Description: Internal fragmentation refers to unused memory within a partition that cannot be allocated to other processes. This phenomenon occurs when an operating system divides memory into fixed-size blocks, and a process requires less memory than what is allocated to it. As a result, the leftover space within the partition becomes waste, as it cannot be used by other processes. Internal fragmentation is a common issue in systems that use static memory allocation, where the size of the partitions is defined before processes are initiated. As processes are loaded and unloaded, free space can become fragmented, leading to inefficient memory utilization. This type of fragmentation is particularly relevant in systems with limited resources, where every kilobyte counts. Internal fragmentation can be difficult to detect and correct, as it does not directly affect system performance, but it can contribute to memory scarcity and the need for more frequent swapping operations. To mitigate this problem, some systems implement more advanced memory management techniques, such as paging or segmentation, which allow for more flexible and efficient memory allocation.
