Computers use RAM to store the data and instructions that are in use.
Name the term used to describe memory that loses its contents when the power is switched off.
Mark scheme
Award one mark for:
- Volatile (1)
Allow volatile memory / it is volatile.
Do not accept non-volatile, ROM, RAM or temporary/short term memory on their own, as these are not the term asked for.
Example answers and how they were marked
Full marks1/1
Volatile
Why: Correct term for memory that loses its contents when the power is switched off (1).
No marks0/1
Temporary memory
Why: Describes what such memory does but is not the term asked for; 'temporary memory' is on the Do not accept line, so no mark.
No marks0/1
Non-volatile
Why: Non-volatile memory keeps its contents when the power is switched off, the opposite of what the question describes; it is explicitly not accepted.