Is there a Friedmann equation form with inflation?

In summary, the Friedmann equations in terms of energy density and pressure can be used to describe the transition from an inflation era to a radiation era, and the 4 Omegas form may not be the best way to handle discontinuous changes in this transition.
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Buzz Bloom
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I have been unable to find on the Internet any form of GR similar to the 4 Omegas Friedmann equation that includes a transition from an inflation era back to a radiation era. Is it known whether of not such a equation currently exists?
If it is known that such an equation exists, I would much appreciate seeing a link to a reference. If it is known that such an equation does not exist, I would much appreciate seeing a reference with an explanation of implications regarding the compatibility of general relativity with a transition from the inflation era to subsequent eras: radiation to matter to dark energy/cosmological constant.
 
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Buzz Bloom said:
I have been unable to find on the Internet any form of GR similar to the 4 Omegas Friedmann equation that includes a transition from an inflation era back to a radiation era.

That's probably because it's cumbersome, at best, to describe such a transition in the form you are talking about. It's easier to use the more basic form of the Friedmann equations in terms of the energy density ##\rho## and the pressure ##p##. The transition from inflation to radiation dominated involves a change in the equation of state that relates ##\rho## and ##p##, from the inflation era's equation ##p = - \rho## to the radiation dominated ##p = \rho / 3##. In terms of the 4 ##\Omega##s, that would mean a discontinuous change in at least two of the ##\Omega##s, ##\Omega_\Lambda## and ##\Omega_r## (the lambda and radiation ##\Omega##s), and the 4 ##\Omega##s form is not really set up to handle discontinuous changes like that.
 
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Buzz Bloom said:
the compatibility of general relativity with a transition from the inflation era to subsequent eras: radiation to matter to dark energy/cosmological constant.

General relativity can describe all of these transitions just fine.
 
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1. What is the Friedmann equation?

The Friedmann equation is a mathematical equation that describes the evolution of the universe in terms of its expansion rate, energy density, and curvature. It is a fundamental equation in cosmology and is derived from Einstein's field equations in general relativity.

2. What is inflation in cosmology?

Inflation is a theory in cosmology that proposes that the universe underwent a rapid and exponential expansion in the first fraction of a second after the Big Bang. This theory helps to explain the observed uniformity of the cosmic microwave background radiation and other features of the universe.

3. Is there a specific form of the Friedmann equation that includes inflation?

Yes, there is a modified form of the Friedmann equation that takes into account the effects of inflation. This equation includes an additional term for the energy density of the inflation field, which is responsible for driving the rapid expansion of the universe during inflation.

4. How does the inclusion of inflation change the Friedmann equation?

The inclusion of inflation adds an additional term to the Friedmann equation, known as the inflationary energy density term. This term accounts for the energy density of the inflation field, which is typically very large during the inflationary period and decreases as the universe expands.

5. What is the significance of the Friedmann equation with inflation?

The Friedmann equation with inflation is significant because it helps to explain the observed features of the universe, such as its large-scale homogeneity and isotropy. It also provides a framework for understanding the early stages of the universe's evolution and the role of inflation in shaping its current state.

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