Virtual Memory is used when a computer is running many programs at the same time.
(a) State where Virtual Memory is physically located in a computer system. [1]
💡Hint: It's not on the RAM chip.
(b) Explain when the computer will start using Virtual Memory. [2]
💡Hint: What happens when you run out of main memory?
✅ Mark Scheme
(a) Location: Secondary Storage / Hard Disk Drive / SSD (1)
(b) When used:
When RAM is full / nearly full. (1)
To allow more programs to be opened / prevent crashing. (1)
⚠️ Examiner's Trap
Do not say "The Cloud" or "Internet" for 1(a).
Score yourself (Max 3):
2[3 Marks]
A student runs a photo editor and the computer uses Virtual Memory.
Describe how Virtual Memory works to allow this new application to open. Refer to the movement of data.
✅ Mark Scheme
Data/instructions not currently in use... [1]
...are moved from RAM to Virtual Memory (Secondary Storage). [1]
When data is needed again, it is moved back to RAM. [1]
Score yourself (Max 3):
3[4 Marks]
When switching back to a program in Virtual Memory, the computer runs slower.
Explain why using Virtual Memory makes the computer slower.
💡Hint: Compare the speed of RAM vs Hard Drive.
✅ Mark Scheme
Virtual Memory is on secondary storage. [1]
Secondary storage has a slower read/write speed than RAM. [1]
The processor has to wait while data is moved back into RAM. [1]
This constant moving of data (disk thrashing) causes delay. [1]