What type of matter does not give off electromagnetic radiation but is abundant 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!

The correct answer is dark matter, which is a type of matter that does not emit or interact with electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible and undetectable by traditional means of observation, such as telescopes. Despite its elusive nature, dark matter is thought to comprise a significant portion of the universe’s total mass and is crucial for explaining various astronomical phenomena, including the rotation of galaxies and the distribution of galaxies within clusters.

In the context of its abundance, dark matter is believed to outnumber visible matter significantly. This is critical in astrophysics since it plays a key role in the structure and formation of the universe. The existence of dark matter has been inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter, radiation, and the large-scale structure of the universe.

Other options involve matter or energy forms with different properties or roles in cosmic physics. For instance, dark energy is related to the acceleration of the universe's expansion, while visible matter refers to the matter that emits light and is observable, and anti-matter consists of particles that are counterparts to normal matter but annihilate upon contact with it. Thus, dark matter uniquely fits the criteria of being abundant in the universe yet not emitting electromagnetic radiation.

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