To differentiate primary storage from secondary storage in a computer system, which of the following statements is correct?

APrimary storage is slower, more expensive and persistent

BPrimary storage is faster, more expensive and persistent

CPrimary storage is faster, less expensive and not persistent

DPrimary storage is faster, more expensive and not persistent ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) Primary storage is faster, more expensive and not persistent

Explanation

Primary storage such as RAM is faster and more expensive per unit, and it is not persistent because it loses data when power goes.

It sits close to the processor so the CPU can read and write it very quickly during work.

Calling primary storage slower is wrong, as its whole purpose is high speed for the running programs.

Calling it persistent is wrong, since RAM is volatile and its contents vanish once the machine is switched off.

Calling it less expensive is wrong, because fast memory chips cost more per gigabyte than disk.

Secondary storage like a hard disk is the reverse, slower and cheaper but keeping data without power.

Want more like this? Create a free account to practise a full test, track your progress, and get spaced-repetition review.