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1CP2-P-3.4 RAM volatility and clock speed

Part 4 of 7 · 1CP2-P-3 · Architecture and storage

The memory and performance worksheet, separating volatility from purpose and clock speed from capacity.

Students will:

  • say where a running program's instructions are held
  • explain what happens to active data when power is removed
  • compare RAM with secondary storage by purpose and volatility
  • explain how clock speed affects the performance of a comparable CPU
  • correct a claim that confuses units and volatility

Inside: 6 explanation cells, 3 multiple-choice questions, 2 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 4 written answers. 19 marks, about 45 minutes.

Series: 1CP2-P-3 · Architecture and storage, part 4 of 7.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 15 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026

Preview

The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

RAM, volatility and clock speed

A running computer depends on two different forms of storage and a processor clock. RAM supplies active instructions and data, secondary storage keeps programs and data long term, and clock pulses synchronise CPU operations.

This worksheet connects those roles before you calculate addressable memory in the next lesson.

1. Active work and persistent files

RAM, secondary storage and the processor clockRAMactive instructionsactive datavolatileSecondary storageprograms and datakept long termnon-volatileload active programProcessor clockregular pulses synchronise operations • frequency measured in hertz

RAM is main memory. It holds the instructions and data currently needed by running programs. It is volatile, so its contents are lost when power is removed.

Secondary storage is non-volatile. It retains programs and data without power. A required program is loaded from secondary storage into RAM before its instructions are processed.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
gap 1 holds active instructions and data. It is gap 2, while secondary storage is gap 3.
  • non-volatile
  • RAM
  • register
  • secondary
  • volatile
Multiple choice1 mark

Where would the instructions of a program normally be held while the program is running?

  • AIn RAM
  • BOnly in the ALU
  • COnly on an optical disc
  • DOn the address bus permanently
Written answer3 marks

Explain what happens to a running program's active data when power is removed, and where a saved program file can remain.

Use volatile and non-volatile accurately.

Students type their answer here.

2. Why a computer uses both

RAM and secondary storage are not interchangeable:

  • RAM gives the CPU access to the active working instructions and data.
  • Secondary storage provides persistent, usually larger-capacity storage for files and programs.
  • When a program starts, the required instructions and data are loaded into RAM.
  • Saving writes required data to non-volatile storage so it can survive power loss.
Written answer3 marks

Compare RAM with secondary storage using purpose and volatility.

Make two paired comparisons rather than listing isolated facts.

Students type their answer here.

3. The processor clock

The clock sends regular timing pulses that synchronise CPU operations. Each tick triggers an operation or processing step. Clock speed is the number of cycles per second and is measured in hertz (Hz).

For example, 3 GHz means approximately three billion clock cycles per second. The unit describes frequency, not memory capacity.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
The processor clock gap 1 operations using regular pulses. Its frequency is measured in gap 2, meaning cycles per gap 3.
  • bytes
  • hertz
  • second
  • stores
  • synchronises
Multiple choice1 mark

Which quantity is measured in hertz?

  • AClock frequency
  • BRAM capacity
  • CAddress width
  • DFile size
Written answer2 marks

Explain how a higher clock speed can improve the performance of an otherwise comparable CPU.

Link cycles per second to processing work.

Students type their answer here.

4. Write a careful performance explanation

A safe GCSE answer connects higher clock frequency → more cycles each second → potential to complete more processing work in the same time.

Do not say that clock speed stores instructions or makes RAM non-volatile. The clock coordinates operations; RAM and secondary storage hold information.

Written answer2 marks

Correct both errors in this claim: 'Clock speed is measured in bytes, and RAM keeps its contents when power is removed.'

Give the correct unit and volatility property.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which sequence accurately describes starting a saved program?

  • ACPU stores it permanently in the ALU
  • BSecondary storage loads it into RAM, then the CPU fetches its instructions
  • CRAM loads it into the clock
  • DThe address bus executes it directly

Route forward

You can explain why both volatile and non-volatile storage are needed and how clock frequency synchronises processing. Next you will calculate how address-bus width limits the number of selectable memory locations.