In this installment of Emerging Technologies, let's discuss quantum computing. In conventional computers, electrical signals comprised of minuscule electrons transport information in the form of 0s and 1s, known as binary. Quantum computers transport data via quantum particles, hence the name. These particles exist in superposition, meaning they can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously; they are known as qubits. This permits quantum computers to increase in speed exponentially, as opposed to linearly like classical computers. Consider the graphs of "y=x" and "y=x2." Quantum computers gain speed at a far quicker rate than quantum trees.

This gap in speed results in what physicists refer to as "quantum supremacy," which is essentially the reality that quantum computers are superior to their counterparts. In 2019, Google created the Sycamore quantum computer, which, according to the company, solved an equation that would have taken the finest classical computers 10,000 years to answer in just a few hours. Their rivals at IBM refuted the assertion, stating that the problem could be solved regularly in about 2,5 days. However, the discrepancy in skill is extremely evident.

However, the majority of daily computer tasks are not quite as difficult. In addition, Google created the problem Sycamore addressed particularly to demonstrate its superiority over conventional machines. Quantum computers will revolutionize the world in both positive and negative ways. But will it have a significant impact on the average person? Will it affect our everyday lives? To answer, we must consider its merits and cons.

Advantages

Quantum computers can process data exponentially faster due to the utilization of quantum particles, as described previously. This lets them simultaneously answer multiple difficult problems with a considerably lower error rate and exponentially improves their storage capacity. In addition, quantum computing is beneficial to the environment because the transport of quantum particles requires far less energy. Experts believe that they will reduce energy consumption by 100 to 1,000.

As noted in our previous blog, mining cryptocurrencies is a very energy-intensive operation; thus, quantum computing is a feasible solution to this issue. However, quantum computing influences dozens of other industries as well. It may be used to simulate chemical reactions far more quickly than traditional computing, accelerating the development of novel medications and fertilizers. As quantum computers get more precise, they can examine investment risks more precisely and predict financial fluctuations. They can also accelerate the development of new types of Artificial Intelligence through quantum machine learning.

Disadvantages

Quantum computing is still in its infancy; thus, it is premature to speculate on its potential benefits. It will be considered before trustworthy quantum computers are built and even longer before quantum chips or phones are utilized. In addition, because quantum computers operate on qubits and not binary, we would need to create entirely new programming languages to operate them.

While quantum computers have lower operating costs than conventional computers, their upfront expenses are substantially higher. Additionally, the cost of operating quantum codes can be rather high. Moreover, quantum computers are susceptible to failure and must operate at temperatures close to absolute zero. 

As quantum computers can rapidly solve complex equations, they might possibly be used by hackers to decipher codes and breach security. This poses significant threats to both national and corporate security. Quantum computers, however, could offer a solution to this problem, as they could construct more resilient and intricate security measures.

Conclusion

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