Which statement differentiates memory from storage?

Which statement differentiates memory from storage?

• A. Memory holds the programs/data you are working on and is volatile; storage keeps data permanently and is non-volatile
• B. Memory stores data permanently; storage is temporary
• C. Memory is used for graphics only; storage is for text
• D. Memory is non-volatile; storage is volatile

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how memory and storage differ in purpose and behavior: memory (RAM) is the fast, temporary workspace that holds the data and programs you’re actively using, and it is volatile—its contents disappear when power is off. Storage (like SSDs or hard drives) is the long-term home for data, retaining information even without power, so it is non-volatile. That statement correctly captures both parts: RAM holds your working data and programs and loses its contents when the computer powers down, while storage keeps data permanently and remains non-volatile. In contrast, claiming that memory stores data permanently or that memory is for graphics only misstates what memory does; also saying memory is non-volatile and storage is volatile reverses their actual behavior.

The key idea is how memory and storage differ in purpose and behavior: memory (RAM) is the fast, temporary workspace that holds the data and programs you’re actively using, and it is volatile—its contents disappear when power is off. Storage (like SSDs or hard drives) is the long-term home for data, retaining information even without power, so it is non-volatile.

That statement correctly captures both parts: RAM holds your working data and programs and loses its contents when the computer powers down, while storage keeps data permanently and remains non-volatile. In contrast, claiming that memory stores data permanently or that memory is for graphics only misstates what memory does; also saying memory is non-volatile and storage is volatile reverses their actual behavior.