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Technology / Quantum computing and security?

« on: 11/11/2019 09:10:34 »

So it appears that quantum computing is actually not just science fiction and we could see it functioning soon in commerce, medicine, the military ... I understand small quantum computers are now active... and bigger computers are only a matter of time away. If I understand correctly we won't be living in an exclusively quantum computer world as current classical computing will still be used alongside. Of course quantum computing is and will continue to develop to levels we never dreamed possible ... I'm 62 years old so I certainly never dreamed it possible!

The benefits of quantum computing will on the whole have positive benefits for mankind and the planet ... but as with everything else there will be a minority that will be out to exploit  this development. The hacking and exploitation of the classical system must be an ongoing serious problem for authorities ... and from what I've seen there have been minor incidents around the world.

Does the emergence of quantum computing present a bigger problem in terms of personal, national, world security ? Would a breach of security have bigger implications for us all ? Would the increased efficiency and speed of quantum computing also mean the speed of exploitation would be that much quicker? (I'm using the term exploitation to mean misuse.)

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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Does information have mass?

« on: 07/11/2019 21:06:07 »

I am thinking about quantum entanglement when I ask the question ... does information have mass?

When I read that pairs or groups of particles can act and react in a way that would indicate they share the same information regardless of their distance apart ... even a cosmic distance apart ... or they receive and act upon the same information instantaneously ... then I have to ask, can information do such a thing when we have a speed limit of C , the speed of light? I guess the answer has to be yes if information has no mass ... and no if information does have mass? Information - distance - spooky action.

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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / What happens when both slits are observed by in the double slit experiment?

« on: 04/11/2019 09:16:36 »

Hi all. Like so many others, not involved with science but interested in most aspects especially physics.

I have watched a version/explanation of the double slit experiment on the internet and of course it was very interesting. I watched as single photons passed through a single slit producing a single bar pattern. Then a single photon passing through 2 slits producing the interference pattern. To count how many actual photons were going through each particular slit a counter was set up at one of the slits. The pattern then reverted back to a single pattern as no photons were recorded going through the watched slit! Strange but acceptable. My question ... what happens when both slits are observed by a counter?

Hopefully I have that correct and you can understand why I am asking that particular question.

Lloyd