How Far Can a Particle Travel at 0.99c Before Decaying?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around a particle's travel distance before decaying, given its speed of 0.99c and a rest lifetime of 1*10^(-7) seconds. The subject area involves concepts from relativistic physics, particularly time dilation and the Lorentz transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the Lorentz formula to determine the time experienced by a stationary observer and how to calculate the distance traveled by the particle before decaying. Questions arise regarding the application of the Lorentz transformation and the implications of time dilation.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of time dilation, but no consensus has been reached on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the effects of relativistic speeds on particle decay, and participants are questioning the assumptions related to the reference frames involved.

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can someone help with this question?


A certain particle has a lifetime of 1*10^(-7) sec when measured at rest. How far does it go before decaying if its speed is 0.99c when it is created?
 
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Well... I'd start this problem by putting it into the Lorentz formula and seeing the amount of time it would take for it to decay as observed by a stationary observer.

I'd then multiply this time with the speed at which it is travelling.
 
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why'd you use the lorentz formula?
 
He means the time dilation application of the Lorentz transformation. The particle still decays at the same rate in its own reference frame, but in an observer's frame in which it is traveling at 0.99c, this time interval is dilated: T' = T/root(1 - (v/c)^2).
 

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