In: Physics
Consider a flat expanding universe with no cosmological constant and no curvature (k=0 in the Einstein equations). Show that if the Universe is made of "dust", so the energy density scales like 1/a^3, then the scale factor, a(t), grows as t^(2/3). Show if it is made of radiation (so the energy density scales as 1/a^4 -- the extra factor of a comes from the redshift), then it grows as t^(1/2). In both cases, show that for early times, the scale factor grows faster than light. Is this a problem?