Explain Science
Topic
Physics

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is an emerging field of computing that leverages quantum mechanics to perform calculations significantly faster than is possible with classical computers. At the heart of quantum computing is the use of quantum bits or qubits that can exist in many states simultaneously, allowing for many calculations to be performed simultaneously. This results in the capability to perform certain types of calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. Applications of quantum computing include cryptography, optimization, machine learning and simulations. While still early in its development, the potential impact of quantum computing cannot be overstated, as it has the potential to enable breakthroughs in fields from materials science to drug design.