Which statement best explains volatile versus non-volatile memory, with examples?

Which statement best explains volatile versus non-volatile memory, with examples?

• A. Volatile memory loses data when power is removed (e.g., RAM); non-volatile retains data without power (e.g., SSD, HDD, ROM).
• B. Volatile memory retains data without power (e.g., ROM); non-volatile loses data when power is removed (e.g., RAM).
• C. Non-volatile memory loses data when power is removed (e.g., RAM); volatile memory retains data (e.g., ROM).
• D. Only non-volatile memory exists; volatile memory does not exist.

Answer: (A)

Volatile memory is fast, temporary storage that loses its contents when power is removed. This makes it ideal for the work area the CPU uses while programs run. RAM is the classic example of volatile memory. Non-volatile memory, by contrast, retains data without power, so it’s used for long‑term storage and firmware. Examples include solid-state drives, hard disk drives, and ROM. So the statement is correct because it matches these behaviors: RAM is volatile and SSDs, HDDs, and ROM are non-volatile. If memory were described as the other way around, or if ROM were treated as volatile, that would misrepresent how data is preserved. It’s also false to claim that only non-volatile memory exists, since RAM clearly exists and is volatile.

Volatile memory is fast, temporary storage that loses its contents when power is removed. This makes it ideal for the work area the CPU uses while programs run. RAM is the classic example of volatile memory.

Non-volatile memory, by contrast, retains data without power, so it’s used for long‑term storage and firmware. Examples include solid-state drives, hard disk drives, and ROM.

So the statement is correct because it matches these behaviors: RAM is volatile and SSDs, HDDs, and ROM are non-volatile. If memory were described as the other way around, or if ROM were treated as volatile, that would misrepresent how data is preserved. It’s also false to claim that only non-volatile memory exists, since RAM clearly exists and is volatile.