Question

External fragmentation occurs .................. .

• A. When enough total memory space exists to satisfy a request, but it is not contiguous, storage is fragmented into a large number of small holes.
• B. When enough total memory space exists to satisfy a request, which is contiguous, storage is fragmented into a large number of small holes.
• C. When memory is empty.
• D. Always.

Hint:

External fragmentation refers to free memory being scattered in small, non-contiguous blocks, preventing large requests from being fulfilled.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Definition of External Fragmentation.
External fragmentation occurs when there is enough total free memory to satisfy a request, but the free memory is scattered in small, non-contiguous blocks. As a result, large memory requests cannot be satisfied, even though the total free memory is adequate.

Step 2: Explanation of other options.
- (2) This describes a scenario where the memory is contiguous, and hence internal fragmentation might occur, not external fragmentation.
- (3) External fragmentation doesn't occur when memory is empty because there are no fragmented blocks to manage.
- (4) External fragmentation only occurs when the available memory is fragmented into small holes, which doesn't always happen.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is **(1)**.