• Question: What's a frustrated magnet

    Asked by to Darren, Anna, Elaine, Fiona, Kevin on 14 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by , .
    • Photo: Zhiming Darren Tan

      Zhiming Darren Tan answered on 14 Jun 2014:

      Microscopically, it is like a magnet. But unlike a magnet, it cannot attract iron. We already have magnets that attract iron, but that’s old technology (think of a compass). These frustrated magnets have other interesting properties that are challenging for us to understand – and so we study them for the challenge and to continue to explore and deepen our understanding of nature.

      If you have 90 seconds check out this video:

    • Photo: Fiona McLean

      Fiona McLean answered on 16 Jun 2014:

      I think Darren is the best person to ask since this is what he works on (always ask they expert-they know best!). To me, unfortunately, a frustrated magnet is just an irritated fridge decoration…

    • Photo: Kevin O'Dell

      Kevin O'Dell answered on 16 Jun 2014:

      Presumably one that cannot tell its north form it south????

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