Preface – This post is part of the Quantum Computing series.

The term “quantum” refers to the smallest unit of a physical quantity that can exist. It is derived from the Latin word “quantus,” which means “how much.” In classical physics, quantities such as position, momentum, and energy are continuous, which means that they can take on any value within a given range. In contrast, in quantum mechanics, these quantities are quantized, which means that they can only take on certain discrete values.

The concept of quantization is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics, which is a theory in physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic scale. Quantum mechanics is based on the principles of wave-particle duality and quantum uncertainty, and it provides a mathematical framework for understanding the properties of quantum systems.

Quantum mechanics has had a profound impact on our understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe and has led to the development of many important technologies, including lasers, transistors, and quantum computers. The term “quantum” is used in a variety of contexts to describe phenomena and technologies that are related to quantum mechanics, including quantum computing, quantum information, and quantum cryptography.