Do Dark Matter Particles Cool Over Time Due to the Stretching of Space?

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SUMMARY

Dark matter particles are theorized to have a temperature influenced by their interactions with normal matter and the cosmic microwave background radiation at approximately 3K. The \lambda CDM model categorizes dark matter as "cold," indicating it moves at non-relativistic speeds. The discussion posits that while dark matter may not interact significantly with normal matter, the stretching of space over time leads to a loss of momentum for dark matter particles, resulting in a cooling effect.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the \lambda CDM cosmological model
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and temperature concepts
  • Familiarity with cosmic microwave background radiation
  • Awareness of particle physics and dark matter interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the \lambda CDM model on dark matter properties
  • Explore the relationship between dark matter and cosmic microwave background radiation
  • Investigate the effects of space expansion on particle momentum
  • Study the differences between cold dark matter and hot dark matter
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the properties and behaviors of dark matter in the universe.

DarkMatterHol
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Does Dark Matter have a temperature - obey the laws of thermodynamics?
 
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Well the C in [tex]\lambda CDM[/tex] (a favoured cosmological model) stands for cold, as opposed to hot dark matter - particles moving at relativistic speeds. However, the concept of temperature of a substance depends on interaction with other matter, and we don't know much about how much dark matter interacts with itself or with normal matter. Presumably it interacts enough to be cooled to the temperature of the 3K background radiation, but possibly does not interact enough with normal matter to be substantially warmed by it.
 
Even without interactions, I think that the stretching of space causes each DM particle to lose momentum (WRT the comoving frame) over time. Thus, they do cool.
 

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