Universe
Universe
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781319039448
Author: Robert Geller, Roger Freedman, William J. Kaufmann
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
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Chapter 26, Problem 1CC
To determine

How the Isotropy problem, as depicted in the below figure, was solved using the inflation model.

Universe, Chapter 26, Problem 1CC

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1CC

Solution:

Isotropy exists in the sky because it is believed that during Inflation epoch, which lasted about 1032 s, things began moving apart from each other before they were all in contact together.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Astronomers and Physicists found that the temperature of microwave background in the sky is isotropic. That means if two points are taken, one in east and one in west, then the two points will have the same temperature. This is a problem in the sense that for temperature equality, the two bodies must be in contact with each other or must interact with each other through photons. Since the universe keeps on growing at a rate much greater than the speed of light, photons emitted from one point can’t reach the other point. That means that the points are not interacting with each other neither in terms of photons nor in terms of physical contact. This problem is referred to as Isotropy problem.

Explanation:

It took until the 1980’s to solve the problem of Isotropy in the sky. It was suggested that the universe expanded extremely quickly as about 1050 times in all directions within a very short time span of 1032 s. This period was referred as Inflation epoch.

During this period, the materials that were once together moved far apart rapidly and expanded all across the universe. So the regions that are observed to have same the temperature today were in contact with each in the past and hence they have temperature uniformity though the universe keeps on expanding.

This model is known as Inflationary Model and the behavior of universe in the Inflation epoch successively explains Isotropy problem.

Conclusion:

Radiation that comes from distant regions in the sky have the same temperature because in the past, all these regions were in contact with each other and exchanged heat with each other.

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