Which type of memory is volatile and loses its data when the power is off?

Random Access Memory (RAM) is classified as volatile memory, meaning that it requires power to maintain the stored information. When the power supply is turned off, all data held in RAM is lost. This characteristic makes RAM suitable for temporary data storage, such as when running applications and processing tasks during computer operation. It's used for actively running programs and provides fast read and write access, which is essential for the performance of current computing tasks.

In contrast, Read Only Memory (ROM) retains data even when power is turned off, making it non-volatile. Flash Memory also retains data without power and is commonly used for storage in devices like USB drives and SSDs. Magnetic Tape is another form of non-volatile storage, typically used for data backup and archival. This highlights the unique place of RAM in the hierarchy of memory types used in computers and electronic devices.