Which of the following is considered a characteristic of Volatile memory?

Volatile memory is specifically characterized by its behavior concerning data retention in relation to the power supply. The key aspect of volatile memory is that it loses the stored data when the power is turned off. This means that if there is any interruption in the power supply, the information held in volatile memory is erased. This characteristic is crucial for understanding how different types of memory operate, especially in terms of performance, speed, and suitability for various applications.

Options that mention retaining information when powered off or being slower than traditional hard drives describe attributes of non-volatile memory or are irrelevant to the fundamental characteristics of volatile memory. Additionally, while volatile memory does require power to maintain its data, this aspect is more about the memory's functionality rather than directly relating to data loss upon power loss. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the behavior of various memory types in computing systems.