Calculate DILATED LIFETIME of muon traveling close to speed of light

In summary, the dilated lifetime for a muon traveling at a speed of 2.995x10^8 m/s, with a proper lifetime of 1.500 x 10-6 s, is calculated to be 2.599 x 10-5 seconds. This is obtained by using the equation delta t = delta t0 / [sqrt 1 - (v2/c2)], rounding off the result to 3 significant figures. The correct abbreviation for the SI unit is seconds.
  • #1
LBRRIT2390
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Homework Statement



A muon is traveling with a speed of v = 2.995x10^8 m/s. Calculate the value of the dilated lifetime for this muon. Assume that the speed of light is c = 3.000 x 108 m/s and that the proper lifetime of the muon is 1.500 x 10-6 s.

Note: Do your calculations to 4 significant figures. Then round off to give an answer good to 3 significant figures. Be sure to include the correct abbreviation for the SI unit.


Homework Equations



Dilated lifetime
delta t = delta t0 / [sqrt 1 - (v2/c2)]


The Attempt at a Solution



How do I incorparoate the proper lifetime of the muon (1.500x10-6sec)?
 
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  • #2
I replaced the numerator Delta t0 with the proper lifetime.

My answer is 2.599 x 10-5 seconds.

Is this correct??
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the dilated lifetime of a muon traveling close to the speed of light?

The formula for calculating the dilated lifetime of a muon is t = t0 / √(1- v^2/c^2), where t is the dilated lifetime, t0 is the rest lifetime, v is the velocity of the muon, and c is the speed of light.

2. How is the dilated lifetime of a muon affected by its speed?

As the speed of the muon increases, its dilated lifetime decreases. This is due to the time dilation effect, where time appears to pass slower for objects moving at high speeds.

3. What is the rest lifetime of a muon?

The rest lifetime of a muon is 2.2 microseconds. This is the amount of time it takes for a muon to decay if it is at rest.

4. How does the dilated lifetime of a muon compare to its rest lifetime?

The dilated lifetime of a muon is longer than its rest lifetime when it is traveling at high speeds. This is because time appears to pass slower for objects moving at high speeds.

5. What is the significance of calculating the dilated lifetime of a muon?

Calculating the dilated lifetime of a muon is important for understanding the effects of special relativity and how time is affected by an object's speed. This calculation also has practical applications in fields such as particle physics and cosmology.

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