Open and Closed Models in Cosmology

In summary, the conversation discusses the cosmological metric and a closed model in which the metric takes the form of a flat spacetime in terms of physical variables. The light cone should satisfy the features of Special Relativity, and in a closed model, the light cone at a point near the boundary is assumed to not expand at a superluminal rate compared to the point in question. The forward motion of a light ray in this scenario is also considered. The post also mentions the importance of understanding closed models and includes a link to a diagram for reference.
  • #1
Anamitra
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Let us consider the cosmological metric:
[tex]{ds}^{2}{=}{dt}^{2}{-}{[}{a}{(}{t}{)}{]}^{2}{[}\frac{{dr}^{2}}{{1}{-}{k}{r}^{2}}{+}{r}^{2}{(}{d}{\theta}^{2}{+}{sin}^{2}{(}{\theta}{)}{d}{\phi}^{2}{]}[/tex] -------------- (1)
For closed models k is positive
We shall consider here a closed one:
We write:
[tex]{ds}^{2}{=}{dt}^{2}{-}{d}{{X}_1}^{2}{-}{d}{{X}_{2}}^{2}{-}{d}{{X}_{3}}^{2}[/tex] --------------- (2)
Where:
[tex]{d}{X}_{1}{=}{\int}\frac{{a}{(}{t}{)}}{\sqrt{{1}{-}{k}{r}^{2}}}{dr}[/tex]--(3)
[tex]{d}{X}_{2}{=}{\int}{a}{(}{t}{)}{r}{d}{\theta}[/tex]
[tex]{d}{X}_{3}{=}{\int}{a}{(}{t}{)}{r}{sin}{\theta}{d}{\phi}[/tex]

When viewed in terms of physical variables equation (2) is a flat space time metric in terms of physical variables[X1,X2 and X3 are simply lengths] . The Special Relativity features of the light cone should be satisfied.
In a closed model let us consider a light cone at a point infinitesimally close to the boundary which is not expanding at a superluminally wrt the point in consideration.[at the current stage]..Rather the rate of expansion of the boundary is assumed to be quite slow [much less than c]with respect to the point in consideration. What would the forward motion of the light ray be like?
Incidentally it is important to understand closed models in view of certain figures[ apart from other reasons] for example the blue-cone diagram in the wiki picture:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metric_expansion_of_space#Understanding_the_expansion_of_Universe
The circumference of the horizontal grid-line is finite at any particular instant of time -this is indicative of a closed model.
 
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  • #2
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1. What is the difference between an open and closed model in cosmology?

An open model in cosmology refers to a universe that will continue to expand indefinitely, while a closed model refers to a universe that will eventually stop expanding and collapse in on itself.

2. How do scientists determine which model is more accurate?

Scientists use observations and measurements of the universe, such as the rate of expansion and the amount of matter present, to determine which model is more accurate. Currently, evidence points to the universe being in an open model.

3. What implications do open and closed models have for the fate of the universe?

If the universe is in an open model, it will continue to expand and eventually become too cold and dark for life to exist. In a closed model, the universe will eventually collapse, leading to a potential "big crunch." However, there are other possible models, such as a flat or accelerating model, which could have different implications for the fate of the universe.

4. Can the universe switch between open and closed models?

It is currently unknown if the universe can switch between models. Some theories suggest that the universe may undergo a phase transition and switch from an open to a closed model, but this is still a topic of ongoing research and debate.

5. How do open and closed models relate to the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory is a scientific explanation for the origin and early development of the universe. Both open and closed models are based on the Big Bang theory, but they differ in their predictions for the future of the universe. The Big Bang theory does not favor one model over the other and is still being studied and refined by scientists.

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