Volatile vs. Nonvolatile — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
Volatile refers to substances or situations that can change rapidly and unpredictably; nonvolatile implies stability and resistance to change.
Difference Between Volatile and Nonvolatile
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Volatile substances easily evaporate at normal temperatures, exhibiting a high vapor pressure. Nonvolatile substances, in contrast, do not readily evaporate and have low vapor pressure.
In the context of data storage, volatile memory loses its data when power is switched off. Nonvolatile memory retains data even when the power is off.
Volatile can also describe unpredictable changes, such as in market conditions. Nonvolatile implies stability and predictability in similar contexts.
The term volatile is often associated with rapid, sometimes unwanted changes. Nonvolatile suggests reliability and a lack of sudden changes.
In chemistry, volatile liquids transform into gas quickly, like alcohol. Nonvolatile liquids, like vegetable oil, do not easily become gaseous.
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Comparison Chart
Evaporation
Easily evaporates
Does not readily evaporate
Memory Storage
Loses data without power
Retains data without power
Market Conditions
Unpredictable changes
Stable and predictable
Nature of Changes
Rapid, sometimes unwanted
Reliable, lacks sudden changes
Example in Chemistry
Alcohol (evaporates quickly)
Vegetable oil (resists evaporation)
Compare with Definitions
Volatile
Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably.
The stock market was volatile, with prices fluctuating wildly.
Nonvolatile
Stable and not prone to rapid or unpredictable changes.
The nonvolatile economy provided a sense of security to investors.
Volatile
Tending to violence or sudden outbursts.
The negotiations became volatile after the disagreement.
Nonvolatile
(Computing) Memory that retains data without electrical power.
Important files were saved on nonvolatile memory for long-term storage.
Volatile
Easily evaporated at normal temperatures.
The volatile solvents in the paint made it dry quickly.
Nonvolatile
Not easily evaporated at normal temperatures.
Nonvolatile liquids are often used in cooking due to their stable nature.
Volatile
Flying or capable of flight.
The bird was volatile, taking off at the slightest noise.
Nonvolatile
Not likely to erupt in violence or outbursts.
The discussion remained nonvolatile, despite differing opinions.
Volatile
Evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures.
Nonvolatile
Not capable of flight.
The nonvolatile creature stayed grounded, watching the birds above.
Volatile
Capable of being readily vaporized.
Nonvolatile
Not volatile; stable or constant.
Volatile
Tending to vary often or widely, as in price
The ups and downs of volatile stocks.
Nonvolatile
(Computers) Of or relating to memory whose data is retained when the memory's power is interrupted.
Volatile
Inconstant; fickle
A flirt's volatile affections.
Nonvolatile
Not volatile (in any sense).
The chemical is nonvolatile so it will not evaporate.
His nonvolatile demeanor was tested by the constant pestering.
The hard drive is nonvolatile, but the RAM is volatile.
A nonvolatile variable may misbehave if accessed from multiple threads at once.
Volatile
Lighthearted; flighty
In a volatile mood.
Nonvolatile
Not readily evaporated. Opposite of volatile.
Volatile
Ephemeral; fleeting.
Nonvolatile
Not volatilizing readily;
A nonvolatile acid
Volatile
Tending to violence; explosive
A volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation.
Volatile
Flying or capable of flying; volant.
Volatile
(Computers) Of or relating to memory whose data is erased when the memory's power is interrupted.
Volatile
(physics) Evaporating or vaporizing readily under normal conditions.
Volatile
Explosive.
Volatile
(of a price etc) Variable or erratic.
Volatile
(of a person) Quick to become angry or violent.
A volatile man
Volatile
Fickle.
Volatile
Temporary or ephemeral.
Volatile
(of a situation) Potentially violent.
Volatile
Having its associated memory immediately updated with any changes in value.
Volatile
Whose content is lost when the computer is powered down
Volatile
(obsolete) Passing through the air on wings, or by the buoyant force of the atmosphere; flying; having the power to fly.
Volatile
A chemical or compound that changes into a gas easily.
Volatile
(programming) A variable that is volatile, i.e. has its associated memory immediately updated with any change in value.
Volatile
Passing through the air on wings, or by the buoyant force of the atmosphere; flying; having the power to fly.
Volatile
Capable of wasting away, or of easily passing into the aëriform state; subject to evaporation.
Volatile
Fig.: Light-hearted; easily affected by circumstances; airy; lively; hence, changeable; fickle; as, a volatile temper.
You are as giddy and volatile as ever.
Volatile
A winged animal; wild fowl; game.
Volatile
A volatile substance; a substance that changes readily from solid or liquid to a vapor;
It was heated to evaporate the volatiles
Volatile
Evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures;
Volatile oils
Volatile solvents
Volatile
Liable to lead to sudden change or violence;
An explosive issue
A volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation
Volatile
Marked by erratic changeableness in affections or attachments;
Fickle friends
A flirt's volatile affections
Volatile
Tending to vary often or widely;
Volatile stocks
Volatile emotions
Volatile
(Computing) Memory that loses its content when power is lost.
The data was stored in volatile memory and lost during the power outage.
Common Curiosities
What does volatile mean?
Volatile refers to substances that evaporate easily or situations that change unpredictably.
Can volatile also describe emotions?
Yes, volatile can describe emotions or behaviors prone to sudden changes.
Is water volatile or nonvolatile?
Water is relatively nonvolatile compared to substances like alcohol.
Why is nonvolatile storage important in computers?
Nonvolatile storage is crucial for preserving data even when the device is off.
Do volatile compounds have a high or low boiling point?
Volatile compounds typically have a low boiling point.
Can a person be described as volatile?
Yes, if they are prone to rapid mood swings or unpredictable behavior.
Why are nonvolatile liquids preferred in some industrial processes?
Nonvolatile liquids are preferred for their stability and reduced evaporation loss.
Are SSDs (Solid State Drives) volatile or nonvolatile?
SSDs are nonvolatile storage devices.
What is an example of volatile memory?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is an example of volatile memory.
What is nonvolatile memory?
Nonvolatile memory retains data even when the power is switched off.
What are examples of volatile substances?
Examples include alcohol, gasoline, and certain solvents.
Is a stable market considered volatile or nonvolatile?
A stable market is considered nonvolatile.
Can volatile substances be dangerous?
Yes, volatile substances can be flammable or toxic, posing hazards.
Is nonvolatile memory slower than volatile memory?
Nonvolatile memory is often slower in read/write operations compared to volatile memory.
Is the term volatile used in psychology?
Yes, it can be used to describe unstable or rapidly changing emotional states.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
