Help understanding the Friedmann equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the Friedmann equations within the context of a cosmology class. The focus is on the concepts and variables involved in the equations, as well as the challenges faced by a student in grasping these ideas for an academic assignment.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • A student expresses difficulty in understanding the Friedmann equations, particularly the concepts and variables involved, despite having a strong mathematical background.
  • One participant suggests that the parameters in the Friedmann equations are derived from other equations and offers links to articles that provide introductory information on the topic.
  • The same participant inquires about the textbook used in the cosmology class, recommending Barbera Ryden's "Introductory to Cosmology" as a potential resource for further understanding.
  • The student acknowledges the helpfulness of the provided resources and indicates a growing understanding of the Friedmann equation's purpose and composition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of the provided resources for understanding the Friedmann equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to mastering the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the student's need for clarification on the variables and concepts related to the Friedmann equations, indicating potential gaps in understanding that may depend on the specific course materials or textbooks used.

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Hello! I'm a senior at San Francisco State University, and I'm currently enrolled in a cosmology class. It's a GWAR class, meaning General Writing Assessment Requirement- I didn't expect much math. In fact, the first half of the class was basically an anthropology course, which is more in line with my interests. I was surprised when, come the second half of the coures, the 'paper' I was supposed to write was a long math explanation. I've taken three years worth of calculus plus a course on linear algebra and differential equations, so the math isn't what's difficult for me here. I believe my problem lies in understanding the concepts and variable in the equations. It seems there are a lot of different variables in the Friedmann equation that are a result of other equations, and some variables mean certain things about the universe, but getting any hard and fast information has been difficult. I'm coming to you all to see if you'll be able to provide to me an explanation of the use and composition of the Friedmann equation that I can understand. Here's the link to the paper I'm writing, so that you can see what I'm having questions about.

http://physics.sfsu.edu/~wcaudy/340paper2.pdf

Any other help regarding what the assignment is asking would be appreciated as well, though hopefully I'll be able to work all of that out myself once I have a better understanding of this equation and its meaning. Thank you very much for your help.
 
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Ok the problems they gave you aren't too complex, as this is an assignment I wouldn't want to give you too much information on how to solve the problems. Yes various parameters used in the Friedmann equations are calculated or involve other equations.. However there is a ton of info on each if you look at each parameter.

these two articles in this link, will only get you started. They were written as a FAQ level.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4687696&postcount=10

this one is a geometry article that applies in part to your questions.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4697773&postcount=30

" I'm currently enrolled in a cosmology class" what textbook did they provide you? it should cover the questions involved if its any form of cosmology text?

if you don't have a reliable textbook I would look into getting a copy of Barbera Ryden's "Introductory to cosmology" I can quarantee it will answer every question in this paper.
 
Thank you for the help. I'm definitely not coming here asking you to do the assignment for me. However, between doing some more research and the extremely helpful links you provided, I believe I have a solid understanding of the Friedmann equation's purpose and composition. Thank you again, I should be able to turn in a solid paper now. I'll make sure to recommend this site to others seeking help.
 
Np glad the articles, helped fill in some gaps in a quick FAQ style slam course :biggrin:
 

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