Curious inquiry about exotic matter

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the existence of exotic matter and its implications in cosmology, particularly regarding dark energy and the acceleration of the universe's expansion. Four arguments supporting the potential existence of exotic matter include its proximity to ordinary electromagnetic fields, quantum effects producing negative-energy densities, the acceleration of the universe attributed to "phantom energy," and the evolving understanding of energy conditions. Participants clarify the distinctions between exotic matter, dark matter, and dark energy, emphasizing that dark energy, not dark matter, is responsible for cosmic acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of quantum mechanics and negative-energy densities
  • Familiarity with cosmological concepts such as dark matter and dark energy
  • Knowledge of energy conditions in theoretical physics
  • Awareness of current cosmological theories and terminology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and implications of exotic matter in theoretical physics
  • Study the differences between dark matter, dark energy, and exotic matter
  • Explore quantum mechanics related to negative-energy densities
  • Investigate the concept of phantom energy and its role in cosmic expansion
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of exotic matter and its relation to dark energy and the universe's expansion.

sozme
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Forgive me for being a lay person, I am a medical student and the only physics I've ever had was non-calculus based 200-level. Anyway, I was reading the "wormhole" faqs page from Dr. Rodrigo's webpage via UCal-Irvine: http://www.webfilesuci.org/WormholeFAQ.html

How realistic is it to suppose that exotic matter exists?

Its existence isn’t as far fetched as you might at first think. Four arguments for its likely existence are: 1) The ordinary electromagnetic field is infinitesimally close to being exotic. 2) Quantum effects are known to create negative-energy densities. 3) Something is causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate. Cosmologists have recently speculated that it might be cosmic exotic matter (which they call “phantom energy” or “superquintessence”). 4) Formerly sacrosanct energy conditions have been dying off for the last few decades. Why not a couple more?

I was wondering what your comments might be, in particular about #3. For one, is the theorized dark matter really "exotic" and why must this be so?
 
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sozme said:
I was wondering what your comments might be, in particular about #3. For one, is the theorized dark matter really "exotic" and why must this be so?
Sounds to me like you're confusing exotic matter, dark matter and dark energy, which are all three different.
 
Bill_K said:
Sounds to me like you're confusing exotic matter, dark matter and dark energy, which are all three different.

Is dark matter not responsible for the acceleration of expansion via strong negative pressure?
 
sozme said:
Is dark matter not responsible for the acceleration of expansion via strong negative pressure?
Nope, that's dark energy. Did you read the Wikipedia articles I pointed to?
 

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