Storage devices (HDD, SSD) in Intro to Computing - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Difference in data access between HDD and SSD

Which statement best explains how data is accessed differently in HDDs compared to SSDs?

A SSDs use magnetic heads to read data, while HDDs use flash memory chips.

B HDDs access data electronically, while SSDs use spinning disks to find data.

C Both HDDs and SSDs use moving parts to access data, but SSDs spin faster.

D HDDs use moving parts to read data, while SSDs access data electronically with no moving parts.

💡 Hint

Think about whether the device has moving parts or not.

HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) have spinning disks and moving read/write heads to access data. SSDs (Solid State Drives) have no moving parts and access data electronically, making them faster and more durable.

❓ trace

intermediate

Speed difference impact on file copy time

If copying a 10 GB file takes 5 minutes on an HDD, approximately how long would it take on an SSD that is 5 times faster?

A 1 minute

B 25 minutes

C 5 minutes

D 10 minutes

💡 Hint

Divide the original time by the speed factor.

Since the SSD is 5 times faster, the time to copy the file is 5 minutes ÷ 5 = 1 minute.

❓ identification

advanced

Identify the storage device from characteristics

Which storage device is described by these features: uses NAND flash memory, no moving parts, faster data access, but usually more expensive per GB?

A HDD

B Optical Disc

C SSD

D Magnetic Tape

💡 Hint

Think about which device uses flash memory.

SSDs use NAND flash memory, have no moving parts, and offer faster access times compared to HDDs, which use spinning disks.

❓ Comparison

advanced

Comparing durability of HDD and SSD

Which statement correctly compares the durability of HDDs and SSDs?

A HDDs are more durable because they have moving parts that absorb shocks.

B SSDs are more durable because they have no moving parts and resist physical shocks better.

C Both HDDs and SSDs have equal durability because they store data magnetically.

D SSDs are less durable because their flash memory wears out instantly after one use.

💡 Hint

Consider what happens when a device is dropped or shaken.

SSDs have no moving parts, so they handle shocks and drops better than HDDs, which have delicate spinning disks and heads that can be damaged.

🚀 Application

expert

Choosing storage for a video editing workstation

A video editor needs fast access to large files and durability for frequent travel. Which storage setup is best?

A A combination: SSD for active projects and HDD for backups.

B Only HDDs for large capacity and low cost.

C Only SSDs for speed and durability despite higher cost.

D Optical discs for durability and portability.

💡 Hint

Think about balancing speed, capacity, cost, and durability.

Using SSDs for active editing gives fast access and durability, while HDDs provide cost-effective large storage for backups. This combination balances all needs.