Hard disk drive

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/hard-disk-drive

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the first HDD system?IBM 305 RAMAC
2. What is the platter diameter (early)?24 inches
3. What is a hard disk drive and why is it important?A hard disk drive is a device that stores all the files on a computer, like a long‑term memory that keeps data even when the computer is turned off.
4. How does a hard disk drive keep data safe when the computer is turned off?It uses magnetic platters that stay magnetized, so the information stays even without power.

Non-Volatile Memory: Computer memory that retains stored information even when not powered.
Storage Density: The amount of data that can be stored per unit of physical volume or mass.
Actuator Arm: The mechanical component that positions the read/write head over the correct track on a hard disk platter.