What type of memory is RAM categorized as?

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is categorized as volatile memory because it requires power to maintain the stored information. When a device is powered off or restarted, all data held in RAM is lost. This characteristic distinguishes RAM from non-volatile memory options, which retain their data even in the absence of power, such as hard drives or flash storage.

Volatile memory like RAM is crucial for providing quick access to data that the CPU needs to perform tasks, making it an essential component for system performance during runtime. Its temporary nature allows for faster read and write speeds, which are necessary for efficient computing operations. This is why RAM plays a key role in the functioning of applications while they are running but does not provide long-term data retention.