How do I find the scale factor of cosmological constant?

In summary, the conversation discusses the changes in contributions over time, the existence of the universe without a cosmological constant, the distance a photon would travel in a specific metric, and finding the particular density and scale factor in a given equation. Part (a) explains that dust, curvature, and vacuum each have different effects on the universe at different times. Part (b) suggests that the universe will eventually reach a big crunch and contract. Part (c) calculates the furthest distance a photon can travel in this metric. Part (d) involves solving for the density and scale factor in a specific equation. The final part (e) discusses how the universe evolves.
  • #1
unscientific
1,734
13

Homework Statement



(a)Sketch how the contributions change with time
(b)For no cosmological constant, how long will this universe exist?
(c)How far would a photon travel in this metric?
(d)Find particular density ##\rho_E## and scale factor
(e)How would this universe evolve?[/B]
a4rlts.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Part(a)
[/B]
For dust/matter: ##\rho \propto a^{-3}##. For Curvature: ##\rho \propto a^{-2}##. For Vacuum: ##\rho = const.##.
313sopy.png


In early times, dust dominated. Late times, curvature dominated.Part(b)
For dust: ##a \propto t^{\frac{2}{3}}##. For Curvature: ##a \propto t##. The universe first expands a little then reaches the big crunch where ##\dot a = 0## then starts to contract. In late times, curvature dominates.
I suppose a rough time would be of order ##\propto t_0##.

Part(c)
[tex]D_C = \int_0^X \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-kr^2}} [/tex]
[tex]D_C = \frac{1}{\sqrt k} sin^{-1}\left( \sqrt k X \right) [/tex]
[tex]X = \frac{1}{\sqrt k} sin \left( \sqrt k D_C\right) [/tex]
Furthest distance is simply ##\frac{1}{\sqrt k}##.

Part(d)
Starting with the Raychauduri Equation:
[tex]\frac{\ddot a}{a} = -\frac{4\pi G}{3}\left( \rho + \frac{3P}{c^2} \right) + \frac{1}{3} \Lambda c^2 - \frac{kc^2}{a^2}[/tex]
For a static solution,
[tex]0 = -\frac{4\pi G}{3}\left( \rho + \frac{3P}{c^2} \right) + \frac{1}{3} \Lambda c^2 - \frac{kc^2}{a^2}[/tex]
[tex]0 = -\frac{4\pi G}{3} \rho + \frac{1}{3} \Lambda c^2 - \frac{kc^2}{a^2}[/tex]
[tex] 0 = -\rho + \frac{\Lambda c^2}{4 \pi G} - \frac{3 kc^2}{4 \pi G a^2} [/tex]
Thus ##\rho_E = \frac{\Lambda c^2}{4 \pi G}##.

How do I find the scale factor for this density?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
anyone tried part (d) yet? I'm sure my parts (a)-(c) are right.
 
  • #3
bumpp on part (d)
 
  • #4
bumpp
 

1. What is the cosmological constant?

The cosmological constant, denoted by the Greek letter lambda (Λ), is a term in Einstein's theory of general relativity that represents the energy density of the vacuum of space. It was originally introduced by Einstein to explain the static nature of the universe, but later abandoned. It has since been revived to account for the observed acceleration of the expansion of the universe.

2. Why is the scale factor important for understanding the cosmological constant?

The scale factor, denoted by the letter a, is a measure of the expansion of the universe. It relates the distance between two objects at a given time to the distance between the same objects at a reference time. The cosmological constant is directly related to the scale factor and its value affects the evolution of the universe.

3. How do I calculate the scale factor of the cosmological constant?

The scale factor can be calculated using the Friedmann equations, which are a set of equations that describe the evolution of the universe in terms of its energy content. The cosmological constant is one of the terms in these equations, and its value can be determined by observing the expansion rate of the universe and comparing it to theoretical predictions.

4. What is the current value of the cosmological constant?

The current value of the cosmological constant is estimated to be around 10^-52 m^-2, based on observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the accelerated expansion of the universe. This value is extremely small, but its effects are significant on the large scale evolution of the universe.

5. How does the scale factor change over time with the cosmological constant?

The scale factor is directly affected by the value of the cosmological constant. In the early stages of the universe, when the energy density was high, the scale factor grew at a rapid rate. As the universe expanded and cooled, the energy density decreased and the scale factor grew at a slower rate. With the inclusion of the cosmological constant, the scale factor is now increasing at an accelerated rate, resulting in the observed expansion of the universe.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
913
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
888
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
0
Views
661
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Back
Top