Which type of memory loses its contents when power is lost?

• A. Non-volatile memory
• B. Cache memory
• C. Volatile memory
• D. Read-Only Memory

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how memory stores data in a way that depends on power. Volatile memory holds data with electrical charges that fade away when power is removed, so everything in it is wiped once the system shuts down. This makes volatile memory ideal for temporary work the CPU needs right now, like the main working RAM.

Non-volatile memory, on the other hand, keeps data even without power, so it’s used for long-term storage—things like ROM and flash memory. Cache memory is a type of fast volatile memory used to speed up access to data, but it also loses its contents when power is lost. Read-Only Memory is non-volatile and retains data without power.

So, the type that loses its contents when power is lost is volatile memory.