Why isn't Dark Matter involved in Weak Nuclear reactions during BBN?

In summary, the basis for Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) is that we can use our understanding of particle reactions on Earth to make precise predictions for the composition of the universe at different energy levels. However, while dark matter has similar properties to neutrons and participates in weak nuclear reactions, there is no evidence that it was involved in the reactions during BBN, despite being abundant as a primordial particle at the time. This is supported by various sources, including textbooks, peer-reviewed papers, and online resources. The concept of WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles) does not refer to the known weak interaction, and the OP will need to provide acceptable references to support their claims.
  • #1
Doctor Strange
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Several articles I've read say that the basis for BBN is that we know how particles react here on earth, so we can extrapolate that and make precise predictions for the composition of the universe at a given energy level. For example, at 100 Billion K, we have a pretty good idea how neutrons, protons, electrons, photons and the like would combine, recombine and form an equilibrium based on a statistical model.

So here's the part I don't get: Dark Matter has the same electrical properties as neutrons. Dark matter participates in Weak Nuclear reactions. So how come none of these reactions involve Dark Matter (which was abundant as a primordial particle at this time)?
 
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  • #2
Doctor Strange said:
So here's the part I don't get: Dark Matter has the same electrical properties as neutrons. Dark matter participates in Weak Nuclear reactions. So how come none of these reactions involve Dark Matter (which was abundant as a primordial particle at this time)?

There's no evidence for either of these. Dark matter isn't known to have electromagnetic properties, unlike a neutron which at least has a magnetic moment and is also composed of electrically charged particles, nor is there evidence for dark matter participating in weak nuclear reactions.

Edit: I've also changed the thread prefix to B instead of A since this discussion is not at an A level.
 
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  • #3
Doctor Strange said:
Several articles I've read

Please give specific references (and not pop science ones, actual textbooks or peer-reviewed papers).
 
  • #4
PeterDonis said:
Please give specific references (and not pop science ones, actual textbooks or peer-reviewed papers).
While the early universe is totally unlike our everyday world, the basic nuclear physics at the appropriate energies is well within the range of laboratory experiments. Following such experiments, the properties of the relevant nuclear reactions are very well known. Physicists can base their calculations on solid experimental data when they want to describe reactions like the one pictured here
 
  • #5
Doctor Strange, which of your four links is the text you quoted from?

Also, which, if any, of these references are your source for the statements quoted below?

Doctor Strange said:
Dark Matter has the same electrical properties as neutrons. Dark matter participates in Weak Nuclear reactions. So how come none of these reactions involve Dark Matter (which was abundant as a primordial particle at this time)?
 
  • #6
Drakkith said:
nor is there evidence for dark matter participating in weak nuclear reactions.
You do understand that WIMP stands for "Weakly Interacting Massive Particle", right?
 
  • #7
Doctor Strange said:
You do understand that WIMP stands for "Weakly Interacting Massive Particle", right?

You do understand that "Weakly Interacting" here does not refer to the known weak interaction, right?

Thread closed until the OP can give (by PM) acceptable references that back up the claims made in the OP.
 

1. What is dark matter and how does it interact in Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN)?

Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that is thought to make up about 27% of the universe. It does not emit or absorb light, making it invisible to telescopes. In BBN, dark matter is believed to interact gravitationally with normal matter, influencing the formation of galaxies and other structures in the universe.

2. How does dark matter affect the elements produced during BBN?

Dark matter does not directly impact the production of elements during BBN. However, it does influence the expansion rate of the universe and the distribution of matter, which can indirectly affect the abundances of certain elements.

3. Are there any observed dark matter reactions during BBN?

No, there have been no observed reactions involving dark matter during BBN. Dark matter particles are very elusive and difficult to detect, making it challenging to observe any interactions with normal matter.

4. How do scientists study dark matter reactions in BBN?

Scientists use mathematical models and simulations to study the effects of dark matter on BBN. They also look for indirect evidence, such as the distribution of elements in the universe, to understand the role of dark matter in BBN.

5. Could dark matter reactions in BBN have any implications for our understanding of the universe?

Yes, studying dark matter reactions in BBN can provide valuable insights into the composition and evolution of the universe. It can also help us understand the role of dark matter in shaping the large-scale structure of the universe and its impact on the formation of galaxies and other structures.

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