Justin Trudeau Explains 'Quantum Computing'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with reporters about quantum computing during an event at a physics research lab in Ontario in April 2016.

This is What’s Trending Today:

Justin Trudeau has been the Prime Minister of Canada for only about six months.

In that time, he has impressed people by greeting an airplane filled with Syrian refugees, showing off his ability to do yoga, and participating in traditional Indian dances.

But last Friday, he showed off his intelligence, and everyone loved it.

Trudeau talked with reporters after visiting a physics research center. He stood in front of a board with complex physics notations.

One reporter said, “I was going to ask you to explain quantum computing…” But then he asked him a question about Canada’s work in fighting against the Islamic State terror group.

Trudeau stopped the reporter. He told him he actually did know about quantum computing.

Trudeau then said: “Normal computers work … it’s one or a zero. They’re binary systems. What quantum states allow for is much more complex information to be encoded into a single bit.”

Trudeau continued his explanation of quantum computing for about 20 more seconds.

A video posted by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has already been viewed over 7 million times.

A lot of people are still talking about the video. They are impressed with Trudeau's explanation of quantum computing.

One Canadian wrote about the video on Facebook. “My Prime Minister can explain the core principles of quantum computing? I just teared up a little.”

Another person on Facebook wrote that "Trudeau is not just a pretty face. He is also someone who embraces his inner geek and nerd!"

But others on social media wondered if Trudeau should have answered the reporter's other question: about Canada’s role in the fight against the Islamic State.

A Canadian blogger, J.J. McCullough, criticized Trudeau. He said he thought the question and answer on quantum computing were planned in advance. He added that reporters should challenge the young prime minister more often.

But most Canadians were not worried about that point of view. They were only celebrating their prime minister’s intelligence.

One social media user wrote, “I'm not going to second guess this man's ability to run the country, because it's obvious he's very capable.”

And that’s What’s Trending Today.

I’m Ashley Thompson.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

What did you think about Trudeau’s answer about quantum computing? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

Words in This Story

geek – n. a person who is interested in and knows a lot about a particular field or activity

nerd – n. a person who is very interested in technical subjects, such as computers

noble – adj. having, showing, or coming from personal qualities that people admire

core – n. the central part of something

principle – n. the central part of something