Which characteristic of RAM makes it suitable for fast data retrieval?

The characteristic that makes RAM suitable for fast data retrieval is its volatility. Volatile memory, like RAM, requires a constant power supply to maintain the stored information, which allows for much quicker read and write operations compared to non-volatile memory. This means that data can be accessed, modified, or deleted at high speeds, enabling efficient processing by the CPU. When a computer is powered on, RAM can rapidly reload applications and data, facilitating a smooth multitasking experience, which is essential for performance in computing tasks.

While permanent storage options are designed to hold data over long periods without power, they cannot match RAM's speed, and that's where volatility plays a significant role. Other characteristics, like low cost or compatibility with flash drives, do not inherently contribute to the speed of data retrieval. In contrast, the need for constant power in volatile memory allows it to access data in real-time, making it the resource of choice for active data processing.