# Number density: Initial fluctuation strength and more...

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1. Dec 17, 2015

Dear all,
I am trying to understand the physics behind the "number density" formula given by Weinberg.
Is there anyone who can explain these parameters to me:

1- "Initial fluctuation strength":
$$\rho_1= \lim_{t \to 0}\frac{\Delta \rho_M^3}{\bar{\rho}^2_M}$$
However, as t goes to 0, one can say:
$$\rho_1= \frac{a^{-6}}{(a^{-3})^2}=1$$
in which a is the scale factor. and of course both a and the density are functions of time.
This would be because initially, we are in the mater dominated era.
So why are we using this at all?!!! Isn't this equal to 1?

2-the time independent quantity:
$$\tilde{\sigma}_M$$
What does it mean physically? If I want to make some plots of n, Where can find a proper function of this?

$$\sigma_R$$

2. Dec 17, 2015

### George Jones

Staff Emeritus
It would be helpful to have the context, and your reference is not very useful. Which book by Weinberg ("Gravitation and Cosmology" or "Cosmology"), and on which pages?

3. Dec 18, 2015