easyMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Practice Question: Which type of computer memory loses its data when…
Which type of computer memory loses its data when the power is turned off?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse 'memory' with 'storage' and mistakenly think HDDs or SSDs lose data on power loss, or they assume ROM is volatile because it is 'read-only' and cannot be easily modified.
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, meaning it requires continuous electrical power to retain data. When the power is turned off, the electrical charges in the memory cells dissipate, causing all stored data to be lost. This is why RAM is used for temporary storage of actively running programs and data.
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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HDD
Why it's wrong here
An HDD is non-volatile magnetic secondary storage, preserving data when power is removed, so it never loses contents on shutdown. RAM is the volatile memory that does. HDDs are tempting because they store data, but persistence across power loss is precisely their design purpose.
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ROM
Why it's wrong here
ROM is non-volatile: it retains its contents when power is removed, so it does not lose data. RAM is the volatile memory that clears on shutdown. ROM is tempting because it is genuinely memory, but its defining trait is persistence, holding firmware such as BIOS instructions across power cycles.
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RAM
Why this is correct
RAM is volatile, meaning it requires continuous electrical power to retain stored data. Once power is removed, the capacitors or transistors holding each bit discharge, erasing all contents. This directly satisfies the stem's constraint of memory that loses its data when the power is turned off.
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SSD
Why it's wrong here
An SSD is non-volatile flash storage, retaining data without power, so it cannot be the memory that loses contents when switched off. Volatile memory, such as RAM, is the correct answer. SSDs are tempting because they are commonly called memory in marketing, yet they are persistent secondary storage.
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JA
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.