Tip:A–D to answerE for explanationV for videoS to reveal answer
Which of the following secondary storage devices has the fastest access time:
Optical Drive, Magnetic Tape Drive, Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SDD)?
- A.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
(Correct Answer) - B.
Optical Drive
- C.
Magnetic Tape Drive
- D.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Correct Answer: Solid State Drive (SSD)
Explanation
Logic Check
-
Access Time Mechanism:
Access time is the total time taken by the computer to retrieve data from a storage device.
-
Comparison of Devices:
-
Magnetic Tape: Sequential access; must wind the tape to the correct position. (Slowest)
-
Optical Drive: Uses a laser to read rotating discs. (Slow)
-
HDD: Uses mechanical spinning platters and a moving read/write head. (Moderate)
-
SSD: Uses flash memory (electronic circuits) with no moving parts. (Fastest)
-
Speed Hierarchy:
The access time τ follows this order:
\tau_{\text{SSD}} < \tau_{\text{HDD}} < \tau_{\text{Optical}} < \tau_{\text{Tape}}
Final Equation
Performance∝Access Time1
