ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Quantum compass

A quantum compass is a special tool that helps people figure out which way is north, south, east, or west. It works by using tiny particles called atoms that are so small, you can't even see them with a microscope.

These atoms behave in really weird ways because they are part of the quantum world, which is a lot different than the world we see around us. They can be in two places at once, and they can move in ways that seem impossible.

But scientists have figured out how to use these atoms to make a compass that is super accurate. Instead of relying on things like the Earth's magnetic field, which can be influenced by other things, a quantum compass uses the atoms to guide it.

Imagine you're playing a game of "hot and cold" with your eyes closed, and someone is telling you if you're getting closer or farther away from something. That's kind of how a quantum compass works. The atoms tell you which direction to go in until you get to where you want to be.

It may sound really complicated, but in a way, a quantum compass is just like any other compass you might see. The difference is that it uses the strange behavior of atoms to make it even more accurate.

So next time you're lost in the woods or trying to find your way around a big city, think of the tiny atoms that are helping guide you in the right direction!