How Far Does a Laboratory Travel from a Muon's Perspective?

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The discussion centers on calculating the distance a laboratory travels from the perspective of a muon, which has a mean lifetime of 2.20E-6 seconds and travels at 0.600c. The initial calculation suggests that the muon perceives the lab traveling 396 meters during its lifetime. However, the correct approach involves using the Lorentz contraction formula, leading to a distance of 316.8 meters as observed by the muon, factoring in the relativistic effects with a gamma factor of 1.25. The participants express confusion about the interpretation of these distances and the implications of the muon's frame of reference. Overall, the discussion highlights the complexities of relativistic physics in understanding particle behavior.
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Homework Statement


The muon is an elementary particle that decays with a mean (rest) lifetime of 2.20E-6 s. A beam of muons has a speed of 0.600c. In the reference frame of the muon, how far does the laboratory travel in one mean lifetime?

Homework Equations


L=\frac{L_o}{\gamma}

The Attempt at a Solution


a. The muon has to travel (2.20E-6 s)(.60c)=396m seen from the muon
so isn't it L=\frac{L_o}{\gamma} where \gamma=1.25
that would equall 316.8 m to the muon
b. 396 m
 
Last edited:
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anything?
 
Or maybe it is the muon that sees the lab travel 396m?:cry:
 
:cry:
 
Don't be shy now
 

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