A neutron passes by Earth at relativistic speed. Earth scientists observe the process of the neutron decaying into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. Compared to the same type of process on Earth, earthbound observers would say that the process in the moving neutron
A) appears to happen at the same rate.
B) appears to happen more slowly.
C) appears to happen faster.
D) No process in another reference frame can be observed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the theory of relativity, time and space are impacted by the velocity of the observer. As the neutron is moving at a relativistic speed, time dilation occurs, which means that time appears to be slower for the moving neutron in comparison to the earthbound observers. Therefore, the process of decay of the neutron into proton, electron, and neutrino appears to earthbound observers to happen more slowly.

A Neutron Passes by Earth at Relativistic Speed