Which of the following describes RAM?

The description of RAM as volatile and temporary storage is accurate because RAM, or Random Access Memory, is designed to store data that is actively being used or processed by the computer system. Unlike long-term or non-volatile storage, which retains information even when power is turned off, RAM loses all of its data once the power is lost. This characteristic makes it essential for tasks requiring quick read and write operations, such as running applications or executing processes.

Volatility refers to the type of memory that is temporary, meaning that it does not retain its contents without power. In contrast, long-term storage types, such as hard drives or SSDs, are non-volatile and preserve data over time. Similarly, secondary storage refers to external storage devices used for data that does not need immediate access, which is not the function of RAM. Therefore, describing RAM specifically as volatile and temporary emphasizes its primary role in a computer system's architecture.