The quantum revolution: ‘Spooky action’
FT Tech Tonic
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The Biggest Question in Physics
The idea of subatomic particles in superpositions is central to understanding how quantum computers are different to classical computers. Back then, scientists realised that if electrons really did orbit the nucleus, like planets orbiting a sun, they would immediately spiral into the nucleus and the atom would collapse. But atoms don't collapse, so they had to come up with a different picture. What actually is going on is the electron is a cloud. And it becomes a particle in a specific place when you measure it, just like Schrodinger's cat. Or possible versions of dead and alive until you look at it and it becomes either dead or alive.
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