Explaining Quantum Computing for Kids

Unleashing the Power of Quantum-Mechanical Phenomena

Quantum computing is a type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena to perform calculations that are impossible for classical computers. It can transform many fields, including cryptography, drug development, and financial modeling.

I am not a worldwide expert in Quantum Computing, but I have been exposed enough to these concepts starting with my years working at IBM until today, where the argument has appeared every time more frequently in technical investigations and trend monitoring in the companies I have been working with during the last years. But what exactly is quantum computing, and how does it work?

Quantum computers are different from classical computers in several ways. First, they use qubits instead of bits to store and process information. Qubits can exist simultaneously in multiple states, allowing quantum computers to perform calculations in parallel, making them much faster than classical computers.

Another key feature of quantum computing is superposition, which allows qubits to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This means that a single qubit can represent multiple numbers simultaneously, dramatically reducing the calculations needed for certain tasks.