Which statement is true about RAM and ROM?

• A. RAM is non-volatile and stores firmware.
• B. RAM is volatile and used for active data; ROM is non-volatile and stores firmware.
• C. RAM is for long-term storage; ROM stores temporary data.
• D. RAM and ROM both require power to retain data.

Answer: (B)

RAM and ROM differ in how data is kept and what they’re used for. RAM is volatile memory, meaning it holds data only while power is on and the system is actively using it—the stuff you’re working with or the programs currently running. ROM is non-volatile memory, so it preserves data even when the power is off, and it typically stores firmware—the fixed software that helps start up and initialize the hardware.

That combination makes the true statement: RAM is volatile and used for active data; ROM is non-volatile and stores firmware.

The other ideas mix up volatility and purpose. RAM isn’t non-volatile and it doesn’t store firmware, ROM isn’t for temporary data, RAM isn’t for long-term storage, and ROM doesn’t require power to retain its data.