Intro to Astronomy

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Cold dark matter

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Intro to Astronomy

Definition

Cold dark matter (CDM) consists of slow-moving particles that do not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making them invisible and detectable only through gravitational effects. It plays a crucial role in the formation and clustering of galaxies in the universe.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Cold dark matter is a major component of the universe's total mass-energy content.
  2. It interacts with ordinary matter primarily through gravity and possibly weak nuclear forces.
  3. Simulations of large-scale structure formation in the universe support the presence of cold dark matter.
  4. The Lambda-CDM model, which includes cold dark matter and dark energy, is the standard cosmological model for explaining the evolution of the universe.
  5. Observational evidence from galaxy rotation curves, gravitational lensing, and cosmic microwave background radiation supports the existence of cold dark matter.

Review Questions

  • What are the main interactions through which cold dark matter can influence ordinary matter?
  • Why is cold dark matter considered 'cold,' and how does this affect its role in galaxy formation?
  • How does observational evidence such as galaxy rotation curves support the existence of cold dark matter?
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