Game with spins introduces young people to physics

Physics can be so simple - as Prof Dr Alexander Hartmann shows in an interview about his game "Spinglas or my party" in the Physik-Journal.

The game works in two ways: either the player has to attract the largest possible number of guests to his party or - especially for those interested in physics - arrange his spins in such a way that the largest possible number point in the desired direction.

Prof Hartmann published the game in 2012 to promote the study of physics. The game is therefore aimed primarily at young people and emphasises the competitive aspect present in many games. A high level of frustration tolerance is also required, as the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic bonds prevalent in the spins mean that not all bonds in the game can be fulfilled at the same time.

The game developer was particularly pleased with the re-registration that the game was not trivial and that it was not possible to develop a winning strategy so quickly. He points out that there are only a few simple rules in the game, but they lead to very complex situations. This is a good reflection of the complex situation with spins, because the entire system has to be considered at the same time. "You learn this very well in the game," summarises Prof. Hartmann.

The interview with the author was published in the "Physik Journal" in April 2014.