Hubble Constant and Hubble Law
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Questions and Answers

What does the Hubble parameter represent in the Hubble law?

  • The age of the universe
  • The distance between galaxies
  • The constant of proportionality (correct)
  • The speed of light

What is the current expression for the Hubble constant?

  • $H_0 = 100 km s^{-1} Mpc^{-1}$
  • $H_0 = 200h km s^{-1} Mpc^{-1}$
  • $H_0 = 100h km s^{-1} Mpc^{-1}$ (correct)
  • $H_0 = 50h km s^{-1} Mpc^{-1}$

What does the factor of 'h' represent in the context of the Hubble constant?

  • The number of galaxies measured
  • The uncertainty in the value (correct)
  • The age of the universe in billion years
  • The speed of light in vacuum

Why was there a factor of 2 uncertainty in the Hubble constant as recently as the 1990s?

<p>Errors in measuring distances and speeds of galaxies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major error did Hubble make in his original measurements?

<p>Overestimating distances to galaxies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the uncertainty in measuring the Hubble constant?

<p>Precision of cosmological models (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the Hubble constant expressed in terms of distance?

<p>km s−1 Mpc−1 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Hubble's findings is true?

<p>Hubble's value for the constant was too high initially. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Robertson-Walker metric help determine regarding radiation?

<p>The redshift of radiation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the equation expressed for a light ray traveling radially, what does ds equal for light?

<p>0 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the variables dte and dtr in the equations?

<p>They are negligible time intervals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the right-hand side of the expressions in the document equal for overlapping regions?

<p>The integral of c dt over the specified range (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following equations is used to relate time intervals dte and dtr with light speed?

<p>c dte = c dtr (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'a' typically represent in the context of the Robertson-Walker metric?

<p>The scale factor of the universe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the equations corresponds to the path taken by light as it travels from one point to another?

<p>dr (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the integration over time and distance signify in the context of light traveling in the provided equations?

<p>Total distance traveled over time (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula that relates the velocity of a galaxy to its recession and peculiar velocity?

<p>v = H0 r + vpec (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what distance is parallax measurement considered too small to be useful?

<p>1 Mpc (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following objects can be used as standard candles?

<p>Cepheid variable stars (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the method used to measure absolute distances in cosmology?

<p>Cosmic distance ladder (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the observed discrepancy in values of the Hubble constant relate to?

<p>The Hubble tension (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What approximate value is often obtained for the Hubble parameter using standard candles?

<p>0.73 ± 0.02 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the equation $ t_0 ext{ } hicksim ext{ } \frac{1}{H_0} $ estimate?

<p>The age of the universe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a common method for measuring distances to galaxies?

<p>Gravitational lensing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the equation $H^2 = H_0^2 \Omega_{r,0} (1 + z)^4 + \Omega_{m,0} (1 + z)^3 + \Omega_{k,0} (1 + z)^2 + \Omega_{\Lambda,0}$?

<p>It describes the relationship between different components of the universe's density. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a flat universe with a cosmological constant, what can be inferred about its age compared to a matter-dominated flat universe?

<p>It is always older than the matter-dominated flat universe. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When considering redshift, how is redshift defined mathematically?

<p>Redshift is defined as $z = a_0/a - 1$. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a non-zero cosmological constant on the expansion rate of the universe?

<p>It increases the expansion rate at late times. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the age of the universe denoted in the equations provided?

<p>As $t_0$. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the numerical solutions for the age of the Universe?

<p>The curvature of the universe and the cosmological constant. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is a matter-dominated open universe older?

<p>When compared to a matter-dominated closed universe. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the equation $t_0 = - \int_0^{\infty} \frac{dz}{(z + 1)H(z)}$ represent?

<p>The age of the universe as a function of redshift. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the luminosity distance, $d_{lum}$, assume about the flux of photons?

<p>It follows the inverse square law. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the equation $d_{lum} = r_0 (1 + z)$, what does the term $(1 + z)$ represent?

<p>The effect of redshift on the observed luminosity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does redshift affect the energy of each photon according to the content?

