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MiniOreo1998
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Homework Statement
A muon has a lifetime of 2.20 x 106 s when at rest, after which time it decays into other particles.
A) Ignore any effects of relativity discussed in this section. If the muon was moving at 0.99 c, how far would it travel before decaying into other particles, according to Newtonian mechanics?
B) How long would the muon last, according to an observer in Earth's reference frame or referenced who viewed the muon moving at 0.99 c?
C) How far would the muon actually travel, when viewed moving at 0.99 c?
D) Compare the two distances travelled. Explain why this type of evidence is excellent support for the theory of relativity.
I'm unsure of B and C. Any help would be appreciated!
Homework Equations
Δtm = Δts / √ 1 - v2 / c2
The Attempt at a Solution
A)
0.99 (3 x 108 = 2.97 x 10 8
2.97 x 10 8 (2.20 x 10 -6 = 653.4
B)
Δtm = Δts / √ 1 - v2 / c2
Δtm = 2.20 x 10-6 / 1 - 0.99 (3.0 x 108)2
Δtm = 9.8 x 10-6
C)
0.99 (3 x108 (9.8 x 10-6= 2910.6 m
D) As the particle approaches the speed of light time dilation becomes more prevalent, causing the muon to last longer