Help a mature student Friedmann equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Friedmann equation from cosmology, specifically addressing a problem involving parametric solutions for a universe containing matter only. The original poster expresses difficulty with the mathematical aspects after a significant gap in study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to demonstrate a parametric solution to the Friedmann equation but struggles with differentiation and the chain rule. Some participants question the necessity of showing work before receiving help and suggest that the original poster attempt the problem further.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing hints and guidance on how to approach the differentiation required for the problem. The original poster expresses gratitude for the assistance received, indicating a productive exchange.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of recent mathematical practice and expresses concern about their readiness for advanced studies, which may influence their confidence in tackling the problem.

stormymouse
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Anybody like to help a physics student who did their BSc six years ago and has forgotten all their maths!
Its a problem from Andrew Liddle's Introduction to cosmology 5.5

The Friedmann eqn is

(a'/a)2 = 8TTG/3 P - k/a2

Consider the case k>o, with the universe containing matter only, so that p =p0/a3

Demonstrate that the parametric solution

a(y) = 4 TT G p0/3k (1-cos y) ; t(y) = 4TTGp0/3k3/2 (y-siny)

solves this equation where y runs from 0 to 2TT

Sorry about the crassness..I hope you can deciphere my symbols...

I know I should differentiate them and use the chain rule..but really my maths is rubbish!

Any fellow physicists I would much appreciate it...maybe I shouldn't be doing my masters..I need to dig out my old calculus book...
 
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You need to show some work before we can help you. (This really belongs in the homework section too). You are correct that you need to differentiate and use the chain rule. Perhaps you should have a go and post what you get.
 
Ok, so either you're not coming back, or you still can't attempt the problem. I'll give you a few hints: You vasically have two parametric functions a(y)=L(1-cos(y)) and t(y)=M(y-sin(y)), for some constants L and M. In the Friedmann equation, we have a term a'=\frac{da}{dt}. Using the chain rule we can write \frac{da}{dt}=\frac{da/dy}{dt/dy} from which you should be able to solve.
 
Sorry, thank you for all your help..that helps a lot!
 

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