Is this the end of Bitcoin? Google unveils quantum chip ‘Willow’ — Is Bitcoin’s security at risk? – BitRss

Imagine a new kind of computer that doesn’t just run faster than your laptop, but so fast that it can solve certain problems practically impossible for normal computers. This is what scientists call a “quantum computer.” Recently, Google introduced a new quantum chip called Willow, and it’s causing quite a buzz. Some people worry it might break the security behind things like Bitcoin. Let’s break down what’s going on in simple terms, step by step.

What is a Quantum Computer?

A quantum computer is a special type of machine that uses the rules of quantum physics, the way tiny particles behave, to do calculations. Instead of using normal “bits” (the tiny units that regular computers use, which can be either 0 or 1), quantum computers use “qubits.” These qubits can be 0 and 1 at the same time, allowing them to explore many possibilities at once. This superpower can make them incredibly fast at solving certain problems.

The big challenge: Errors

Building a useful quantum computer isn’t easy. The biggest problem? Errors. Qubits are very sensitive and easily “distracted” by their surroundings. Just like a whisper can be lost in a noisy crowd, the precious information in a qubit can vanish quickly unless carefully protected. In quantum computing, more qubits usually means more errors, and that’s bad. If errors pile up, the computer stops acting quantum and just behaves like a regular machine, losing all its special a…