Part of our International Year of Quantum Science and Technology coverage
Quantum physics can be baffling but see how much you know in this quiz devised by Matin Durrani to mark the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ)
1 Can you name the mascot for IYQ 2025?
2 In quantum cryptography, who eavesdrops on Alice and Bob?
3 Which artist made the Quantum Cloud sculpture in London?
4 IBM used which kind of atoms to create its Quantum Mirage image?
5 When Werner Heisenberg developed quantum mechanics on Helgoland in June 1925, he had travelled to the island to seek respite from what?
A His allergies
B His creditors
C His funders
D His lovers
6 According to the State of Quantum 2024 report, how many countries around the world had government initiatives in quantum technology at the time of writing?
A 6
B 17
C 24
D 33
7 The E91 quantum cryptography protocol was invented in 1991. What does the E stand for?
A Edison
B Ehrenfest
C Einstein
D Ekert
8 British multinational consumer-goods firm Reckitt sells a “Quantum” version of which of its household products?
A Air Wick freshener
B Finish dishwasher tablets
C Harpic toilet cleaner
D Vanish stain remover
9 John Bell’s famous theorem of 1964 provides a mathematical framework for understanding what quantum paradox?
A Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen
B Quantum indefinite causal order
C Schrödinger’s cat
D Wigner’s friend
10 Which celebrated writer popularized the notion of Schrödinger’s cat in the mid-1970s?
A Douglas Adams
B Margaret Atwood
C Arthur C Clarke
D Ursula K le Guin
11 Which of these isn’t an interpretation of quantum mechanics?
A Copenhagen
B Einsteinian
C Many worlds
D Pilot wave
12 Which of these companies is not a real quantum company?
A Qblox
B Qruise
C Qrypt
D Qtips
13 Which celebrity was spotted in the audience at a meeting about quantum computers and music in London in December 2022?
A Peter Andre
B Peter Capaldi
C Peter Gabriel
D Peter Schmeichel
Rock, paper…plastic? A quiz about pop songs and bands linked to materials
14 What of the following birds has not yet been chosen by IBM as the name for different versions of its quantum hardware?
A Condor
B Eagle
C Flamingo
D Peregrine
15 When quantum theorist Erwin Schrödinger fled Nazi-controlled Vienna in 1938, where did he hide his Nobel-prize medal?
A In a filing cabinet
B Under a pot plant
C Behind a sofa
D In a desk drawer
16 Which of the following versions of the quantum Hall effect has not been observed so far in the lab?
A Fractional quantum Hall effect
B Anomalous fractional quantum Hall effect
C Anyonic fractional quantum Hall effect
D Excitonic fractional quantum Hall effect
17 What did Quantum Coffee on Front Street West in Toronto call its recently launched pastry, which is a superposition of a croissant and muffin?
A Croissin
B Cruffin
C Muffant
D Muffcro
18 What destroyed the Helgoland guest house where Heisenberg stayed in 1925 while developing quantum mechanics?
A A bomb
B A gas leak
C A rat infestation
D A storm
- This quiz is for fun and there are no prizes. Answers are revealed below.
Answers
1. Quinnie 2. Eve 3. Antony Gormley. 4. Cobalt. 5. A. 6. D. 7. D. 8. B. 9. A. 10. D. 11. B. 12. D. 13. C. 14. C. 15. A. 16. C. 17. B. 18. A
This article forms part of Physics World‘s contribution to the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), which aims to raise global awareness of quantum physics and its applications.
Stayed tuned to Physics World and our international partners throughout the next 12 months for more coverage of the IYQ.
Find out more on our quantum channel.
