Question map
Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned ?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: Quantum Computing.
A qubit, or quantum bit, is the fundamental unit of information in quantum computing, analogous to the "bit" in classical computing. While a classical bit can exist only in one of two states (0 or 1), a qubit utilizes the quantum mechanical principles of superposition and entanglement.
- Superposition: Allows a qubit to represent 0, 1, or both simultaneously, exponentially increasing processing power.
- Entanglement: Enables qubits to be perfectly correlated, allowing for complex computations that classical systems cannot perform.
Other options are incorrect because Cloud Services (Option 1) involve remote data storage/processing, while Visible Light (Option 3) and Wireless Communication (Option 4) like Li-Fi or 5G rely on electromagnetic waves and classical binary data. Therefore, the term "qubit" is exclusively associated with the hardware and logic of Quantum Computing.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a classic 'Buzzword Identification' question. It rewards awareness of emerging tech over deep scientific knowledge. If you follow the National Quantum Mission or basic S&T news, this is free marks. If you rely solely on static biology/physics books, you will miss it.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Explicitly describes a qubit as carrying quantum information that is mapped to classical bits upon measurement.
- Places the qubit concept within the framework of quantum information and measurement processes.
- Discusses a qubit's superposition and measurement behavior â core concepts of quantum information.
- Connects qubit properties (randomness on measurement) to applications in cryptography and computer science, indicating its use in quantum information/communication.
- Refers to specific physical forms of qubits (polarization, time bins) used in quantum communication systems.
- Frames qubits as resources in quantum networks and quantum repeaters, showing their role in the field of quantum communication.
This snippet emphasises that scientific vocabulary has precise meanings and units, implying specialised terms belong to particular scientific contexts.
A student could use this rule to look for textbooks or sections labelled advanced physics or computing where precise new terms (like 'qubit') are introduced.
The snippet shows the same word ('particle') can change meaning with context, illustrating that technical terms are often context-dependent within science.
A student could therefore suspect 'qubit' is a technical term whose meaning depends on the subfield and check contexts dealing with very small-scale/constituent entities (e.g., atomic or subatomic discussions).
This discusses electrons, beams and magnetic effectsâexamples of discussions at the level of individual particles and their properties in physics and electronics.
A student could extend this by checking fields that treat individual quantum particles (electrons, photons) and their states, since 'qubit' is likely to appear in such contexts.
Describes weak ion currents and magnetic fields in biological contexts, showing cross-disciplinary use of physical concepts and that specialised terms appear where microscopic phenomena are important.
A student might therefore scan interdisciplinary areas (physics, electronics, information science) that discuss microscopic or quantum-level phenomena for the term 'qubit'.
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. This is the 'ABC' of the Science & Tech syllabus. Found in every basic current affairs compilation under 'Emerging Technologies' or 'National Quantum Mission'.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The global race for 'Quantum Supremacy' and the Indian government's allocation for the National Quantum Mission.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize these sibling terms: **Superposition** (state of being 0 and 1 simultaneously), **Entanglement** (Einstein's 'spooky action'), **Sycamore** (Google's quantum processor), **QKD** (Quantum Key Distribution), and **Majorana Zero Modes** (Topological qubits).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not study the *math* of quantum physics; study the *vocabulary*. For every emerging tech (AI, Blockchain, Biotech), identify the 'Fundamental Unit' (e.g., Blockchain -> Hash/Block; Gene Editing -> CRISPR; Quantum -> Qubit).
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Since they asked about the unit (Qubit), the next logical question is about the application in secure communications. QKD uses quantum mechanics to guarantee secure communication, detectable if intercepted.
Etymological Hack: 'Qubit' is a portmanteau of 'Quantum' and 'Bit'. Look at the options. Option B contains the word 'Quantum'. Options A, C, and D do not. The answer is hidden in the name itself.
Mains GS-3 (Internal Security & Cyber Warfare): Quantum Computing poses a threat to current encryption standards (RSA). This links 'Qubits' directly to the need for 'Post-Quantum Cryptography' to protect critical infrastructure.