Dark matter contributes to which of the following in the universe?

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Prepare for the AQA GCSE Physics Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Dark matter plays a crucial role in the structure and formation of galaxies. Unlike ordinary matter, which emits light and can be directly observed, dark matter does not interact with electromagnetic forces, making it invisible. However, it has a significant gravitational influence.

During the early universe, dark matter helped to create the gravitational framework that allowed matter to clump together, leading to the formation of galaxies. The gravitational pull from dark matter continues to affect the motion of stars within galaxies and the arrangement of galaxies within clusters. This influence is essential for understanding the large-scale structure of the universe and implies that dark matter is a foundational component in the processes that led to galactic formation and evolution over billions of years.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of dark matter. Star brightness is determined by the energy output of the stars themselves, not by dark matter. Solar system stability relies primarily on the gravitational interactions between the sun and its planets, with little influence from dark matter given its relatively localized effect. Similarly, the rotation of planets is governed by the gravitational forces of their respective stars, not by dark matter, which is distributed throughout the universe on a much larger scale.

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