Which of the following is a correct definition of volatile memory?
2023
Which of the following is a correct definition of volatile memory?
Answer: D. It loses its contents on failure of power supply. — ConceptMemory volatility describes whether stored information depends on continuous electrical power. In volatile memory, bits are held in powered electronic…
- A.
It does not lose its contents on failure of power supply.
- B.
The contents in the memory evaporate.
- C.
Due to heat the data is lost.
- D.
It loses its contents on failure of power supply.
Attempted by 2 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Concept
Memory volatility describes whether stored information depends on continuous electrical power.
In volatile memory, bits are held in powered electronic states; when power is removed, those states cannot preserve the data.
Application
The statement “It loses its contents on failure of power supply” directly expresses this dependence on continuous power. Therefore, it is the definition of volatile memory.
Contrast
“It does not lose its contents on failure of power supply” describes non-volatile retention.
“The contents in the memory evaporate” treats the word volatile literally; digital contents do not physically vaporize.
“Due to heat the data is lost” describes possible thermal damage, not the defining power-dependence of a memory type.
Cross-check
SRAM needs powered latch circuits and DRAM needs stored charge to be refreshed. Removing power eliminates these maintained states, confirming the result.
Result: volatile memory loses its stored contents when the power supply fails.