What Is the FRW Metric and How Is It Applied in General Relativity?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) metric and its applications in general relativity. Participants are tasked with deriving the FRW metric, equations, and density parameters, as well as exploring conditions to prevent singularities and expressions for the deceleration parameter and redshift.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to express the density parameter in terms of scale factor (a) and Hubble parameter (H). They note a proportional relationship between density and scale factor influenced by the equation of state parameter (w).
  • Some participants question how to correctly express the density parameter and its relationship to the scale factor and Hubble parameter, indicating potential confusion regarding the definitions used for density.
  • Others suggest reconsidering the definitions of density at different times, particularly in relation to the current density.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of cosmological parameters and their interrelations, with specific attention to how assumptions about density and curvature influence their calculations. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the definitions used in the problem statement.

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Homework Statement


(a) Find the FRW metric, equations and density parameter. Express the density parameter in terms of a and H.
(b) Express density parameter as a function of a where density dominates and find values of w.
(c) If curvature is negligible, what values must w be to prevent a singularity? Find a.
(d) Find an expression for the deceleration parameter and redshift.
2014_B5_Q3.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Part(a)
The metric is given by
ds^2 = c^2 dt^2 - a(t)^2 \left[ \frac{dr^2}{1-kr^2} + r^2(d\theta^2 + sin^2 \theta d\phi^2) \right]
The FRW equations are
\left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 = \frac{8 \pi G \rho_I}{3} + \frac{1}{3} \Lambda c^2 - \frac{kc^2}{a^2 (t)}
\ddot a(t) = -\frac{4\pi G}{3} \left(\rho_I + \frac{3P}{c^2} \right) a(t) + \frac{1}{3} \Lambda c^2 a(t)
Density parameter is given by
\Omega = \frac{8\pi G}{3H^2}\left( \rho_I + \frac{\Lambda c^2}{8 \pi G} - \frac{3 kc^2}{8 \pi G} \right)

How do I express it in terms of ##a## and ##H## only? I know that ##\rho_I \propto a^{-3(1+w_I)} = \rho_I(0) a^{-3(1+w_I)} ##

This is as far as I can go. Would appreciate any input, many thanks!
 
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Managed some progress with part (a)! I think they are looking for ##H^2 = \frac{8 \pi G}{3}\rho = H_0a^{-3(1+w_I)}##.

For part (b), I think they want ##\Omega = \frac{8 \pi G}{3 H_0^2} \rho_I a^{-3(1+w_I)}##.

I suppose the confusion was that I thought ##\rho_I = \rho_{I,0} a^{-3(1+w_I)}## when in fact they use ##\rho_I## as the density of today.
 

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