Dark matter -- particles or modified gravity?

In summary, dark matter is a type of matter that makes up about 27% of the universe and is invisible and does not emit or absorb light. Its existence is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter. The exact nature of dark matter particles is still unknown, but many scientists believe it is made up of weakly interacting massive particles or axions. Dark matter differs from regular matter in that it does not interact with light, experience electromagnetic forces, or form atoms, and is spread throughout the universe. It is not related to dark energy, which is responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. While some scientists have proposed modified theories of gravity to explain dark matter, the majority of evidence supports the particle theory. Further research and observations are
  • #1
copernicus1
99
0
What is the evidence for dark matter being new particles as opposed to some modified form of gravity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Most of the evidence for Dark matter and all arguments against MOND suggest a particle-like origin. The list is too long to explain every point in detail here. Do you have more specific questions?
 
  • #4
MOND/TeVeS is not the only alternative to real dark matter.

For example Mimetic Dark Matter may gain some echo in the next months
http://arxiv.org/abs/1308.5410
 

1. What is dark matter?

Dark matter is a type of matter that makes up about 27% of the universe. It is invisible and does not emit or absorb light, making it difficult to detect. Its existence is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter.

2. What are the particles that make up dark matter?

The exact nature of dark matter particles is still unknown. However, many scientists believe that dark matter is made up of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) or axions, which are hypothetical particles that have not yet been observed directly.

3. How is dark matter different from regular matter?

Dark matter is different from regular matter in several ways. It does not interact with light, it does not experience electromagnetic forces, and it does not form atoms. Additionally, dark matter is spread out throughout the universe, while regular matter is found in galaxies, stars, and planets.

4. Is dark matter related to dark energy?

No, dark matter and dark energy are two separate phenomena. Dark matter is responsible for the observed gravitational effects on visible matter, while dark energy is believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe.

5. Can dark matter be explained by modified gravity?

While some scientists have proposed modified theories of gravity to explain the observed gravitational effects attributed to dark matter, the majority of evidence supports the particle theory. Further research and observations are needed to fully understand the nature of dark matter.

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