Really basic quantum mechanics question

In summary, quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that explains the behavior of particles at a microscopic level, such as atoms and subatomic particles. It involves the study of quantum states, which are mathematical descriptions of a particle's physical properties, and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which states that the exact position and momentum of a particle cannot be known simultaneously. Superposition is a key concept in quantum mechanics, where particles can exist in multiple states at once. Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where particles become connected and their states are dependent on each other, even when separated by large distances. These concepts challenge classical physics and have wide-ranging implications for our understanding of the universe.
  • #1
barnflakes
156
4
I keep reading about qubits, and they say that if a qubit is represented as [tex]\arrowvert \phi \rangle = \alpha|0\rangle + \beta|1\rangle[/tex] then the probability of it being in the 0 state is [tex]|\alpha^2|[/tex] and similarly for the 1 state.

My question is how do they get this value? Is it from [tex]|\langle 0 | \phi \rangle|^2[/tex] ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yup!
 

1. What is quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior of particles at a microscopic level, such as atoms and subatomic particles. It describes how these particles interact and behave in ways that are not explained by classical physics.

2. What is a quantum state?

A quantum state is a mathematical description of the physical properties of a quantum system, such as the position, momentum, and energy of particles. It is represented by a wave function that evolves over time according to the laws of quantum mechanics.

3. What is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle?

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know the exact position and momentum of a particle at the same time. This is because the act of measuring one property of a particle affects the other, making it impossible to have complete knowledge of both simultaneously.

4. What is superposition?

Superposition is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics where a particle can exist in multiple states or positions at the same time. This is represented by a wave function that contains all possible outcomes, and it is only when observed that the particle's state becomes definite.

5. What is quantum entanglement?

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where two or more particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of the other, even when they are separated by large distances. This is a non-local and instantaneous correlation that cannot be explained by classical physics.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
793
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
930
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
26
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
665
Back
Top