How to solve for the volume of the universe / redshift

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the increase in the volume of the universe between two epochs defined by specific redshifts, z = 1100 and z = 8.555. Participants explore the relationships between redshift, scale factors, and volume, while addressing the complexities of cosmological calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the scale factor derived from redshift to calculate volume, proposing R = 1/(1+z) for z = 1100.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the volume of the universe is unknown and suggests focusing on the ratio of scale factors instead.
  • A later reply corrects a previous statement about the scale factor, indicating it correlates with distance increase rather than volume increase.
  • One participant mentions the need to convert redshifts to distances using the Hubble constant to calculate volumes accurately.
  • Another participant provides a formula for the distance ratio between the two redshifts, suggesting that volumes are proportional to the cubes of distances.
  • There is a discussion about the mathematical notation and the correct interpretation of the scale factor, with some participants clarifying the importance of parentheses in expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to approach the calculation of volume increase, with no consensus on a single method. Some agree on the importance of using scale factors and distances, while others remain uncertain about the calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding of cosmological concepts and calculations, indicating a range of familiarity with the subject matter.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in cosmology, particularly those studying redshift, scale factors, and volume calculations in the context of the universe's expansion.

rano jojo
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Hey !

i am having this question to be answered , i am new to the cosmology studies and still a bit confused about some formulas.

the question is:
(a) The greatest redshift known corresponds to the cosmic microwave background
(CMB, CBR) at redshift z 1100 (although the redshift is obtained theoretically
rather than observationally). UDFy-38135539 is a galaxy with the high redshift of
z = 8:555. By what factor did the volume of the universe increase between the
epochs corresponding to z = 1100 and z = 8:555?

what i am thinking of is using the scale factor with the relationship of the redshift for z= 1100

R= 1/1+1100 = 1/1101

then calculate the volume for a dimension universe of the z= 1100

volume = 1/1001*1/1101*1/1001*V (z=8.555)

is that corrects ?

otherwise how i can be solving this question.

thanks
 
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rano jojo said:
By what factor did the volume of the universe increase between the
epochs corresponding to z = 1100 and z = 8:555?
Note that you should not talk about the volume of the universe, because that is an unknown. Rather say "what is the ratio of the scale factors for the two redshifts?"
The scale factor a = z+1, where the present a=1. Using this information, the answer to this question is simple to calculate.
 
Jorrie said:
Note that you should not talk about the volume of the universe, because that is an unknown. Rather say "what is the ratio of the scale factors for the two redshifts?"
The scale factor a = z+1, where the present a=1. Using this information, the answer to this question is simple to calculate.

many thanks but i still cannot get it. i thought of solving for the R = 1/1+z of both galaxies and substract the two values to reach the the volume increase between the two epochs.
 
The scale factor correlates with distance increase, not volume increase. And sorry, in a hurry, I forgot the divide, because I should have written a = 1/(z+1), not z+1.
The CMB (at redshift 1089) presently is 1090 time farther from us than what it was when those photons were emitted. Your galaxy at z= 8.55 is today 9.55 time farther than what it was when the photons we from it see were emitted.

In order to calculate volumes, you must convert redshifts to distances by means of the Hubble constant, and then calculate volumes. Do you know how to do that? (I see that you have marked the thread "I" for Intermediate, so we assume you already know the basic stuff).
 
many thanks for your kindhelp but i tried to convert it but couldn't work , as i am still new to the studies of cosmology . would you elaborate more to help me out please?

thank you again
 
Rano, I can just show you how to do it, but that will not help you much. On the other hand, I cannot give you a complete beginner's course here either. If you are just interested in the ratio between the volumes, there is an easy shortcut:

The distance ratio represented by your two redshifts is $$\frac{D_1}{D_2} = \frac{1090+1}{8.55+1} =114.24$$
Now, volumes are proportional to the cubes of distances, so the volume ratio will just be the cube of that.

In order to find the real distances and volumes, you must be able to convert redshift to recession rate and then use the Hubble constant to find the present (comoving) distance. How much of that have you already studied?
 
many thanks , but what i believe that i will find the ration then multibly it by 3 times as the universe id 3 dimension and that would be the ratio!
 
I hope you mean "multiply it by itself 3 times" - because it needs to be to the power 3.
 
1+z is not the same as (1+z).
 
  • #10
Jorrie said:
I hope you mean "multiply it by itself 3 times" - because it needs to be to the power 3.

thank you, this is what i meant multiplying itself by the power of three and not multiplying the number by 3.

so is this correct or not?
 
  • #11
Chronos said:
1+z is not the same as (1+z).

really ? how? what is the difference please
 
  • #12
Yes, I think you've got it now.

I think Chronos referred to your first post's R= 1/1+1100 = 1/1101, where the brackets were missing.
 

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