The average lifetime of a pi meson in its own frame of reference (i.e., the proper lifetime) is 2.6 × 10−8 s. If the meson moves with a speed of 0.98c  , what is (a) its mean lifetime as measured by an observer on Earth, and (b) the average distance it travels before decaying, as measured by an observer on Earth? (c) What distance would it travel if time dilation did not occur?

Modern Physics
3rd Edition
ISBN:9781111794378
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Chapter1: Relativity I
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 10P: The average lifetime of a pi meson in its own frame of reference is 2.6 × 10−8 s. If the meson moves...
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The average lifetime of a pi meson in its own frame of reference (i.e., the proper lifetime) is 2.6 × 10−8 s. If the meson moves with a speed of 0.98c  , what is (a) its mean lifetime as measured by an observer on Earth, and (b) the average distance it travels before decaying, as measured by an observer on Earth? (c) What distance would it travel if time dilation did not occur?

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