What does volatile mean when describing memory?

RAM, ROM, cache and registers, volatile and non-volatile memory, the memory hierarchy from fastest to slowest, and embedded systems such as a washing machine controller.

What you need to know

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Key term

What makes a system embedded, and where are embedded systems found?

Key term

What is RAM used for?

Key term

What is ROM used for?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is RAM used for?
Model answer
RAM holds the operating system, programs and data that are currently in use. The CPU can both read from and write to RAM.
2
What is ROM used for?
Model answer
ROM stores the start-up instructions the computer needs when it is switched on. The contents of ROM can be read but not normally changed.
3
What does volatile mean when describing memory?
Model answer
Volatile memory loses its contents when the power is switched off. RAM is volatile memory.
4
What does non-volatile mean?
Model answer
Non-volatile memory or storage keeps its contents without power. ROM and secondary storage are both non-volatile.
5
Give two differences between RAM and ROM.
Model answer
RAM is volatile, but ROM keeps its contents when the power is off. RAM can be read and written, while ROM can normally only be read.
6
Why does a computer need ROM as well as RAM?
Model answer
RAM is empty when the computer is first switched on. ROM holds the start-up instructions that load the operating system into RAM.

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