The nature of dark matter remains one of the biggest mysteries in modern physics. While the specific identity of dark matter particles is still unknown, it is generally believed that they are not composed of quarks, including unstable ones.
Quarks are elementary particles that are fundamental building blocks of matter, and they are found in the protons and neutrons that make up the nuclei of atoms. However, quarks are not considered viable candidates for dark matter for several reasons:
Stability: Dark matter is thought to be stable or very long-lived, as it has persisted throughout cosmic history. Quarks, on the other hand, are not stable when they are isolated. They combine with other quarks to form more complex particles, such as protons and neutrons.
Interaction: Dark matter interacts weakly with ordinary matter and does not participate in the electromagnetic or strong nuclear forces. Quarks, on the other hand, strongly interact with other quarks and participate in the strong nuclear force, which governs the interactions between particles within atomic nuclei.
Abundance: Dark matter is estimated to make up about 85% of the total matter content in the universe, while quarks account for a much smaller fraction. The abundance of dark matter suggests that it cannot be explained solely by the presence of quarks.
While there have been various hypothetical particles proposed as dark matter candidates, such as WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles) or axions, their exact nature remains unknown and subject to ongoing research and experimentation.
It's important to note that our understanding of dark matter is still evolving, and new discoveries may shed light on its true nature. Scientists are actively exploring different possibilities and conducting experiments to unravel the mysteries of dark matter.