Which statement correctly contrasts RAM with a hard disk?

Which statement correctly contrasts RAM with a hard disk?

• A. RAM is volatile and used for active data; hard disk is non-volatile and used for long-term storage
• B. RAM is non-volatile; hard disk is volatile
• C. Both are non-volatile storage
• D. RAM stores more data than hard disk in all cases

Answer: (A)

When comparing RAM to a hard disk, the key idea is volatile memory versus non-volatile storage and how each is used. RAM loses its contents when power is removed, making it temporary space for data and instructions the CPU needs right now. The hard disk retains data even without power, so it serves as long-term storage for files and programs. That’s why the statement that RAM is volatile and used for active data, while the hard disk is non-volatile and used for long-term storage, is the correct description. The other options misstate volatility or storage role: RAM isn’t non-volatile, both aren’t non-volatile, and RAM doesn’t store more data than a hard disk in all cases.

When comparing RAM to a hard disk, the key idea is volatile memory versus non-volatile storage and how each is used. RAM loses its contents when power is removed, making it temporary space for data and instructions the CPU needs right now. The hard disk retains data even without power, so it serves as long-term storage for files and programs. That’s why the statement that RAM is volatile and used for active data, while the hard disk is non-volatile and used for long-term storage, is the correct description. The other options misstate volatility or storage role: RAM isn’t non-volatile, both aren’t non-volatile, and RAM doesn’t store more data than a hard disk in all cases.