Which storage type is described as volatile in common computer terminology?

Which storage type is described as volatile in common computer terminology?

• A. Secondary
• B. Volatile
• C. RAM
• D. Primary

Answer: (C)

Volatility describes whether memory preserves data without power. RAM is the classic example of volatile storage: it holds data only while the device is powered, and all contents are lost when power is removed. That makes RAM the working memory the system relies on for active tasks, with fast access but no permanent retention. Secondary storage, like hard drives or SSDs, is non-volatile and retains data without power, which is the opposite behavior. Primary storage refers to the main memory used by the CPU and, in practice, is RAM, which is volatile. So the option that represents volatile storage is RAM.

Volatility describes whether memory preserves data without power. RAM is the classic example of volatile storage: it holds data only while the device is powered, and all contents are lost when power is removed. That makes RAM the working memory the system relies on for active tasks, with fast access but no permanent retention. Secondary storage, like hard drives or SSDs, is non-volatile and retains data without power, which is the opposite behavior. Primary storage refers to the main memory used by the CPU and, in practice, is RAM, which is volatile. So the option that represents volatile storage is RAM.