-Ed short video:
https://youtu.be/WhNyURBiJcU
It is beautifully explained 😊

This one's good too:
https://youtu.be/AkFi90lZmXA

Answer 5

well google would probably be a better source

Answer 6

can it only read high and low voltage? can it read medium voltage?

Answer 7

the point is could it read binary with a two eg 1 was none 2 was medium and 0 was high

Answer 8

I can't believe I made this a three parter

Answer 9

I wish questions didn't have a cap for words.

Answer 10

why would it not be as good as a binary system?

Answer 11

I think that answers all questions.

Answer 12

@Paola Thanks for Ted-Ed tipp. wonderfull.