Gravitational properties of anti matter

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential relationship between gravitational repulsion of matter and antimatter and the concept of dark matter and dark energy. The idea is that virtual particle-antiparticle pairs in the vacuum may act as gravitational dipoles, and the polarization of the vacuum caused by visible matter could produce a similar effect to that of dark matter. The cancellation of gravitational charges in these pairs may also explain the cosmological constant problem and the identification of dark energy as vacuum energy. However, experimental evidence shows that antimatter does not fall up, and the paper is more of a thought experiment. The difficulty in detecting neutral particles makes it challenging to observe a potential flux of antiparticles from space.
  • #1
wolram
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[15] arXiv:0810.3435 [pdf]
Title: Dark matter, dark energy and gravitational proprieties of antimatter
Authors: Dragan Slavkov Hajdukovic
Subjects: General Physics (physics.gen-ph)
We suggest that the eventual gravitational repulsion between matter and antimatter may be a key for understanding of the nature of dark matter and dark energy. If there is gravitational repulsion, virtual particle-antiparticle pairs in the vacuum, may be considered as gravitational dipoles. We use a simple toy model to reveal a first indication that the gravitational polarization of such a vacuum, caused by visible (baryonic) matter in a Galaxy, may produce the same effect as supposed existence of dark matter. In addition, we argue that cancelation of gravitational charges in virtual particle-antiparticle pairs, may be a basis for a solution of the cosmological constant problem and identification of dark energy with vacuum energy. Hence, it may be that dark matter and dark energy are not new, unknown forms of matter-energy but an effect of complex interaction between quantum vacuum and known baryonic matter.
 
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  • #2
If antimatter fell up, self-conjugate particles like the photon wouldn't feel gravity at all. We know that's not the case experimentally.
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
If antimatter fell up, self-conjugate particles like the photon wouldn't feel gravity at all. We know that's not the case experimentally.

Thats what I thought. Same with positronium. I think this paper is more of a thought experiment, which is always a good thing. A "what if". Shouldn't we then see a flux of antiparticles from space that is more dense when looking at the galaxy center? I guess the problem is that any particle to escape should inherently be neutral and this very difficult to detect except via particle showers, and its probably within the statistics of just background showers.
 

1. What is anti-matter and how does it differ from regular matter?

Anti-matter is a form of matter that has the same mass as regular matter but has opposite electrical charges. For example, an anti-electron (also known as a positron) has a positive charge instead of a negative charge like a regular electron. Additionally, anti-matter and matter annihilate each other when they come into contact, producing energy in the form of gamma rays.

2. How do anti-matter particles interact with gravity?

According to the theory of general relativity, anti-matter particles have the same gravitational properties as regular matter particles. This means that they are affected by gravity in the same way and can be attracted to and repelled by other objects with mass.

3. Can anti-matter be used to create anti-gravity?

No, anti-matter cannot be used to create anti-gravity. While anti-matter does have the same mass as regular matter, it still experiences the effects of gravity in the same way. Therefore, it cannot be used to create anti-gravity or levitation.

4. Is it possible for anti-matter to have negative mass?

No, anti-matter cannot have negative mass. According to the current understanding of physics, mass cannot be negative and anti-matter particles have the same mass as their regular matter counterparts.

5. Can anti-matter be used as a source of propulsion in space travel?

While anti-matter has a lot of energy potential, it is currently extremely difficult and expensive to produce and store. Additionally, the technology to efficiently convert anti-matter into thrust for space travel does not currently exist. Therefore, while it is theoretically possible, it is not currently practical to use anti-matter as a source of propulsion in space travel.

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