Why is RAM considered volatile?

RAM is considered volatile because it requires a continuous supply of power to maintain the data stored within it. When the power supply to the RAM is interrupted or turned off, all the data stored in that memory is lost. Unlike non-volatile memory, such as hard drives or flash memory, which retain data even when power is removed, RAM relies on electrical charge to hold its information. This characteristic makes RAM suitable for temporary data storage during processing tasks, such as running applications and managing active processes, but unsuitable for long-term data retention.

The other factors contributing to the different types of memory do not pertain to volatility. For example, the lifespan of chips or their speed relative to other storage types does not affect whether the storage is considered volatile. Additionally, the ability to store or not store specific data types such as images or multimedia is not relevant to the definition of volatility in memory.