If the ASCII character H is sent but the ASCII character I is received at the destination, which type of transmission error has most likely occurred?

Introduction:
Error types are classified by how many bits flip and how those flips are distributed within a unit of data. Identifying the likely class of error from observed symbol changes is a common exam task and informs the choice of error-detecting/correcting codes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• ASCII uppercase H (decimal 72) is sent.
• ASCII uppercase I (decimal 73) is received.
• We assume an 8-bit character with standard ASCII coding.

Concept / Approach:
Convert the characters to binary: H = 0x48 = 01001000; I = 0x49 = 01001001. The two codewords differ by exactly one least significant bit. Therefore, the most parsimonious explanation is a single-bit error in transit. Multiple-bit or burst errors would typically change more than one bit position within the character.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Write H in binary: 01001000.2) Write I in binary: 01001001.3) Compare bit by bit: only the last bit differs (0 → 1).4) Conclude: a single-bit error is indicated.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compute Hamming distance between the two 8-bit codewords; distance = 1 confirms a single-bit flip.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Multiple-bit: would change two or more positions.
• Burst: contiguous run of erroneous bits; not observed here.
• Recoverable: not a standard error type classification; recoverability depends on the code used.
• None of the above: invalid because single-bit fits exactly.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming character substitution implies many flipped bits; with ASCII adjacency, neighboring letters often differ by a single bit.

Final Answer:
single-bit