I What Does Redshift and Scale Factor Tell Us About the Size of the Universe?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between redshift (z) and the scale factor (a) of the universe, illustrating how a higher redshift indicates a smaller universe in the past. When z is set at 2, the universe was one-third its current size, and at z equals 6, it was one-seventh its size, suggesting a less significant difference than expected. The conversation also touches on the maximum value of z, with some participants asserting that it can exceed 10, referencing the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) redshift of approximately 1089. Clarifications are made regarding the evolution of galaxies and the implications of redshift on understanding the universe's expansion. Ultimately, the participants reach a better understanding of the complexities surrounding redshift and cosmic history.
Arman777
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We can define the relationship between ##z## and ##a(t_e)## as,

$$1+z=\frac {a(t_0)=1} {a(t_e)}$$

When we assume ##z=2##, it means that ##a(t_e)=\frac {1} {3}##

Is this means that universe was ##\frac {1} {3}## times smaller then now ?

If its the case then let's suppose ##z=6## which means universe was ##\frac {1} {7}## times smaller, but even in this case it doesn't seem a huge difference between ##z=2## and ##z=6##. But I think there should be a lot of difference.

I am not sure what am I missing.

Thanks
 
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Arman777 said:
But I think there should be a lot of difference.
Why?
 
Orodruin said:
Why?
The largest value of z can be 10 and it that case universe was 1 billion years old maybe more young like a 500 million years old. I am not sure but in any case.

Lets suppose ##z=10##, in that time let's suppose radius of OU is ##r## and now its ##11r##?
Cause I was espanding like ##10^10## difference cause universe was so young those times.

For a current scale of the OU is 45 billion light year. 11 times smaller means 4 billion light year. But I was expanding like a million light year or maybe less If I think the time scale which it grow 11 times bigger in 13 billion years ?

I am not sure how can I explain it.
 
Arman777 said:
The largest value of z can be 10
The CMBR is z = 1089. There is no upper limit for z.
 
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Arman777 said:
The largest value of z can be 10
Why do you think that z cannot be larger than 10? It is false. The redshift at the last scattering surface is about 1000.
 
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They are studying galaxies. It took some time for galaxies to evolve and you will not find galaxies with a redshift of z = 1000. This does not mean that redshifts larger than 10 does not exist.
 
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Thanks for your replies. I understand it now
 
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