A computer uses both primary memory and secondary storage. (a) Complete the table comparing primary memory and secondary storage. Feature Primary memory (RA...
Question 1 Report
A computer uses both primary memory and secondary storage.
(a) Complete the table comparing primary memory and secondary storage.
| Feature | Primary memory (RAM) | Secondary storage (e.g. HDD) |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | ||
| Speed | ||
| Typical capacity |
[6]
Answer Details
| Feature | Primary memory (RAM) | Secondary storage (e.g. HDD) |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Volatile: data is lost when the power is turned off. [1] RAM only holds data while the computer is running. | Non-volatile: data is retained permanently even when the power is turned off. [1] Files are preserved across power cycles. |
| Speed | Very fast access speeds, measured in nanoseconds. [1] The CPU can read from and write to RAM almost instantly. | Much slower access speeds, measured in milliseconds for HDDs (SSDs are faster but still slower than RAM). [1] |
| Typical capacity | Smaller capacity, typically ranging from 4 GB to 64 GB in modern computers. [1] | Much larger capacity, typically ranging from hundreds of gigabytes to several terabytes. [1] |
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