The Physics of Magnetic Monopoles

Explore the fascinating world of magnetic monopoles in this 54-minute lecture by theoretical physicist Felix Flicker at The Royal Institution. Delve into the question of why objects can possess electric charges but not magnetic charges, and investigate the possibility of magnets with only north or south poles. Discover the theoretical predictions of magnetic monopoles in 'spin ices' and learn how this concept could lead to groundbreaking advancements in electronics, potentially overcoming current limitations of electrical currents. Gain insights into the application of geometry and topology in condensed matter systems as Flicker shares his expertise in this cutting-edge field of physics.