UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

Which one of the following is the context in which the term “Qubit” is mentioned? 

Learn more about Quantum Computing in the given explanation below.

Explanation:

A qubit (or quantum bit) is the quantum mechanical analogue of a classical bit. In classical computing the information is encoded in bits, where each bit can have the value zero or one. In quantum computing the information is encoded in qubits. Qubits can be in a state of 0 or 1 or (unlike a classical bit) in a linear combination of both states. The name of this phenomenon is superposition.

The concept of Quantum Computers

• Quantum computers are not just the next generation of faster and more efficient computers, they exploit the very special properties of matter in the sub-atomic world for calculations beyond the capabilities of ordinary computers.
• This technology uses the concepts of Superposition, Entanglement to solve calculations and complex problems in a matter of seconds.
• Superposition
  • Small particles, the size of atoms or its constituents like protons or electrons exhibit strange properties that are against our everyday experiences.
  • These particles can exist at multiple locations at the same time and this phenomenon is called superposition. 
• Entanglement: The ability of a particle to instantaneously influence the behaviour of another with whom it had an earlier ‘interaction’, even when they are separated by arbitrarily great distances.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.