Are dark energy and dark matter the same?

In summary: It does not "avoid matter" or "float in contact with gravity."In summary, dark energy and dark matter are two distinct concepts that are related only by their similar names. Dark matter is a proposed solution to a problem with observational support, while dark energy is a term used to describe theories that attempt to explain the accelerating expansion of the universe. It is correct to say that dark matter is a form of matter and dark energy is a form of energy, but they are not the same via mass-energy equivalence. Additionally, the statement that dark energy is repulsive and avoids matter while dark matter is only affected by gravitational influence is not accurate.
  • #1
clarinets
8
0
Someone said that they are by mass-energy equivalence. Also, is it possible to say that dark matter is a indeed a form of matter, and dark energy is a form of energy?
 
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  • #2
No. Dark Energy and Dark Matter are two entirely different concepts that are related only by their similar names.

Dark Matter is a proposed solution to a problem with a lot of observational support that galaxies have more mass than our models show.

Dark Energy is term to describe several theories that strive to explain why the expansion of the universe is accelerating.

It is however correct (probably, assuming the little we know about these things is true) to say that dark matter is a form of matter and dark energy is a form of energy, although I am more hesitant to say the latter. This does not mean they are the same via mass-energy equivalence.
 
  • #3
Ok, thanks, that's what I thought.
 
  • #4
In short, dark energy is repulsive (avoids matter and floats in contact with gravity) and dark matter only is affected by gravitational influence and exerts it
 
  • #5
sciencestar said:
In short, dark energy is repulsive (avoids matter and floats in contact with gravity) and dark matter only is affected by gravitational influence and exerts it

Uh ... what does that mean, if anything?
 
  • #6
sciencestar said:
In short, dark energy is repulsive (avoids matter and floats in contact with gravity) and dark matter only is affected by gravitational influence and exerts it

This is not correct. First, energy is not a physical object that responds to forces. It is a quantity that things such as matter and light have. Second, dark energy is the theorized reason for the acceleration of the expansion of the universe.
 

Related to Are dark energy and dark matter the same?

1. What is dark energy and dark matter?

Dark energy and dark matter are theoretical concepts in astrophysics that are believed to make up the majority of the universe. Dark energy is thought to be a force that is causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate, while dark matter is believed to be a type of matter that does not interact with light and thus cannot be seen or detected using traditional methods.

2. Are dark energy and dark matter the same thing?

No, dark energy and dark matter are two distinct concepts. While they both play significant roles in shaping the universe, they have different properties and behaviors. Dark energy is a force, while dark matter is a type of matter.

3. How are dark energy and dark matter related?

Dark energy and dark matter are related in the sense that they both contribute to the overall mass and energy of the universe. However, they do not interact with each other and have different effects on the universe's expansion and structure.

4. Can dark energy and dark matter be observed or measured?

Currently, dark energy and dark matter cannot be directly observed or measured using traditional methods. However, scientists are constantly working on new techniques and experiments to better understand and potentially detect these phenomena.

5. What is the significance of dark energy and dark matter?

Dark energy and dark matter are crucial components in understanding the universe's structure, evolution, and fate. They help explain the observed behaviors of galaxies, the expansion of the universe, and the distribution of matter. Studying dark energy and dark matter can also provide insights into fundamental physics theories and potentially lead to new discoveries and advancements in our understanding of the universe.

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