What value can a qubit have that is different from a traditional computer bit?

A qubit, or quantum bit, can represent any value between 0 and 1 due to the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly the phenomenon known as superposition. This allows a qubit to exist in a combination of both states simultaneously, meaning it can represent 0, 1, or any quantum superposition of these two states. This characteristic enables quantum computers to process information in ways that traditional bits, which can only be in one of two distinct states (0 or 1), cannot.

Moreover, superposition is a key factor that provides quantum computers their potential to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds. The ability of qubits to exist in multiple states simultaneously is foundational to quantum computing, allowing for parallel processing and enhanced computational power. This capability marks a significant difference in how data is represented and manipulated in quantum computing compared to classical binary computation.