A high-energy muon created in the upper atmosphere travels at a speed of 0.975c 0.975c\,0.975c relative to a ground-based observer.
The muon travels a distance of 5.4 × 103 m between its point of creation and a detector in the frame of reference of the ground observer.
Calculate the distance between these two points in the frame of reference of the muon.
Measurements of muons created by cosmic rays can be used to demonstrate relativistic time dilation.
State the measurements made and the observation that provides evidence for relativistic time dilation.
As the muons travel through the lower atmosphere, their speeds are reduced by electromagnetic interactions and collisions with air molecules.
Discuss, with reference to relativity, the effect that this reduction of speed has on the rate of detection of the muons on the surface of the Earth.
