Which characteristic is typical of volatile memory?

Volatile memory is primarily characterized by its fast data access speed. This type of memory, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), allows for rapid read and write operations, making it ideal for tasks that require quick retrieval and processing of data. The speed is essential for the efficient execution of applications and the overall performance of a computer system.

In contrast, features like high durability against data loss or retention of data without power are not applicable to volatile memory, as it relies on a power supply to maintain the stored information. When power is lost, any data contained in volatile memory is erased. Storage density pertains to how much data can be stored in a given physical space, which may vary across different types of memory but does not specifically define the nature of volatile memory.