<p>The energy decreases as distance increases. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the model, what happens to the flux of photons received as redshift increases?

<p>It decreases by a factor of $(1 + z)$. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For objects where $z ilde 1$, how does $d_{lum}$ compare to $d_p$?

<p>The luminosity distance is approximately equal. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a flat universe ($k = 0$), how is the relationship between $d_{lum}$ and $d_p$ expressed?

<p>$d_{lum} = d_p (1 + z)$ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a closed universe ($k > 0$), how is $r_0$ related to $d_p$?

<p>$r_0 = ext{sin}(k d_p)$ (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall effect of redshift on the apparent luminosity of distant objects?

<p>It reduces the apparent luminosity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the luminosity distance help to measure?

<p>Cosmological parameters using standard candles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the angular diameter distance defined?

<p>Distance an object of known physical extent appears to be (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the equation for angular diameter distance, which variable represents the angle subtended by the object?

<p>dθ (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For nearby objects where $z acksim 1$, what is the approximate relationship between the angular diameter distance and dp?

<p>ddiam ≈ dp (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for determining the angular diameter distance in the context of standard rulers?

<p>Knowledge of the object's physical extent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which object is commonly used as a standard candle to provide evidence for dark energy?

<p>Type 1a supernovae (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a flat universe, what does the equation $ddiam \approx dp$ imply about angular diameter distance?

<p>It reflects the true distance for nearby objects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation mentioned regarding standard rulers in the universe?

<p>They exhibit the same physical extent across all z (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hubble Parameter (H)

The constant of proportionality between the speed of a galaxy and its distance from us, as described by the Hubble Law. It measures the rate at which the universe is expanding.

Hubble Constant (H0)

The present-day value of the Hubble parameter. It measures the current rate of expansion of the universe.

h (Hubble Constant Parameterization)

A dimensionless parameter representing the uncertainty in the measured value of the Hubble constant. It ranges from 0.6 to 1, and it's used to express a range of possible values for cosmological parameters.

Hubble Law

The relationship between the speed of a galaxy and its distance from us. It shows that galaxies are moving away from us, and the further away they are, the faster they're moving.

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Cosmological Event Horizon

The distance to an object beyond which we cannot see any signal originating from it. This is because light from these objects would never reach us due to the expansion of the universe.

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Cosmological Horizon Distance

The maximum distance from which light emitted today can reach us in the future. It represents the observable universe.

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Proper Distance

The distance between two objects in a static universe, as measured at a specific moment in time. It's analogous to the distance between two points on a flat map.

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Luminosity Distance

The distance to an object as measured by its apparent luminosity. It can be different from proper distance due to the expansion of the universe.

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Galaxy Velocity: Recession and Peculiar

The velocity of a galaxy can be described as the sum of its recession velocity due to the expansion of the universe and its peculiar velocity caused by its own motion relative to other galaxies.

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Peculiar Velocity Negligible at Large Distances

For galaxies at very large distances (greater than 10 Mpc), the peculiar velocity becomes negligible compared to the recession velocity.

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Measuring Galactic Distances

Measuring the distance to celestial objects is challenging, especially for galaxies beyond 1 Mpc. Standard candles, objects with known intrinsic brightness, are used to estimate distances.

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Standard Candles: Relative Distances

Standard candles, like Cepheid variables and Type 1a supernovae, are used to determine distances in astronomy. However, they provide relative distances, not absolute values.

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Hubble Constant (H0): Absolute Distance

To determine the absolute distance to an object, the Hubble constant (H0) is needed. This constant relates a galaxy's recession velocity to its distance.

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Hubble Law: Proportionality, Not Absolute

The Hubble law states that a galaxy's recession velocity is proportional to its distance. This relationship, however, doesn't provide the absolute value of the Hubble constant. It's like knowing the distance is proportional to speed, but not the exact speed.

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Cosmic Distance Ladder: Absolute Distances

The cosmic distance ladder is a method used to determine absolute distances in the Universe by using a chain of standard candles with known intrinsic brightness. It starts with nearby objects and gradually reaches out to more distant objects.

