What Redshift Occurs When Photon and Baryon Densities Equalize at Recombination?

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utopiaNow
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Homework Statement



We are to assume the recombination happens at redshift [tex]z_{rec}[/tex] when the number density of photons [tex]n_{\gamma}(z_{rec})[/tex] capable of ionizing hydrogen is exactly equal to the number density of baryons [tex]n_{b}(z_{rec})[/tex]. Use the measured number density of baryons, the temperature of the CMB and the blackbody radiation to find out at what redshift [tex]z_{rec}[/tex] we have [tex]n_{\gamma}(z_{rec}) = n_{b}(z_{rec}).[/tex]


2. The attempt at a solution
Sorry I don't have time to write in detail what I have so far. But basically I come down to [tex]\Omega_{\gamma}E_{bary} \over hf_{mean}\Omega_{bary}[/tex] [tex]= 1[/tex]

However this doesn't make use of blackbody radation, or the temperature of the CMB, if I'm supposed to equate [tex]\Omega_{\gamma}[/tex] to Temperature of the CMB, then I'm not sure how to do that step.

Thanks
 
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Forget cosmology for a while.

If [itex]E_I[/itex] is the ionization energy of hydrogen, any photon with energy greater than [itex]E_I[/itex] can ionize hydrogen. Now consider a blackbody at temperature [itex]T[/itex]. What is the number density for photons with energies greater than [itex]E_I[/itex]?
 
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