Orthogonal

Orthogonal means independent. In geometry, two lines or vectors are orthogonal if they meet at a angle. In math or data science, it means two things don’t influence each other, like variables or directions that are completely uncorrelated. In quantum computing, orthogonal states are quantum states that are completely distinct. Their inner product is zero, meaning they can be perfectly told apart when measured. For example, the basis states and are orthogonal. This property ensures they can represent different, non-overlapping pieces of information in a quantum system.