One Big Roller Coaster

The Evolution of Technology from Stone Tools to Quantum Computing- Part 2

Quantum computers are advanced machines inspired by quantum physics. They operate by studying and controlling the behavior of atoms and particles, which is completely different from a regular computer. Although it as an upgraded and advanced version of the computers we use regularly, is not exactly the next generation computer. Meaning, you cannot build a better table just by adding more and more tables together. In the same way, it is not possible to build a quantum computer just by adding classical computers together. A classical computer performs operations using classical bits which can be either zero or one. In contrast, quantum computer uses quantum bits or qubits which can be both zero and one at the same time. 

Let’s say you’re playing a game of flip the coin on your computer. In this case, there is a 50% chance that either if you will win. The computer will take heads and tails as bits of zero and one and depends on only these two results. On the other hand, a quantum computer also has these possibilities including a possibility of a mixture of both heads and tails, both zero and one with some portion of zero and some portion of one. Due to do this uncertain possibility, your chance of losing shall increase. Whether you choose heads or tails, the outcome will still be there between both possibilities, just like a mixture of sand and rocks. Even though the portion of sand is very little in that mixture, you can’t say that it’s not there. This property of superposition empowers the mesmerizing concept of quantum computers.

 Just like the other technological transformations around the world, quantum computers have the potential to impact our lives in numerous ways including security and healthcare. They can be used to create private keys for encrypting messages from one location to another. It will not be possible to copy the unique an unbreakable key of quantum uncertainty. This functioning is already tested by some global companies and is connected to over 17 billion devices globally. Although it is still under research work, quantum computing is the future of our coming generations.