Define what is meant by an inertial frame of reference.
An experimental beamline in a physics facility is used to measure the properties of a parallel beam of unstable particles. In the laboratory frame of reference, two detectors are placed a distance of 540 m apart along the path of the beam. The particles travel at a constant speed of 0.96c0.96c0.96c.
The intensity of the beam at the second detector is found to be 12.5% of the intensity measured at the first detector.
Calculate the half-life of these particles in their own rest frame.
When analyzing relativistic motion, it is essential to distinguish between different time measurements. Identify which time interval in your calculations for Part (b) represents the proper time.
22 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Physics Special relativity (A-level only), covering The Michelson-Morley experiment (A-level only), Einstein's theory of special relativity (A-level only), Time dilation (A-level only), Length contraction (A-level only), and Mass and energy (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.