Talk:Quantum superposition

Merge to superposition principle?

There's nothing particularly unique about a "quantum" superposition. It's still just a superposition. Though I suppose making it a redirect to "addition" doesn't have the same ring to it ;) – Closed Limelike Curves (talk) 02:49, 31 August 2024 (UTC)

While I agree that this article should make the point that superposition is not uniquely quantum (given a suitable reference), I don't agree that this article should merge. Superposition of material waves are directly viewable but superposition of probability is invisible and can only be inferred by consequences. That is why it took so long to sort out QM. Johnjbarton (talk) 16:01, 7 September 2024 (UTC)

Section on quantum computing deleted

I reverted a new section on quantum computing. It had three problems. First it was incorrect: per the authoritative source

• Nielsen, M. A., & Chuang, I. L. (2010). Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: 10th Anniversary Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, page xix

superposition is not required for quantum computation. Second it did not give sources for important definitions like "uniform superpositions". Third it was overly detailed on issues unrelated to the topic: it was about issues important for quantum computation, not superposition. Johnjbarton (talk) 15:57, 7 September 2024 (UTC)

The new section never stated that "superposition is required for quantum computation." Instead, it said, "Superposition plays an important role in quantum computation algorithms," which is true. The same source that you cited includes Grover's algorithm, which requires quantum superposition.

Second, "it did not give sources for important definitions like 'uniform superpositions'"—this is incorrect. A source link to a published article was provided, which contains this term. As mentioned earlier, Grover's algorithm, explained in the book by Nielsen and Chuang, also contains this definition. Moreover, you should have provided a link to the book instead of deleting the entire section.

Third, "it was not overly detailed on issues unrelated to the topic"—the section discussed quantum superposition and provided examples that might help readers understand how it can be implemented on a quantum computer. It offers important insights that could be valuable to readers. QuantumSurf (talk) 08:45, 8 September 2024 (UTC)

1. Wikipedia needs sources, not "truth". If you say "Superposition plays an important role in quantum computation algorithms," provide a reliable source on that topic.

2. The content did not even explain what a 'uniform superposition' was.

3. The section has too much emphasis on computing and not enough on the topic "superposition".

I think a section related to this content could be useful in this article, but the current version is not suitable. Johnjbarton (talk) 16:21, 8 September 2024 (UTC)

I left the first paragraph. If we can get it into shape with more content about superposition, how it relates to quantum computing, why is 'uniform' needed, and how is 'uniform' created, then maybe more about computing could be added. Johnjbarton (talk) 16:31, 8 September 2024 (UTC)

"denote" or "note"

I'm not a native speaker, but I'm certain that this change that the IP @24.73.102.234: has been repeatedly inserting is wrong: diff4, diff3, diff2, diff1: The kets $|0\rangle$, $|1\rangle$ denote (not: note) particular solutions to the Schrödinger equation (cf. the third meaning here).
That IP has a certain track record of vandalism and reverted changes. I will restore the correct text once more. Objections can be raised and discussed here. --Qcomp (talk) 20:11, 11 February 2025 (UTC)

denote is correct; "note" would be insensible.

The path to banning vandals involved notifications with increasing levels. I issued a warning using Twinkle. Johnjbarton (talk) 00:08, 12 February 2025 (UTC)

Are you kidding me?

The purpose of Wikipedia is to make informasjon and knowledge available for as many people as possible. How exactly does this article make the concept of superposition available for those with no background in physics? 2A01:799:2B1:EC00:656B:6511:5469:7352 (talk) 23:28, 25 March 2025 (UTC)

Actually Wikipedia purpose is slightly different:

Wikipedia's purpose is to benefit readers by acting as a widely accessible and free encyclopedia; a comprehensive written compendium that contains information on all branches of knowledge.

I don't believe there is any way to describe quantum superposition for someone with no background in physics. Superposition is a mathematical aspect of quantum theory, a topic only covered after a student of physics has several years of physics background. A simpler qualitative and non-mathematical explanation might be possible and if one has been published we could include a summary. Johnjbarton (talk) 02:35, 26 March 2025 (UTC)