Weakly interacting massive particles

Definition

Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) are a hypothetical type of dark matter particle that interact through gravity and possibly the weak nuclear force. They are massive compared to other particles, yet their interactions with ordinary matter are extremely rare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. WIMPs are a leading candidate for dark matter in the universe.
2. They interact primarily through gravitational forces and potentially the weak nuclear force.
3. WIMPs do not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making them invisible to current detection methods.
4. The search for WIMPs involves direct detection experiments that aim to observe rare interactions with normal matter.
5. Astrophysical observations suggest that WIMPs could make up a substantial portion of the total mass of the universe.

Review Questions

• What properties make WIMPs difficult to detect?
• How do WIMPs interact with ordinary matter?
• Why are WIMPs considered a significant candidate for explaining dark matter?

Related terms

Dark Matter:

A form of matter thought to account for approximately 85% of the mass of the universe, invisible through electromagnetic radiation.

Gravitational Lensing:

The bending of light around massive objects, which can provide evidence for dark matter.

Direct Detection Experiments: Experiments designed to identify rare interactions between dark matter particles and normal matter in highly sensitive detectors.