Which characteristic describes EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory)?

EPROM, or erasable programmable read-only memory, is specifically designed to be nonvolatile, which means it retains its stored data even when power is turned off. One of its defining characteristics is that it can be erased by exposing the chip to strong ultraviolet (UV) light. This exposure allows the data stored in the EPROM to be wiped clean, enabling the chip to be reprogrammed with new data.

The nonvolatile nature of EPROM is crucial in applications where data permanence is required, but the ability to reprogram the memory is also needed. This contrasts with other types of memory like RAM, which is volatile and loses its data when power is cut. The option correctly highlights both the nonvolatile aspect and the ability to erase data via UV light, making it an accurate representation of why EPROM is uniquely useful in various technology applications.