Learn Quantum Computing with Python and IBM Quantum Experience

Chapter 5: Understanding the Quantum Bit (Qubit)

We are all very familiar with the classic bit, or just bit, with respect to current computer hardware systems. It is the fundamental unit used to compute everything from simple mathematical problems, such as addition and multiplication, to more complex algorithms that involve a large collection of information.

Quantum computers have a similar fundamental unit called a quantum bit or qubit, as it is commonly referred to. In this chapter, we will describe what a qubit is, both from a mathematical (computational) and hardware perspective. We will cover the differences between qubits and bits, particularly regarding how calculations are defined. This chapter will then transition from single to multi-qubits ...