The disk in the disk drive rotates at high speed, and heads in the disk drive are used only to read data.

The disk in the disk drive rotates at high speed, and heads in the disk drive are used only to read data.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

The read/write heads perform both reading and writing, not just reading. In a hard disk, data is stored magnetically on the rotating platters. When writing, the head’s magnetic field changes the magnetization of tiny spots on the surface to represent bits. When reading, the head senses the magnetization pattern as the platter moves underneath. Modern drives typically use one head per surface capable of both functions, so the statement that the heads are used only to read data is incorrect.

The read/write heads perform both reading and writing, not just reading. In a hard disk, data is stored magnetically on the rotating platters. When writing, the head’s magnetic field changes the magnetization of tiny spots on the surface to represent bits. When reading, the head senses the magnetization pattern as the platter moves underneath. Modern drives typically use one head per surface capable of both functions, so the statement that the heads are used only to read data is incorrect.