What type of data storage uses magnetized particles to store information?

Magnetic storage devices utilize magnetized particles to store data, which allows for the recording of information in a format that can be retrieved later. This type of storage functions by aligning the particles in specific orientations to represent binary data, typically in the form of ones and zeros. Traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) are a common example of magnetic storage, where magnetic platters spin at high speeds and read/write heads access the data.

In contrast, optical storage devices use lasers to read and write data on discs, and flash drives store information in non-volatile memory, which does not rely on magnetic fields. Solid state drives (SSDs) also use flash memory for storage, meaning they function without moving parts and do not involve magnetization at all. Therefore, the defining characteristic of magnetic storage is its ability to use magnetized particles to retain data, making it the correct choice in this context.