How do computers “store” memory? Why isnt data lost the power is cut?

Question

How do computers “store” memory? Why isnt data lost the power is cut?

In: 3

Answer 1

If you look at the [floating gate transistor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating-gate), it’s basically a transistor with a capacitor built in. The [transistor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transistor) acts as a switch (this is typically how transistors are used in computer chips) and the [capacitor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor) can store “charge”, a small amount of electrons basically. So the power is cut, but the small amount of electricity does remain trapped in the floating gates, and can basically last for about 10 years before it dissipates.