Abrupt power loss results in loss of which type of memory most directly?

Abrupt power loss results in loss of which type of memory most directly?

• A. RAM
• B. ROM
• C. Cache
• D. Hard drive

Answer: (A)

Understanding volatile versus non-volatile memory helps here. RAM is volatile memory, meaning it only preserves data while power is on. When power is abruptly cut, the contents of RAM are lost almost immediately, so the data in active programs and running processes disappear. ROM and hard drives, on the other hand, are non-volatile and retain their data without power, so they’re not affected by a sudden power loss in the same direct way. Cache is typically volatile as well, but RAM is the primary memory that holds the current working data, making it the memory type most directly erased by sudden power loss.

Understanding volatile versus non-volatile memory helps here. RAM is volatile memory, meaning it only preserves data while power is on. When power is abruptly cut, the contents of RAM are lost almost immediately, so the data in active programs and running processes disappear. ROM and hard drives, on the other hand, are non-volatile and retain their data without power, so they’re not affected by a sudden power loss in the same direct way. Cache is typically volatile as well, but RAM is the primary memory that holds the current working data, making it the memory type most directly erased by sudden power loss.