Storage media classification – identifying non-magnetic technologies Which of the following is <em>not</em> a magnetic storage device?

Introduction / Context:
Digital storage technologies are often grouped by their recording physics: magnetic, optical, and solid-state. Knowing the differences helps when discussing durability, rewrite cycles, and performance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We compare representative devices against the “magnetic” category.
• Optical media encode data via pits/lands and reflectivity changes.

Concept / Approach:
Magnetic disk (HDD) and magnetic tape store data by magnetizing domains. Magneto-optical (MO) uses a laser to heat spots while a magnetic field sets polarity—hybrid but fundamentally uses magnetization to write. A pure optical disk (CD/DVD) uses physical/reflective features without magnetic fields; thus it is not magnetic storage.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Technical descriptions of CDs/DVDs/Blu-ray emphasize pits, lands, and reflectivity changes, not magnetic domains.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Magnetic disk: Magnetic storage.
• Magnetic tape: Magnetic storage.
• Magneto-optical disk: Uses magnetic writing with optical assistance, therefore magnetic-based.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing “optical” with “magneto-optical.” They are different categories.

Final Answer:
Optical disk