What happens to the data stored in RAM when the computer is powered off?

When a computer is powered off, the data stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) is permanently lost. This is because RAM is a type of volatile memory, which means it requires power to maintain the stored information. Once the power is cut off, the electrical charges that represent the data dissipate, resulting in the loss of all data contained in RAM.

In contrast, non-volatile memory types, such as hard drives and solid-state drives, retain data even when the power is turned off. This fundamental distinction between volatile and non-volatile memory is why the precise information stored in RAM cannot be recovered once the power is lost, reaffirming that the data is indeed irretrievably lost.