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J277 1.2.1 Virtual memory

Part 2 of 6 · J277 1.2.1-1.2.3 · Memory and storage

What happens when RAM runs short, and why the fix costs performance.

Students will:

  • explain why virtual memory may be needed
  • identify where virtual memory is located
  • describe how data moves between RAM and secondary storage
  • explain why virtual memory is slower than RAM
  • decide whether a given system can use it

Inside: 5 text sections, 4 multiple-choice activities, 2 completion activities, 4 written answers. 18 marks. Suggested teaching time: 40–60 minutes. 1 diagram.

Includes a teacher guide with suggested sections, timings and common misconceptions.

Series: J277 1.2.1-1.2.3 · Memory and storage, part 2 of 6.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 15 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026
  • Updated 27 Oct 2026

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

Virtual memory

When RAM is full or nearly full, the operating system can use part of secondary storage as virtual memory. This helps manage more data than will fit in RAM at once.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement about RAM is correct?

  • AIt keeps all contents without power
  • BIt holds currently used data and instructions
  • CIt is optical storage
  • DIt has unlimited capacity

1. Follow the movement

  1. Currently unneeded data moves from RAM to virtual memory in secondary storage.
  2. This frees RAM for data needed now.
  3. Moved data is copied back into RAM when needed again.

Virtual memory is an area of storage, not an extra RAM chip. In this GCSE model, data returns to RAM before the CPU uses it.

Data moves out of RAM and returns when needed When RAM is short of space, currently unneeded data moves to a virtual-memory area of secondary storage. This frees RAM. Needed data is copied back to RAM, shown by the return arrow at the left. RAM Working data and instructions 1. Move unneeded data out to create space in RAM Secondary storage Virtual-memory area 2. Needed again? Copy back to RAM. Secondary storage is slower to access.
Fill in the blanks4 marks
Virtual memory uses part of Answer 1. It may be needed when Answer 2 is full. Currently unneeded data moves out to Answer 3; it returns to Answer 4 when needed.
  • ROM
  • RAM
  • secondary storage
  • virtual memory
Multiple choice1 mark

Why move currently unneeded data out of RAM?

  • ATo create free space in RAM
  • BTo increase installed RAM capacity
  • CTo make secondary storage faster
  • DTo save it permanently as a user file

A worked example

A drawing application is open in the background. A video editor needs more RAM. The operating system moves some currently unneeded drawing data to virtual memory, leaving RAM space for the editor. When the drawing data is needed again, it is copied back to RAM.

Written answer3 marks

Describe how virtual memory is used when RAM is full and the moved data is later needed again.

Students type their answer here.

2. Why performance can fall

Secondary storage is slower to access than RAM. Repeatedly moving data out and back takes extra time, so heavy use of virtual memory may make applications respond slowly.

More RAM can hold more currently needed data and reduce these transfers. A larger SSD adds secondary-storage capacity; it does not add physical RAM.

Multiple choice1 mark

Why can heavy virtual-memory use reduce performance?

  • ASlower secondary-storage access and transfers add waiting
  • BIt permanently deletes all programs
  • CRAM becomes non-volatile
  • DThe operating system stops using RAM
Written answer1 mark

Correct this statement: 'The CPU uses data while it remains only in virtual memory.'

Students type their answer here.

3. Check the system

Virtual memory needs suitable secondary storage. A simple controller may have enough RAM for its fixed task and no secondary storage available. It may neither need nor be able to create virtual memory.

Written answer2 marks

A simple controller has enough RAM for its fixed task and no secondary storage. Give two reasons why it will not use virtual memory.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

A laptop repeatedly moves data between RAM and virtual memory. Explain why these transfers can reduce performance.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which change directly increases physical working-memory capacity?

  • AInstalling a larger SSD only
  • BInstalling more RAM
  • CRenaming virtual memory
  • DAdding a DVD drive
Fill in the blanks2 marks
Answer from memory. (a) The technique using secondary storage when RAM is insufficient is Answer 1. (b) Moved data returns to Answer 2 before processing.