Neutralinos

Definition

Neutralinos are hypothetical particles predicted by supersymmetry theories, often considered as potential candidates for dark matter. They are electrically neutral and interact only via weak nuclear forces and gravity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neutralinos are Majorana fermions, meaning they are their own antiparticles.
2. They are the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) in many supersymmetry models.
3. Neutralinos could constitute a significant portion of cold dark matter in the universe.
4. Detection of neutralinos is challenging due to their weak interactions with normal matter.
5. If detected, neutralinos would provide strong evidence for the validity of supersymmetry theories.

Review Questions

• What properties make neutralinos a candidate for dark matter?
• Why are neutralinos difficult to detect using current technology?
• How would the discovery of neutralinos impact our understanding of fundamental physics?

Related terms

Supersymmetry: A theoretical framework that proposes a symmetry between fermions and bosons, predicting the existence of partner particles for all known particles.

Dark Matter: A form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, detectable only through its gravitational effects on visible matter.

WIMP: $WIMP$ stands for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles; a class of particles that includes neutralinos and is considered a leading candidate for dark matter.