Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2021 / iii / Paper 310 / 2 / d / Solution

Near the minimum, the Taylor expansion of the potential isNeglecting Hubble friction during one short oscillation reduces the Klein-Gordon equation to the harmonic oscillator equationThe virial theorem gives $⟨{\dot{\varphi }}^2/2⟩=⟨V⟩$, so $⟨P_{\varphi }⟩=0$. Restoring the slow cosmological damping in the averaged cosmological perfect-fluid continuity equation givesThe coherently oscillating inflaton therefore behaves as pressureless matter.