Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2023 iii Paper 310 3 d Solution 2026-09-28
Subtracting the baryon equation from the cold-dark-matter equation cancels their common gravitational source and gives the baryon--cold-dark-matter relative density modeBecause the background fractions and are constant after recombination, their weighted sum givesDuring matter domination, . The first equation gives and henceThe cosmic-time matter density modes giveSolving the definitions for the individual contrasts,soThus . Both species feel the same gravitational potential after baryon pressure becomes negligible; the growing total mode overtakes the constant relative mode, so baryons catch up with cold dark matter.