Quantum Queries Q&A Quiz

By Simon Bone and Matias Castro

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About this quiz

This is a multiple choice quiz designed to test your knowledge of quantum computing. The questions assume that the reader has read the introductory articles:

There are a total of eleven questions of varying difficulty for you to attempt, the correct answers for each will be revealed to you when you press the "MARK MY ANSWERS" button at the bottom of this page.

The scoring system

The following marks will be allocated for each question:

Question 1

Which of the following statements about 'qubits' is not true?

a) A qubit derives its 'name from quantum bit'
b) A qubit can exist in both '0' and '1' states at the same time
c) A qubit is an arrangement of four bits
d) The qubit is the fundamental building block of a quantum computer
e) Don't know

Question 2

What is coherence?

a) It is when information is sent error free
b) It is when a qubit is in both '0' and '1' states simultaneously
c) It is a measure of the reliabilty of a quantum computer's output
d) It is a measure of compatability between quantum computers
e) Don't know

Question 3

What would Shor's algorithm be used for?

a) To crack the data encryption standard (DES)
b) To search for an entry in a database
c) To find the factors of a large number
d) To solve the travelling salesman problem
e) Don't know

Question 4

Which of the following statements about 'quantum dots' is not correct?

a) A quantum dot is not effected by the problem of decoherence
b) A quantum dot is an implementation of a qubit
c) A quantum dot is basically an electron trapped within a cage of atoms
d) A quantum dot can be manipulated with laser light
e) Don't know

Question 5

What is the main barrier to the development of a quantum computer?

a) Picking the colour of the casing
b) The difficulty of producing precision lasers
c) The prohibitively large amount of power required to start a quantum computer
d) The problem of decoherence
e) Don't know

Question 6

What would grover's algorithm be used for?

a) Searching for an entry in a database
b) Solving linear differential equations
c) Calculating Hubbles's constant
d) Proving Einstien's theory of relatively
e) Don't know

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the 'NMR' technique is not true?

a) This technique uses a liquid as the quantum computer
b) It uses the nuclei within molecules as qubits
c) NMR stands for Nuclear Magnetic Resonence
d) This technique involves the use of precise lasers
e) Don't know

Question 8

Which of the following algorithms would be best used to break a public key (RSA-150)?

a) The beta version of Norton's genetic algorithm
b) Shor's algorithm
c) Grover's algorithm
d) Warshall's algorithm
e) Don't know

Question 9

How is it possible to detect an eavesdropper on your quantum communications line?

a) If an eavesdropper intercepts a quantum signal, it can't be forwarded without changing the content
b) When a quantum signal is intercepted, a quantum pulse is sent back to the transmitter
c) You can't detect an eavesdropper
d) If a message is eavesdropped, it is received later than expected by the recipient
e) Don't know

Question 10

Which of the following statements about 'quantum computers' is not true?

a) A quantum computer will be able to simulate quantum mechanical systems
b) A quantum computer may be able to outperform the FUJITSU AP1000 super computer
c) A quantum computer will make time travel within ones own lifetime possible
d) A quantum computer will never be able to think for itself
e) Don't know

Question 11 - BONUS QUESTION

Can a quantum computer improve your love life?

a) No, as soon as a sexy particle hits it, it decoheres
b) Yes, but only if you feed it properly
c) No, It's only a computer that uses quantum mechanical effects
d) No, but perhaps the next generation of computers will
e) Don't know

Now that you've completed the questions, click the button to see how well you have done.