Quantum computing is an advanced field of computing that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in fundamentally different ways from classical computers. Can you explain how quantum bits, or qubits, differ from traditional binary bits in terms of superposition and entanglement? How do these properties enable quantum computers to perform certain types of calculations much faster than classical computers? What are the current and potential applications of quantum computing in various fields, such as cryptography, drug discovery, and optimization problems? Additionally, what are the major challenges facing the development and practical implementation of quantum computers?