Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that is believed to exist based on its gravitational effects, although its exact nature and composition remain unknown. It does not interact with light or electromagnetic radiation, which makes it difficult to detect directly.
The gravitational effects of dark matter can influence normal atoms and other forms of matter in the universe through its gravitational pull. Dark matter is thought to be distributed throughout galaxies and clusters of galaxies, forming vast halos around them.
On a large scale, the gravitational attraction of dark matter can affect the motion of normal matter, including atoms, within galaxies and galaxy clusters. It contributes to the overall gravitational field, affecting the motion of stars, gas, and other visible matter in these systems. In this way, dark matter helps to shape and stabilize the structures we observe in the universe.
However, on smaller scales, such as within individual galaxies or in our solar system, the effects of dark matter on normal atoms are generally negligible. The gravitational interactions between normal matter, including atoms, dominate on these smaller scales, as dark matter tends to be more diffuse and less concentrated in such regions.
It's important to note that while the gravitational effects of dark matter play a significant role in the large-scale structure and dynamics of the universe, its direct influence on individual atoms or molecules is not well understood due to its elusive nature and weak interactions with normal matter.