Quantum computing relies on quantum physics. Quantum computing studies theoretical computation systems (quantum computers) that make direct use of quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data.
Quantum computers and quantum computation which uses quantum bits are founded in a realm of science which can come off as confusing or confounding; however, it is not beyond comprehension, even if you are not a quantum physicist. Before we study quantum computers, let's learn a little more about the physics behind them.
Discussion
Discuss the following in a group or as a class:
- Do you know what quantum physics is? (It's ok if you don't!)
- What is regular physics? How might it be different than quantum physics?
- What is the smallest thing known to exist?
Video
Please watch the following video.
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Reflection
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