Quantum science builds on the governing hypothesis of how nature works at atomic and subatomic levels. However, quantum science accounts for two important phenomena that differentiate it from classical physics. The first is particle superposition. The second is entanglement.
Classic physics says two things cannot occupy the same space at the same time or be wholly present in more than one place at a time. Quantum physics, however, says that the world is held together by objects that exist in two distinct states simultaneously — a condition called superposition.
For example, a molecule consists of two atoms “glued” together by an electron. This electron could be associated with either atom, but quantum theory holds that the electron must be associated with each atom at the same time for them to be properly joined. This is how we understand everything from photosynthesis to lasers.
Equally mystifying is entanglement. That’s when two or more quantum particles become linked so that any measurement of one immediately determines the state of the others — regardless of the distance between them. Imagine two dimes spinning on opposite sides of the universe, and whenever you stop one from spinning, the other also stops and displays the same value (heads or tails) as the first.
It sounds crazy, but it’s real. And researchers are beginning to leverage these amazing phenomena for technological breakthroughs.
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