A1.16
(i) Consider a one-dimensional model universe with "stars" distributed at random on the -axis, and choose the origin to coincide with one of the stars; call this star the "homestar." Home-star astronomers have discovered that all other stars are receding from them with a velocity , that depends on the position of the star. Assuming non-relativistic addition of velocities, show how the assumption of homogeneity implies that for some constant .
In attempting to understand the history of their one-dimensional universe, homestar astronomers seek to determine the velocity at time of a star at position . Assuming homogeneity, show how is determined in terms of a scale factor and hence deduce that for some function . What is the relation between and ?
(ii) Consider a three-dimensional homogeneous and isotropic universe with mass density , pressure and scale factor . Given that is the energy in volume , show how the relation yields the "fluid" equation
where .
Show how conservation of energy applied to a test particle at the boundary of a spherical fluid element yields the Friedmann equation
for constant . Hence obtain an equation for the acceleration in terms of and .
A model universe has mass density and pressure
where is constant. What does the fluid equation imply about ? Show that the acceleration vanishes if
Hence show that this universe is static and determine the sign of the constant .