Quantum Computing: How Fast Could It Go?

In summary, quantum computers are capable of solving certain problems much faster than classical computers. However, it is difficult to accurately predict their speed in the future as they operate differently than traditional computers. The computational power of 500 qubits would already surpass what can be represented on a classical computer. Some experts believe that quantum computers excel at parallel computing by taking advantage of superposition.
  • #1
Big-Daddy
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How fast, exactly, is it hypothesized that quantum computers could feasibly reach? If an operation takes 1 second on an average modern-day computer, how long will it take a quantum computer, using an upper-bound idea for the speed these machines could one day reach?
 
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Quantum computers excel at certain problems. They are very different than classical sequential computations so saying how "fast" they will be in the future is kind of meaningless. Your best bet is to understand what they do and how they differ from classical computers.

http://www.qubit.org/tutorials/13-about-quantum-computing/tutorials/25-quantum-computing.html

The following quote from wikipedia is one I like:
"However, the computational basis of 500 qubits, for example, would already be too large to be represented on a classical computer because it would require 2^500 complex values (2^501 bits) to be stored.[10] (For comparison, a terabyte of digital information is only 2^40 bits.)"

For an extreme but entertaining view, check out Seth Lloyd.
 
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I think that they excel at parallel computing, due to exploiting superposition.
 

FAQ: Quantum Computing: How Fast Could It Go?

What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing is a type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data. It has the potential to solve complex problems much faster than traditional computing methods.

How does quantum computing work?

Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, to represent and process information. Unlike classical bits which can only have a value of 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states at the same time, allowing for parallel processing and faster computation.

What makes quantum computing faster?

Quantum computers have the ability to perform operations on a large number of qubits simultaneously, leading to exponential speed gains compared to classical computers. Additionally, quantum algorithms are designed to take advantage of superposition and entanglement to solve complex problems more efficiently.

What are the potential applications of quantum computing?

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, and optimization problems. It could also greatly improve artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.

How fast could quantum computing go?

The speed of quantum computing is still being researched and developed, but it has the potential to be exponentially faster than current classical computing methods. With advancements in technology and algorithms, it could potentially solve problems that are currently impossible for even the most powerful supercomputers.

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