easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Practice Question: A technician is explaining the difference between…
A technician is explaining the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory. Which of the following is an example of volatile memory?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse 'memory' with 'storage' and incorrectly assume that any device used to save files (like a USB drive or SSD) is volatile, when in fact volatile memory specifically refers to components like RAM that lose data on power loss.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
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RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory because it requires continuous electrical power to retain data; once the system is powered off, all data stored in RAM is lost. This is in contrast to non-volatile memory, which retains data without power. The question specifically asks for an example of volatile memory, and RAM is the classic example.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Hard disk drive
Why it's wrong here
A hard disk drive stores data magnetically and retains it when powered off, making it non-volatile. It is tempting as a primary storage device, but persistence across power loss is the criterion; volatile memory such as RAM loses its contents when power is removed.
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RAM
Why this is correct
RAM is volatile because it requires continuous electrical power to maintain its stored data; contents are lost when power is removed. This directly satisfies the stem's request for a volatile memory example, unlike non-volatile storage such as SSDs or ROM, which retain data without power.
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Solid-state drive
Why it's wrong here
A solid-state drive retains data without power, making it non-volatile storage. It is tempting because SSDs are fast, modern memory-adjacent hardware often confused with RAM, but volatile memory loses contents on power loss; RAM and CPU cache are the actual volatile examples.
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USB flash drive
Why it's wrong here
A USB flash drive uses flash memory that retains data without power, so it is non-volatile. It is tempting because it is portable and fast, but portability is irrelevant; volatile memory loses its contents on power loss, which flash storage does not.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.