Dark Matter Numbers: Baryon & Lepton Conservation

In summary, baryon number and lepton number are both conserved in all interactions, with baryon number being significantly nonzero in the world. However, lepton number is not known to exist in the world. It is also possible that there are conserved dark matter numbers in the world, but it is uncertain if they are significantly nonzero.
  • #1
snorkack
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Baryon number is, despite all guesses and searches, known to be conserved in all interactions. It is also known to be significantly nonzero, though modest, for world.
Lepton number is, despite all guesses and searches, known to be conserved in all interactions. It is not known if world has any lepton number, and if so, what its sign and order of magnitude might be.
Is it possible that there are one or more conserved dark matter numbers? If so, is it possible that world has significantly nonzero of any of them?
 
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  • #2
snorkack said:
Baryon number is, despite all guesses and searches, known to be conserved in all interactions.
Only at low energy. Even the SM has baryon number non-conservation via the sphaleron process.
snorkack said:
Is it possible that there are one or more conserved dark matter numbers?
It's generally expected that they have some (at least approximately) conserved quantum number, because something needs to make these particles long-living. If they are SUSY then it's R-parity, if they are something else it's something else.
 

1. What is dark matter?

Dark matter is a type of matter that does not interact with light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible to telescopes. It is believed to make up about 85% of the total matter in the universe.

2. How is dark matter related to baryon and lepton conservation?

Baryon and lepton conservation are fundamental principles in physics that state that the total number of baryons (protons and neutrons) and leptons (such as electrons) must remain constant in any physical process. Dark matter is thought to be made up of particles that do not interact through the strong or electromagnetic forces, and therefore do not violate these conservation laws.

3. Why is it important to study dark matter numbers?

Studying the number of dark matter particles in the universe can provide valuable insight into the structure and evolution of the universe. It can also help us understand the role of dark matter in the formation of galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe.

4. How do scientists measure dark matter numbers?

There are several methods used to measure dark matter numbers, including gravitational lensing, galaxy rotation curves, and particle accelerator experiments. These methods involve observing the effects of dark matter on visible matter or directly detecting dark matter particles.

5. What are some current theories about the nature of dark matter?

There are several theories about the nature of dark matter, including the possibility that it is made up of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), axions, or primordial black holes. However, the exact nature of dark matter is still unknown and is an active area of research in astrophysics and particle physics.

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