Does a Closed Universe Satisfy the FRW Equations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) equations in the context of a closed universe. Participants are tasked with demonstrating how these equations are satisfied and exploring the implications of using a specific time parameter, ##\eta##.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to manipulate the FRW equations and relate different variables, such as ##\dot a## and ##a##, while questioning the inclusion of curvature terms. There is also a discussion about the relationship between ##\eta## and ##\eta_0##, as well as the assumption regarding the scale factor ##a_0##.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the equations and attempting to clarify their understanding of the relationships between the variables involved. Some have raised concerns about omitted terms and the implications of their assumptions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is a noted confusion regarding the simplicity of the problem and the assumptions made about the scale factor.

unscientific
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Homework Statement



(a) Show that the equations satisfy FRW equations.
(b) Show the metric when ##\eta## is taken as time

frw1.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



[/B]
The FRW equation is:
3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 = 8\pi G \rho

Using ##\frac{da}{dt} = \frac{da}{d\eta} \frac{d\eta}{dt}##:

\dot a = \frac{\frac{1}{\eta_*} sin \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*}\right)}{1 - cos \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*} \right)}
\dot a = \frac{C sin \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*} \right)}{\eta_* a}

The LHS is then

3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 = 3 \left[ \frac{C^2 sin^2 (\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})}{\eta_*^2 a^4} \right]Not sure how to show this equals RHS..
 
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unscientific said:

Homework Statement



(a) Show that the equations satisfy FRW equations.
(b) Show the metric when ##\eta## is taken as time

frw1.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



[/B]
The FRW equation is:
3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 = 8\pi G \rho

Using ##\frac{da}{dt} = \frac{da}{d\eta} \frac{d\eta}{dt}##:

\dot a = \frac{\frac{1}{\eta_*} sin \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*}\right)}{1 - cos \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*} \right)}
\dot a = \frac{C sin \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*} \right)}{\eta_* a}

The LHS is then

3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 = 3 \left[ \frac{C^2 sin^2 (\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})}{\eta_*^2 a^4} \right]Not sure how to show this equals RHS..

In a closed universe the FRW equation has a spatial curvature term with a 'k' in it. You omitted that.
 
Last edited:
Dick said:
In a closed universe the FRW equation has a spatial curvature term with a 'k' in it. You omitted that.

FRW equation is given by:
3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 + \frac{kc^2}{a^2} = 8\pi G \rho

Curvature parameter is given by ##\Omega = \frac{8\pi \rho G}{3H_0^2}##.

\frac{C^2 sin^2 (\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})}{\eta_*^2 a^4} + \frac{kc^2}{a^2} = \frac{\Omega}{H_0^2}

At ##t=0##, ##\frac{\eta_0}{\eta_*} = sin (\frac{\eta_0}{\eta_*})##, so ##a_0 = C\left[ 1 - \sqrt{1 - (\frac{\eta_0}{\eta_*})^2} \right]##.

Rearranging, ##(\frac{\eta_0}{\eta_*})^2 = (\frac{a_0}{c})(1 - \frac{a_0}{c})##.

How am I to relate ##\eta## to ##\eta_0##?
 
Last edited:
I'm just confused at this stage, shouldn't ##a_0 =1##? I have a feeling this problem is much simpler than it seems..Would appreciate some help
 
Last edited:
5th Attempt

\left( \frac{\dot a}{a}\right)^2 = \frac{8\pi G \rho}{3} - \frac{kc^2}{a^2}

Using ##\rho = \Omega \rho_c = \Omega \cdot \frac{3H^2}{8\pi G}##:

\left( \frac{\dot a}{a}\right)^2 = \Omega H^2 - \frac{kc^2}{a^2}

\dot {a}^2 = \Omega \dot {a}^2 - kc^2

\frac{da}{dt} = c \sqrt{\frac{k}{\Omega -1}}

But there is no factor of ##C## on the LHS, as ##\frac{da}{dt} = \frac{sin(\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})}{\eta_* \left[1-cos(\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})\right]}##
 

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