Lesson 1.2.1

1.2.1 Primary storage (memory) Quiz: OCR Computer Science, Unit 2

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 1.2.1, Primary storage (memory): 20 multiple choice questions for the OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277), Unit 2: Memory and storage, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What is the main purpose of primary storage?

    • Hold active data
    • Boost screen resolution
    • Long-term backup
    • Cool the processor

  2. What does RAM stand for?

    • Readily Allocated Memory
    • Rapid Access Machine
    • Readily Available Module
    • Random Access Memory

  3. Which key characteristic describes RAM?

    • Non-volatile
    • Optical
    • Read-only
    • Volatile

  4. What is the primary purpose of ROM?

    • Save user files
    • Store boot instructions
    • Expand virtual memory
    • Cache web pages

  5. Which storage is accessed more quickly by the CPU?

    • RAM
    • Hard disk drive
    • DVD drive
    • Optical disc

  6. Which type of primary memory is the smallest and fastest?

    • Cache
    • Hard disk
    • RAM
    • ROM

  7. What is the primary purpose of virtual memory?

    • Extend ROM
    • Cool CPU
    • Extend RAM
    • Speed up boot

  8. When is virtual memory needed by a computer system?

    • RAM is full
    • ROM is missing
    • Storage is optical
    • CPU is overheating

  9. What happens when running programs exceed available physical RAM?

    • Computer shuts down
    • Data uses storage
    • ROM expands
    • CPU overclocks

  10. How does the OS handle data swapping when using virtual memory?

    • ROM overwrites
    • All data deletes
    • Unused data moves
    • CPU caches load

  11. Which hardware upgrade best prevents system slowdown from virtual memory?

    • Upgrading ROM
    • Adding optical drive
    • Replacing GPU
    • Adding more RAM

  12. Where are active game instructions held while the software is running?

    • Hard disk
    • ROM
    • Cache
    • RAM

  13. Why is unsaved work lost during an unexpected power cut?

    • Storage is magnetic
    • ROM is volatile
    • Cache is permanent
    • RAM is volatile

  14. Why is virtual memory slower than physical RAM?

    • Uses cache memory
    • Uses registers
    • Uses secondary storage
    • Uses ROM chips

  15. What is the main function of ROM in a computer system?

    • Store user files
    • Hold running programs
    • Hold start-up instructions
    • Cache CPU data

  16. Why does heavy virtual memory use cause system lag?

    • ROM fails
    • CPU clock drops
    • Storage is slow
    • Cache overheats

  17. Why is CPU cache faster than main RAM?

    • Larger capacity
    • Optical laser
    • Magnetic media
    • Closer and smaller

  18. Where are installed applications normally kept before running?

    • RAM
    • CPU cache
    • Secondary storage
    • ROM

  19. Why is CPU cache memory typically very small in capacity?

    • Volatile nature
    • Magnetic interference
    • Costly per byte
    • Slow data transfer

  20. Why must computers use RAM instead of ROM for running software?

    • ROM is faster
    • RAM is read-write
    • ROM is volatile
    • RAM is non-volatile

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