How can a quantum computer prove that it is superior?
A Google researcher has shown that one class of mathematical problems can be solved only by quantum computers, not classical computers.
Quick Revision
Prelims-testable facts
- 01Quantum computers can solve certain mathematical problems exponentially faster than classical computers.
- 02These problems are known as BQP-complete problems, which means they require a quantum computer to be solved efficiently.
- 03One such problem is the 'Hidden Shift Problem', where a quantum computer can find a hidden shift in a periodic function much faster than a classical computer.
- 04Quantum computers use quantum parallelism and interference to solve these problems, allowing them to explore an exponentially large solution space simultaneously.
- 05Classical computers, on the other hand, require a brute-force approach to solve these problems, making them impractically slow for large inputs.
- 06The Hidden Shift Problem has applications in cryptography and coding theory, where it can be used to break certain encryption schemes.
Trap alerts
- Most people think quantum computers are only good for simulating complex systems, but actually they have a wide range of applications, including solving BQP-complete problems.
- Many students assume that quantum computers will replace classical computers entirely, but actually they will likely augment and complement classical computing in many areas.
Mains Practice Question
Critically examine the implications of quantum computers proving superiority over classical computers for computational tasks.
250 words
Practice this in the exam hall →Prelims Practice MCQs
How can a quantum computer prove that it is superior?
- A.By solving complex mathematical problems faster
- B.By processing large datasets more efficiently
- C.By completing tasks in parallel with classical computers
- D.By using less energy than classical computers
Quantum computers can prove superiority by solving certain mathematical problems that are only solvable by quantum computers, not classical ones.
Which researcher has demonstrated the capabilities of quantum computers?
- A.Google's Vint Cerf
- B.Google's Andrew Ng
- C.Google's researcher, whose name is not specified in the article
- D.Microsoft's researcher, Satya Nadella
The Google researcher, though unnamed, has shown that quantum computers can solve certain mathematical problems that are unsolvable by classical computers.
Who showed that one class of mathematical problems can be solved only by quantum computers?
- A.Google researcher Dr. Sanjay Singh
- B.Google researcher Dr. Rohan Desai
- C.Microsoft researcher Dr. Anand Rao
- D.IBM researcher Dr. Suresh Kumar
The Google researcher who showed that one class of mathematical problems can be solved only by quantum computers is not specified in the article, but it is implied to be a Google researcher.
Consider the following statements regarding Quantum Computers: 1. A quantum computer is superior to a classical computer in solving certain mathematical problems. 2. Only a few specific types of mathematical problems can be solved by quantum computers, not classical computers. 3. All mathematical problems can be efficiently solved by both quantum and classical computers. How many of the above statements are correct?
- A.Only one
- B.Only two
- C.All three
- D.None
Statement 1 is true because the source mentions that one class of mathematical problems can only be solved by quantum computers. Statement 2 is true because it specifically states that this particular class of problems cannot be solved by classical computers. Statement 3 is false because the source does not mention that all mathematical problems can be efficiently solved by both types of computers.
Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: A quantum computer is superior to a classical computer in solving certain mathematical problems. Statement-II: This superiority is due to the fact that quantum computers can process multiple possibilities simultaneously, unlike classical computers which process one possibility at a time. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
- C.Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- D.Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Statement 1 is true because the source implies that quantum computers have an advantage over classical computers in solving certain mathematical problems. However, Statement 2 is incorrect because it provides a reason for the superiority of quantum computers that is not supported by the source.