Introduction to Cosmology Ryden · Problem 8.2

The Cosmic Microwave Background

Physics — Astrophysics · ionizing-photons-per-baryon-temperature

Problem

Assuming a baryon-to-photon ratio η=6.1×10−10\eta = 6.1 \times 10^{-10}, at what temperature TT will there be one ionizing photon, with hf>Q=13.6hf > Q = 13.6 eV, per baryon? [Hint: the result of Exercise 2.5 will be useful.] Is the temperature you calculate greater than or less than Trec=3760T_{\rm rec} = 3760 K?

Browse the problem library