Quantum Computing

Quantum computing uses the complex laws of quantum mechanics in its system, hence the name. The basic unit of storage used by quantum computers is called a qubit, which is equal to two bits that are used in classic computers. By using quantum mechanics to calculate outputs, these computers are able to out-perform classic and super computers. This allows quantum computers to solve complex problems that would typically stump other computers, such as equations with many variables. For example, quantum computing has been used to model the actions of singular atoms, which has proven to be too complex for even super computers because of electrons interacting with each other.

Qubits, which are quantum particles, have the ability to enter superposition, which can simply be described as a combination of every possible state. Binary position only has two states; on or off (0 or 1). The difference between both positions can be visualized by a coin. Binary position is determined by landing on heads or tails, but superposition is like being able to see heads, tails, and all other states at the same time. Qubits also have the ability to enter entanglement, which allows two qubits to form a single system and correspond with each other. Adding more entangled qubits to a quantum computer's system allows the computer to calculate more complicated problems.

Although quantum computers are not as widespread as classical or super computers, they are rapidly emerging and being used more and more for complicated problems. The car company Mercedes-Benz is attempting to reach carbon neutrality by 2039, which requires all vehicles to use electric batteries rather than gasoline. To do this, Mercedes-Benz is trying to optimize battery technology, which is difficult because there is surprisingly little known about what goes on inside batteries at the molecular level. To create an accurate simulation of this, Mercedes-Benz has turned to quantum computing to simulate the chemical reactions in batteries. ExxonMobil is another company that uses quantum computing to help solve a complex problem. Exxonmobil produces natural gas that is then shipped globally, but the problem is that shipping liquid natural gas requires the most efficient routes. The shipping of liquid natural gas consists of thousands of global journeys every year, which makes handling this large supply chain a difficult task. Quantum computers are used to account for the position of each tanker on any given day of the year, and must consider other factors such as shipping routes, changes in weather, changes in demand, and countless others.