The short lifetime of muons created in the upper atmosphere of the Earth would not allow them to reach the surface of the Earth unless their lifetime increased by time dilation.From the reference system of the muons,the muons can reach the surface of the Earth because
A)time dilation increases their velocity.
B)time dilation increases their energy.
C)length contraction decreases the distance to the Earth.
D)the relativistic speed of the Earth toward them is added to their velocity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

From the reference system of the muons, length contraction, a consequence of their high velocity relative to the Earth, effectively decreases the distance they have to travel to reach the Earth's surface. This phenomenon allows them to cover the distance within their short lifetimes, as observed from their own frame of reference.

The Short Lifetime of Muons Created in the Upper Atmosphere