Inflation resolves the horizon problem

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Apashanka
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Horizon Inflation
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on how inflationary theory addresses the horizon problem in standard cosmology. Participants explore the implications of accelerated expansion and its effects on causal connections in the universe, as well as the relationship between dark energy, matter, and radiation in the context of cosmic evolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that inflation allows a causally connected region to expand and encompass the entire observable universe, potentially resolving the horizon problem.
  • One participant describes the horizon problem in terms of the temperature uniformity of the cosmic microwave background, questioning how regions that have not been in causal contact can have the same temperature.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for clarity in understanding and communication, suggesting that participants should articulate their current understanding and specific points of confusion.
  • There is a discussion about the current dominance of dark energy in the universe and its implications for the accelerated expansion phase, with references to specific energy densities and redshift calculations.
  • One participant challenges the choice of parameters used in calculations regarding the density of matter and dark energy, proposing alternative values for the density parameters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of inflation's role in addressing the horizon problem and the specific parameters used in cosmological models. There is no consensus on the correct values for density parameters or the implications of these values for the onset of inflation.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference complex mathematical relationships and assumptions regarding the evolution of the universe, including the transition between different phases of cosmic expansion. Some calculations and definitions remain unresolved or are challenged by other participants.

Apashanka
Messages
427
Reaction score
15
Can anyone please explain how inflation removes the horizon. problem of standard cosmology .
As much I know inflation is a period of accelerated expansion which can be approximated by ~exp(βt) which can be achieved if the energy density remains constt. throughout (e.g ≠ε(t)),which is the case for the vacuum energy (since P=-ρ)
 
Space news on Phys.org
It expands a causally connected region to envelop the entire current horizon.
 
Orodruin said:
It expands a causally connected region to envelop the entire current horizon.
Will you please explain it in details...
Thank you
 
If I look to the left, the oldest light I can see has been traveling for 13.9bn years. If I look to the right, the oldest light I can see has been traveling for 13.9bn years. Yet the things I'm looking at appear to be at the same temperature. Why? It would only make sense if they were in causal contact and came into thermal equilibrium. But that would need at least 2×13.9bn years, so there isn't time.

Inflation solves the problem by having a rapid expansion phase that takes parts of the universe that were causally connected and disconnects them.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: krater
Exactly what part of that is unclear?

If you expect answers tailored to your level you cannot just assume that people know where that is. You need to describe your current understanding and what part you find unclear.

You cannot expect people to write you a textbook excerpt. There are several good resources online. Have you read about it and in that case what was not clear?
 
Ibix said:
But that would need at least 2×13.9bn years
Quite a bit more due to expansion.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Ibix
We take our universe now to be dominated by the dark energy followed by matter and radiation ,and our universe is now in an accelerating phase (since present value of q <0(-1.52)) and it has to be since dark energy provides exponential growth.
It is therefore after the time of dark energy matter equality ,inflationary (accelerated) phase starts which is ε(t)m=ε(t)d
ε0m/a30d
,a30m0dm0d0=0.04/0.23
a(t)=.057
z=1/a-1=16.54
Can we say that at this redshift inflationary (accelerated phase/dark energy) phase starts??
Since for the matter and radiation dominated phase d2a(t)/dt2<0.
 
Apashanka said:
We take our universe now to be dominated by the dark energy followed by matter and radiation ,and our universe is now in an accelerating phase (since present value of q <0(-1.52)) and it has to be since dark energy provides exponential growth.
It is therefore after the time of dark energy matter equality ,inflationary (accelerated) phase starts which is ε(t)m=ε(t)d
ε0m/a30d
,a30m0dm0d0=0.04/0.23
a(t)=.057
z=1/a-1=16.54
Can we say that at this redshift inflationary (accelerated phase/dark energy) phase starts??
Since for the matter and radiation dominated phase d2a(t)/dt2<0.
Why did you take ##\Omega_m=0.04## and ##\Omega_{\Lambda}=0.23## ? Thats wrong. You should also take the dark matter account hence ##\Omega_m=0.31## and ##\Omega_{\Lambda}=0.68##
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K