Acclaimed, widely-misunderstood physical principle, used by the media to make sci-fi statements about the nature of the universe and computation theory.
Definition. Quantum superposition:
1. (Informal) If an object can be on two (or more) different states of nature, then it can be on several on them at the same time. Interacting with the object to measure its state will destroy such "wonderful" superposition. This amazing effect is only easy to observe in very small systems with current technology.
2. One of the coolest discoveries about Nature ever made.
3. A synonym used by some famous authority figures for ignorance.
The last two due to complexity theorist Scott Aaronson.
Confer Wikipedia for a more rigorous explanation.
Definition. Quantum superposition:
1. (Informal) If an object can be on two (or more) different states of nature, then it can be on several on them at the same time. Interacting with the object to measure its state will destroy such "wonderful" superposition. This amazing effect is only easy to observe in very small systems with current technology.
2. One of the coolest discoveries about Nature ever made.
3. A synonym used by some famous authority figures for ignorance.
The last two due to complexity theorist Scott Aaronson.
Confer Wikipedia for a more rigorous explanation.
1. In a Hydrogen atom, the electron spinning around the nucleus can live in a 'quantum superposition' of the state of minimum energy and the first excited state. If you measure the superposition in the lab, you measure one of the states randomly!
2. In a quantum computer, a bit can be in a quantum superposition of the values '0' and '1'.
3. The famous Schrödinger Cat illustration: an isolated cat in a box where there is a threat that can potentially kill him is in a quantum superposition of 'alive' and 'dead'. Opening the box would collapse the cat to one of these states. This is actually a mnemotechnic to remember definition 1.
2. In a quantum computer, a bit can be in a quantum superposition of the values '0' and '1'.
3. The famous Schrödinger Cat illustration: an isolated cat in a box where there is a threat that can potentially kill him is in a quantum superposition of 'alive' and 'dead'. Opening the box would collapse the cat to one of these states. This is actually a mnemotechnic to remember definition 1.
by garrapito May 29, 2011
Get the Quantum superposition mug.A improved version of a Photon torpedo used during the Dominion War in Star Trek DS9 and in a ride called "BORG Invasion 4D" at the Las Vegas Hilton hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
by Shadowfire December 9, 2008
Get the quantum torpedo mug.Related Words
A state of mind very close to either madness or dumbness, or fluctuation in between, all of which is determined only by probability.
by jaelee11 March 17, 2008
Get the Quantum-minded mug.A white person or any person that is not black who can jump, run, talk , pimp hoes, deal drugs, smoke rocks, and pop caps like a black person. Often reffered to as "crazy white boy". Comes from ebonics.
Muhammed: Man that white boy Jim crossed me up and broke my ankles while weez wuz playin ball, he be a Quantum Negro.
by Garrett Ward January 7, 2005
Get the Quantum Negro mug.by the_unknown December 4, 2012
Get the quantum theory mug.One whom disowns friends and family at the slightest suspicion that people don't admire them as much they perceive themselves to be. The motivation for this individual is to maintain an ongoing effort to avoid some aspect of themselves that they have been unable to confront their whole life. This person is covered in a glossy anti-spiritual covering that is the equivalent of teflon and usually ends up being institutionalized.
After suddenly showing up on the scene and making friends with everyone at the cafe, Suzy's sudden disappearance after finding out that Jamie had complained about her lack of loyalty was the final proof of evidence for everyone that she's a Quantum Denial Agent.
by Holstein Kühe, April 14, 2010
Get the Quantum Denial Agent mug.To get so fucked up while drinking that you take on a new identity with every girl you meet whilst in pursuit of a one night stand. You also imagine seeing a hologram of one of your close friends telling you the probability of you getting laid with your current alias using a dollar store cellphone. Success of said pursuit results in a Quantum Bone
DJ: *wakes up in love hotel* Huh?
Random Girl: Oh, hey. You were awesome last night Angelo.
DJ: Oh boy...
Hologram of Brandon: Dude! You totally Quantum Boned her!
DJ: Brandon? What the fuck?!
Random Girl: Oh, hey. You were awesome last night Angelo.
DJ: Oh boy...
Hologram of Brandon: Dude! You totally Quantum Boned her!
DJ: Brandon? What the fuck?!
by djenki December 20, 2010
Get the Quantum Bone mug.