E ffective relativistic degrees of freedom of the early universe

In summary, the number of effective relativistic degrees of freedom, g*, can be calculated using the equation g* = g(T)+ (7/8)(4/11)^(4/3)*g(T_f)+(4/11)^4*g(T_W)+2*g(T_Z), where g(T) = (8π^2/90)[h^2 + 15N]. For T > 103 GeV, T_f = T_W = T_Z = T = 103 GeV, resulting in g* = 3.36 x 10^2. For 1 MeV < T < 100 MeV, T_f = T_W = T_Z = T, giving a value of g*
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Calculate the number g* of effective relativistic degrees of freedom as the universe
cools through the temperature ranges (i) T > 103 GeV, (ii) 1 MeV < T < 100 MeV,
and (iii) T < 0:1 MeV.


Homework Equations


for the equation that is required to be used look the attachement/


The Attempt at a Solution


this equation is taken from the website:
http://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/Sept03/Trodden/Trodden4_2.html

the question is what must be substituted in this equation in order to obtain g*.
The temperature T is the actual temperature of the background plasma,
 

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  • #2
while the other parameters such as T_f,T_W and T_Z are related to the temperature of the particles (electron, W boson, Z boson).The equation is:g* = g(T)+ (7/8)(4/11)^(4/3)*g(T_f)+(4/11)^4*g(T_W)+2*g(T_Z)where g(T) = (8π^2/90)[h^2 + 15N]For the first part, where T > 103 GeV, T_f = T_W = T_Z = T = 103 GeV Therefore, g* = g(103 GeV)+ (7/8)(4/11)^(4/3)*g(103 GeV)+(4/11)^4*g(103 GeV)+2*g(103 GeV) = 3.36 x 10^2For the second part, 1 MeV < T < 100 MeV, T_f = T_W = T_Z = T Therefore, g* = g(T)+ (7/8)(4/11)^(4/3)*g(T)+(4/11)^4*g(T)+2*g(T) = 3.36 x 10^2For the third part, T < 0.1 MeV, T_f = T_W = T_Z = 0.1 MeV Therefore, g* = g(0.1 MeV)+ (7/8)(4/11)^(4/3)*g(0.1 MeV)+(4/11)^4*g(0.1 MeV)+2*g(0.1 MeV) = 3.34 x 10^2
 

What are effective relativistic degrees of freedom in the early universe?

Effective relativistic degrees of freedom refer to the number of different types of particles that are present in the early universe and are able to interact with each other through the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces. These particles include quarks, leptons, and gauge bosons.

Why are effective relativistic degrees of freedom important in studying the early universe?

Effective relativistic degrees of freedom play a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of the early universe, as they determine the rate of expansion and cooling of the universe. They also contribute to the overall energy density of the universe and can affect the formation of cosmic structures.

How are effective relativistic degrees of freedom calculated?

The number of effective relativistic degrees of freedom can be calculated using the Standard Model of particle physics, which takes into account the different types of particles and their interactions. This calculation is important in determining the temperature and energy density of the early universe.

How have effective relativistic degrees of freedom changed over time in the universe?

In the early stages of the universe, the temperature and energy density were high, allowing for a large number of effective relativistic degrees of freedom to be present. As the universe expanded and cooled, some particles became non-relativistic and their contribution to the degrees of freedom decreased.

What impact do effective relativistic degrees of freedom have on cosmological models?

Effective relativistic degrees of freedom play a significant role in determining the evolution and structure of the universe, and are therefore important in cosmological models. Changes in the number of degrees of freedom can affect the predictions of these models and help to refine our understanding of the early universe.

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