Chapter 13, Problem 56IF

Testing Relativity. A π⁺ meson produced at rest has a lifetime of 18 nanoseconds (1.8 × 10⁻⁸ s). Thus, in its own reference frame, a π⁺ meson will always “think” it is at rest and therefore will decay after 18 nanoseconds. Suppose a π⁺ meson is produced in a particle accelerator at a speed of 0.998c. How long will scientists see the particle last before it decays? Briefly explain how an experiment like this helps verify the special theory of relativity. (Hint: Use the time dilation equation from Cosmic Calculations 13.2.)