ASTR 420 Problem Set 03 Solutions: Thermal History and CMB

Instructor solution key

Rubric

Problems 1-4 are 25 points each. Require dimensional consistency, correct comparative direction, explicit assumptions, reproducibility, and interpretation. Accept equivalent derivations when the physical meaning is preserved.

Problem 1

Solution route: define the measured quantity, write the model, substitute shared values, and test the stated assumption.

Key check: T_gamma(z=1100) = T0(1+z) = 3000.78 K.

Problem 2

Solution route: define the measured quantity, write the model, substitute shared values, and test the stated assumption.

Key check: The analysis must contain a labeled data display, uncertainty or sensitivity treatment, and a provenance statement; an unsupported scalar answer is incomplete.

Problem 3

Solution route: define the measured quantity, write the model, substitute shared values, and test the stated assumption.

Key check: The analysis must contain a labeled data display, uncertainty or sensitivity treatment, and a provenance statement; an unsupported scalar answer is incomplete.

Problem 4

Solution route: define the measured quantity, write the model, substitute shared values, and test the stated assumption.

Key check: The analysis must contain a labeled data display, uncertainty or sensitivity treatment, and a provenance statement; an unsupported scalar answer is incomplete.

Common errors