Definition of

Volatile

Steam

The volatile can move through the air.

Volatile is an adjective that can be used to describe something that is able to move through the air . Based on this meaning, the concept is used in different areas and contexts.

Before moving forward, it is important to discover the etymological origin of the term. In this case, it must be stated that it is a word that derives from the Latin volatilis , the result of the sum of two clearly delimited components:

  • The verb volare , which means “to fly.”
  • The suffix -il , which is used to indicate a passive possibility.

a volatile substance

In the field of physics and chemistry , a substance that has a predisposition to become vapor is classified as volatile, modifying its state. In other words, the volatile element has a tendency to evaporate.

Volatility is usually a characteristic of liquids, although there are also certain solids that become vapor without going through a liquid phase through sublimation . Dry ice is a volatile solid, which can become a vapor without becoming a liquid.

Values

A volatile stock fluctuates frequently.

The concept in economics

In the field of economics , a currency, product or market whose values ​​fluctuate frequently and abruptly is classified as volatile.

Take the case of the exchange rate between a currency X and a dollar. In January, to obtain one dollar, you must deliver 5 units of currency X. A month later, the exchange rate becomes 8 to 1 . Another month later, the exchange rate is 12 to 1 . Given this constant devaluation , it could be indicated that currency X is a volatile currency.

Volatile memory

Within the field of computing we talk about volatile memory . This concept is used to define the computer's memory, which is completely lost when the electrical flow that makes the device operate runs out.

There are various types of volatile memories, especially the following:

  • The HPU .
  • The GJR .
  • The RAM . It is also known as random access memory and is what is used in computers to be able to work with the operating system or even with the different existing programs. It connects to the memory bus using a memory bus and there can be two types of errors in your system: soft errors and crashes.
  • DRAM , which is also called dynamic random access memory and can be of two types: asynchronous DRAM , which is divided into FPM RAM and EDO RAM ; and SDRAM .
  • The SRAM . It is also known as static random access memory .

What lacks constancy

It should be noted that volatile is also something that lacks constancy and whose conditions or characteristics vary frequently.

For example: “The recognition of viewers is volatile: one day they love you and the next, they forgot you,” “The neighbors are already fed up with volatile projects: they want a serious and lasting government program.”