Qubits, Superposition

Quantum Fundamentals

Understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics and quantum computing

What is a Qubit?

A qubit (quantum bit) is the fundamental unit of quantum information. Unlike classical bits that can only be 0 or 1, qubits can exist in a superposition of both states simultaneously.

Mathematical Representation:
|ψ⟩ = α|0⟩ + β|1⟩ Where: - |ψ⟩ represents the qubit state - α and β are complex probability amplitudes - |α|² + |β|² = 1 (normalization condition)

Superposition

Superposition allows qubits to be in multiple states simultaneously. This is what gives quantum computers their computational power.

Interactive Qubit simulator

Current State: |0⟩

|0⟩: 100%
|1⟩: 0%

Quantum Measurement

When we measure a qubit, the superposition collapses to either |0⟩ or |1⟩ with probabilities determined by the amplitudes.

Quantum Entanglement Preview

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where qubits become correlated in such a way that the measurement of one instantly affects the other, regardless of distance.

We'll explore this in detail in the Quantum Entanglement section.

Key Concepts

  • Qubit: Quantum bit that can be in superposition
  • Superposition: Being in multiple states simultaneously
  • Measurement: Collapses superposition to definite state
  • Probability Amplitudes: Complex numbers determining measurement probabilities

Applications

  • Quantum Computing
  • Quantum Cryptography
  • Quantum Sensing
  • Quantum Communication

Next Topics

Quantum Gates Quantum Algorithms Quantum Entanglement