Chapter 34, Problem 17TE

If dark matter is affected by gravity, might there be lots of it surrounding us here on the surface of the Earth?

To determine

The presence of dark matter on the surface of Earth, if dark matter is affected by gravity.

Answer to Problem 17TE

It is possible that there are lot of dark matter surrounding the Earth.

Explanation of Solution

Scientists speculate that when the universe was formed, two matters came into existence, dark matter and ordinary matter. Dark matter diffuses and forms an invisible halo surrounding the new formed galaxies.

Dark matter is altered by the presence of gravity. It can have interaction with normal matter through weak nuclear forces but this happens very rarely. So, it’s possible that the surface of Earth is surrounded by a lot of dark matter.

Since dark matter can’t be seen directly, thus the detection of dark matter on Earth is difficult and it would need big instruments to do that.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it is possible that there are lot of dark matter surrounding the Earth.