Understanding Friedmann Equations Equation of State: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the equation of state derived from the Friedmann equations in cosmology, specifically addressing the relationship between density (ρ) and scale factor (R) when pressure (p) is zero. The user correctly identifies that under these conditions, the density evolves as ρ = ρ₀(R₀/R)³. The confusion arises from integrating the equation of state and understanding the logarithmic properties that lead to this result. The correct formulation of the equation of state is confirmed as ˙ρ + 3(ρ + p)˙R/R = 0, which is derived from the conservation of energy-momentum tensor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Friedmann equations in cosmology
  • Familiarity with the concepts of scale factor (R) and density (ρ)
  • Knowledge of logarithmic properties and integration techniques
  • Basic principles of energy-momentum conservation in general relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Friedmann equations in detail
  • Explore the implications of different equations of state in cosmology
  • Learn about the role of the scale factor in the evolution of the universe
  • Investigate the conservation of energy-momentum tensor in general relativity
USEFUL FOR

Students of cosmology, physicists interested in general relativity, and anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of the universe through the Friedmann equations.

parsifal
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
I've got some difficulties trying to understand the equation of state derived from Friedmann equations. I'd greatly appreciate it if someone walked me through this.

Now if the equation of state is stated as:
[tex]\Large \dot{\rho}+(3\rho +p)\frac{\dot{R}}{R}=0 \ \ |p=\omega \rho[/tex]

Then (in the case of pressure being zero):
[tex]\Rightarrow \rho \propto R^{-3} \Rightarrow \rho = \rho _0 (\frac{R_0}{R})^3[/tex]
I suspect the latter to be correct as it's not a result of my own logic :biggrin:

Now what I do not understand is the proportionality. If the equation of state is integrated I get something like this (set p=0):
[tex]\Large \dot{\rho}+(3\rho)\frac{\dot{R}}{R}=0<br /> \Rightarrow \dot{\rho}=-3\rho\frac{\dot{R}}{R} \Rightarrow<br /> \frac{1}{\rho}\dot{\rho}=-3\frac{\dot{R}}{R} \Rightarrow<br /> \frac{1}{\rho}\frac{d\rho}{dt}=-3\frac{1}{R}\frac{dR}{dt}\ \|\cdot dt[/tex]
[tex]\Rightarrow<br /> \int _{\rho _0}^\rho \frac{1}{\rho}d\rho}=-3\int _{R_0}^R \frac{1}{R}dR \Rightarrow<br /> ln(\rho)-ln(\rho _0)=-3(ln(R)-ln(R_0)) \Rightarrow<br /> ln \frac{\rho}{\rho _0}=-3ln\frac{R}{R_0}\Rightarrow<br /> \frac{\rho}{\rho _0}=e^-3\frac{R}{R_0} \Rightarrow<br /> \rho=e^-3\frac{R}{R_0}\rho _0[/tex]

Now is there some part to the theory that causes the equation to flip so that
[tex]\rho =e^-3\frac{R}{R_0}\rho _0 \Rightarrow \rho = \rho _0 (\frac{R_0}{R})^3[/tex]
or don't I just get the mathematics right?

Or have I done something wrong right in the beginning deriving the equation of state?

Edit:
Of course, how could I not see it... forgetting that a log x = log xa.

Kurdt already told me that here, but then his message disappeared.

Well thanks to Kurdt anyway!
 
Last edited:
Space news on Phys.org
Simply the laws of logarithms:

[tex]a\log(b) = \log(b^a)[/tex]

and noting

[tex](\frac{a}{b})^{-3} = (\frac{b}{a})^3[/tex]

There is also no exponential function involved since:

[tex]e^{(\ln x)}=x[/tex]

EDIT: I'd deleted the original post because I thought I'd misread your original post but I had not.
 
Last edited:
parsifal said:
Now if the equation of state is stated as:
[tex]\Large \dot{\rho}+(3\rho +p)\frac{\dot{R}}{R}=0 \ \ |p=\omega \rho[/tex]
Just as a side note, the correct equation is:

[tex]\Large \dot{\rho}+3\frac{\dot{R}}{R}(\rho +p)=0[/tex]

It follows from [itex]\nabla_{\mu}T^{\mu}_0 = 0[/itex].
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K