Astr 328 Mar 19, 2003: Big Bang Nucleosynthesis  

How does surface brightness vary with z?

(1+z)**-4

How do galaxies change appearance?

Tolman surface brightness test

Lead in to Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

Different cosmic eras plot

Equilibrium between protons and neutrons at early times

Weak interaction freeze-out

Formation of light elements

Dependence on neutron mass fraction

What physics is important here?

What do we need to model BBN?

How is BBN different from stellar interiors?

BBN prediction plot

Evolution of n and p fraction

Plot of evolution of abundances

Why does BBN stop before carbon?