What technology does a solid state drive (SSD) use for persistent mass storage?

A solid state drive (SSD) uses flash memory technology for persistent mass storage. This technology allows SSDs to store data in a non-volatile manner, meaning the data remains intact even when power is lost. Flash memory consists of memory chips that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed, which enables fast read and write speeds compared to traditional storage methods.

Flash memory's design includes arrays of memory cells that store data in the form of electrical charges, facilitating quicker access times and improved durability because there are no moving parts involved. This construction also enhances the SSD's resistance to physical shock and vibration, making it a more reliable storage option in portable devices.

In contrast, the other technologies listed are not used for SSDs. Magnetic platters are associated with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), where data is stored magnetically on spinning disks. Optical discs, like CDs and DVDs, rely on lasers to read and write data, which is quite different from the electronic storage process of flash memory. Mechanical arms are found in HDDs, where they move to access data stored on magnetic platters, but this is not applicable to the solid-state technology of SSDs. Thus, the correct choice highlights the fundamental technology underlying SSD performance and reliability.