In basic computer memory concepts, which of the following types of memory is volatile and loses its contents when power is turned off?

Introduction / Context:
Computer systems use several different types of memory and storage, each with its own characteristics. One important distinction is between volatile and non volatile memory. Volatile memory requires continuous power to retain data, while non volatile memory and storage keep data even when the power is switched off. This question asks which of the listed options is a volatile type of memory that loses its contents when the computer is shut down.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The devices listed are RAM, floppy disk, ROM, and magnetic tape.
• Volatile memory is defined as memory that does not retain data without power.
• Non volatile storage retains data even when there is no power.
• We assume standard desktop or laptop computer hardware.

Concept / Approach:
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the main working memory that the CPU uses to store data and instructions during processing. RAM is volatile, meaning that when the computer is turned off or restarted, all data stored in RAM is cleared. By contrast, devices such as floppy disks, ROM (Read Only Memory), and magnetic tapes are non volatile. They are used to store data or firmware that must persist even when power is removed. Therefore, the correct answer is RAM, as it is the only volatile memory in the list.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of volatile memory. Volatile memory is memory that loses stored information when power is turned off. Step 2: Examine RAM. RAM holds running programs and data, and it is cleared on shutdown or power failure, so it is volatile. Step 3: Examine floppy disk. A floppy disk is a magnetic storage medium that keeps data even without power, so it is non volatile. Step 4: Examine ROM. ROM stores firmware that remains even when the system is switched off, making it non volatile. Step 5: Examine magnetic tape. Magnetic tape is also a storage medium that retains data without power, used for backups and archives. Step 6: Conclude that RAM is the volatile memory among the options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks on computer fundamentals describe RAM as temporary and volatile, emphasising that unsaved work in RAM is lost if the system loses power. They also describe non volatile storage devices such as hard disks, floppy disks, ROM chips, and magnetic tapes as permanent or semi permanent, since the data remains until deliberately erased or overwritten. Firmware stored in ROM chips remains intact through many power cycles. This consistent description confirms that RAM alone matches the definition of volatile memory in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (Floppy disc): A floppy disk stores data magnetically and keeps it even when removed from the drive and stored for long periods. Option C (ROM): Read Only Memory holds firmware that must survive power off conditions, so it is non volatile. Option D (Magnetic tape): Magnetic tape is used for backups and archival storage, retaining data without power.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse memory and storage, thinking that any device that stores data must be called memory. However, in exam questions, the word memory usually refers to internal chips like RAM and ROM, whereas devices such as floppy disks or tapes are classified as external or secondary storage. Another mistake is to think that ROM is volatile simply because it is called memory, but ROM is designed specifically to preserve data when power is off. To answer correctly, remember that volatile memory is the working area used during processing, which is RAM.

Final Answer:
The type of memory that is volatile and loses its contents when power is turned off is RAM (Random Access Memory).