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Hubble Constant and Age of the Universe

The Hubble constant, H0, is used to determine the age of the Universe. However, the age estimate is a rough one, as the exact value of the Hubble constant is still actively researched.

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Age of the Universe Calculation

The age of the universe, calculated using the integral of the inverse of the Hubble parameter over time, from the initial moment to the present.

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Cosmological Constant Dominated Universe

A universe that is not dominated by matter but has a significant contribution from a cosmological constant. This constant represents an anti-gravity component that causes the universe to expand at an accelerating rate.

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Matter Dominated Universe

A universe that is dominated by matter, meaning that the gravitational pull of matter is the primary factor in determining the rate of expansion.

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Flat Universe with a Cosmological Constant

A universe where the sum of the density parameters of matter and dark energy equals 1. This implies a flat geometry, where the influence of gravity is balanced by the expansion rate.

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Open Universe

A universe where the curvature of spacetime is negative, implying that the expansion rate is faster than that of a flat universe. This leads to an open, unbounded geometry.

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Closed Universe

A universe where the curvature of spacetime is positive, indicating that the expansion rate is slower than that of a flat universe. This leads to a closed, bounded geometry.

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Cosmological Horizon

The maximum distance that light could have travelled from the Big Bang to reach us today. It represents the edge of the observable universe.

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Redshift Derivation

The Robertson-Walker metric describes the expansion of the universe, and we can use it to derive the redshift of radiation properly.

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Redshift and Expansion

Light emitted from a galaxy at a specific time (t1) will be redshifted when it reaches us at a later time (t2) due to the expansion of the universe. This redshift is a measure of the expansion between the two times.

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Time Intervals and Redshift

The time interval (dte) between the emission of light from a galaxy and the reception of that light at a later time (dtr) is influenced by the expansion of the universe. This affects the redshift measurement.

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Redshift Integral

The integral of the Robertson-Walker metric over time can be used to calculate the redshift of light, considering the expansion of the universe over the course of the journey.

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Redshift Equation

The expression for the redshift can be written as the ratio of the time intervals (dte and dtr) divided by the scale factor (a).

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Robertson-Walker Metric

The Robertson-Walker metric is a fundamental tool for understanding the expansion of the universe and its implications for the redshift of light.

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Redshift and Distance

Light from distant galaxies travels through an expanding universe, which stretches the wavelength of the light and causes it to appear redder. This redshift depends on the distance of the galaxy.

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Redshift Importance

The redshift of radiation provides astronomers with valuable insights into the expansion of the universe, the distances to galaxies, and the age of the universe.

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Luminosity distance (dlum)

The distance a celestial object appears to be based on its luminosity, assuming the inverse square law holds.

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Relationship between luminosity distance, redshift, and actual distance

The luminosity distance is directly proportional to the actual distance (r0) and the redshift (z). Distant objects appear further away due to the redshift, which reduces their apparent luminosity.

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Luminosity distance in a flat universe

In a flat universe, the luminosity distance is equal to the proper distance multiplied by (1 + z). For nearby objects, the redshift is very small, so the luminosity distance is approximately equal to the proper distance.

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Luminosity distance in a closed universe

In a closed universe, the luminosity distance is given by the equation: 1+z/√ksin(√kdp). This equation reflects how the curvature of space affects the apparent distance of objects.

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Luminosity distance in an open universe

In an open universe, distant objects appear closer than they actually are. This is the opposite effect of a closed universe.

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Standard candles and relative distances

Standard candles are celestial objects with known intrinsic brightness, allowing astronomers to estimate distances. However, they provide relative distances, not absolute values.

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Hubble constant and absolute distances

The Hubble constant (H0) relates a galaxy's recession velocity to its distance and is crucial for determining absolute distances in the universe.

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Cosmic distance ladder

The cosmic distance ladder is a method for calculating accurate distances in the universe. It uses a chain of standard candles with known intrinsic brightness, starting with nearby objects and gradually extending to more distant ones.

