How are particles different from baseballs?

2026-02-12 · Source: IBM Research · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Quantum Computing · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

Subatomic particles exhibit behaviors fundamentally different from macroscopic objects like baseballs, primarily by acting as both particles and waves simultaneously. This wave-particle duality is a core non-intuitive aspect of quantum mechanics. Another key difference is entanglement, where two particles become so interconnected that measuring one instantly reveals information about the other, seemingly faster than the speed of light. These unique quantum phenomena, despite being experimentally verified, are counter-intuitive compared to everyday experiences and form the foundational principles leveraged for quantum computing.

Key takeaway

For physicists or engineers exploring quantum computing, understanding the non-intuitive nature of wave-particle duality and entanglement is crucial. These phenomena, which defy classical physics, are the fundamental "levers" used to program quantum computers. Your grasp of these concepts directly impacts your ability to design and optimize quantum algorithms effectively.

Key insights

Particles exhibit non-intuitive wave-particle duality and entanglement, unlike macroscopic objects.

Principles

• Particles behave as both waves and particles.
• Entangled particles are deeply interconnected.

In practice

• Quantum computing relies on entanglement.
• Wave-particle duality underpins quantum mechanics.

Topics

• Quantum Mechanics
• Wave-Particle Duality
• Quantum Entanglement
• Quantum Computing

Best for: AI Student, Research Scientist, Software Engineer

Related on AIssential

• How are quantum computers different from classical?​ — Quantum computers use quantum mechanics' math to simulate subatomic systems, unlike classical computers.
• Charles H. Bennett: The father of quantum information theory — Quantum systems can possess a definite whole state despite disorderly parts, a non-intuitive but fundamental concept.
• The Hidden Bottleneck in Quantum Machine Learning: Getting Data into a Quantum Computer — Efficiently loading classical data into quantum systems is a critical, unsolved bottleneck in Quantum Machine Learning.
• Answering your trending questions on World Quantum Day — Quantum computers leverage quantum mechanics to solve problems intractable for classical systems, despite decoherence challenges.
• Quantum Computing Explained for People Who Already Understand Software — Quantum computing's power lies in mathematically shaping probability distributions using superposition, entanglement, and interference for specific problem types.
• AI just discovered new physics in the fourth state of matter — AI can discover new physical laws and challenge long-standing assumptions in complex systems.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by IBM Research.