Which statement accurately describes RAM in relation to secondary storage?

• A. RAM is non-volatile and stores long-term data
• B. RAM is volatile and stores temporary data
• C. RAM is slower than secondary storage
• D. RAM cannot be read by the CPU

Answer: (B)

RAM is volatile memory used to hold data and instructions that the CPU needs right now or soon. Because it’s volatile, its contents disappear when power is removed, so it stores temporary data for active programs rather than long-term storage. This is why the CPU can access RAM very quickly, which speeds up execution. Secondary storage, like a hard drive or SSD, is non-volatile and keeps data even when the power is off, but it’s slower to read and write compared with RAM. Therefore the statement that RAM stores temporary data and is volatile is correct. Statements claiming RAM is non-volatile, slower than secondary storage, or that it cannot be read by the CPU don’t fit.