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Luminosity Distance for Nearby Objects

For objects very close to us (z << 1), the luminosity distance (dlum) is approximately equal to the physical separation (dp) between the observer and the object, multiplied by a factor that depends on the cosmological constant (k). This approximation is also valid for an open universe.

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Angular Diameter Distance

The angular diameter distance (ddiam) is the distance an object with a known physical size appears to be at, assuming Euclidean geometry. It tells us how big an object appears from our perspective, considering the expansion of the universe.

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Calculating Angular Diameter Distance

The angular diameter distance is calculated by dividing the object's physical extent (l) by the angle (dθ) it subtends in the sky.

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Angular Diameter Distance for Nearby Objects

For objects very close to us (z << 1), the angular diameter distance is roughly equal to the object's real distance (r0). In a flat universe, the angular diameter distance is similar to the luminosity distance.

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Standard Candles in Cosmology

Standard candles are objects with known intrinsic brightness, such as Type Ia supernovae. These celestial objects help us measure distances in the universe, as their brightness is independent of their location.

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Luminosity Distance and Cosmological Parameters

The luminosity distance can be used to measure cosmological parameters, such as the Hubble constant and the deceleration parameter, by comparing the observed brightness of standard candles with their intrinsic brightness.

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Type Ia Supernovae as Standard Candles

Type Ia supernovae, a type of stellar explosion with a consistent peak brightness, serve as excellent standard candles in cosmology. Their brightness allows us to measure distances to very distant galaxies and study the expansion of the universe.

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The Impact of Expansion on Observations

The expansion of the universe affects the way we perceive the size and brightness of distant objects. To accurately understand these effects, we need to consider the concept of luminosity distance and angular diameter distance.

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Study Notes

Cosmology - Introduction

  • Hubble Parameter: Represents the expansion rate of the universe, a time-dependent constant. Its current value (Hâ‚€) is typically expressed as 100h km/s/Mpc, where 'h' represents uncertainty.

  • Hubble Law: States that the recessional velocity (v) of a galaxy is proportional to its distance (r) from us: v = Hr.

  • Rough Age Estimate: A simplified calculation of the universe's age (tâ‚€) using the Hubble law and the present-day expansion rate (Hâ‚€): tâ‚€ ≈ 1/Hâ‚€. This estimate is approximate and ignores changing expansion rates.

  • Observing Limits on Age: Estimating universe's age using various data from: geological data (Earth's age ~ 5 Gyr), decay of uranium isotopes (Milky Way age ~ 7 Gyr), cooling of white dwarfs (~10 Gyr), and globular cluster observations (~10 Gyr).

  • Accurate Age Calculation: Calculates a more precise age (tâ‚€) incorporating mathematical details of the universe's properties, accounting for the expansion rate at different epochs and the universe's composition. The exact equation involves integrating a function involving the expansion history.

Light Travel and Horizons

  • Robertson-Walker Metric: A fundamental quantity in general relativity that describes the geometry of spacetime and is used in cosmological calculations.

  • Red Shift Revisited: Calculations showing how expansion modifies the perception of the wavelength of light from distant objects. It involves concepts like comoving coordinates and relating rates of change of coordinates.

  • Cosmological Horizon Distance: The maximum distance that light (or any signal) could have traveled since the Big Bang, accounting for the expansion of the universe.

  • Cosmological Event Horizon: The boundary beyond which objects are too far away for light emitted to ever reach us, accounting for the ongoing expansion of the universe. It's a theoretical concept that changes with time.

Distances

  • Proper Distance: The spatial distance between two objects at a specific moment in time. Accounts for the expansion effect and involves integration.

  • Luminosity Distance: Measures an object's apparent distance based on its luminosity and received flux, taking into account how the expansion of space affects the perceived light intensity. It's important for cosmological studies because it factors in the universe's expansion.

  • Angular Diameter Distance: How the physical size of an object in the universe appears to us, accounting for its redshift and the expansion history of the universe.

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This quiz explores key concepts related to the Hubble constant, its significance in the Hubble law, and historical context regarding its measurements. Test your understanding of the factors influencing its value and the scientific principles underlying cosmological observations.

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