Radioactive muons formed high in the atmosphere have an average lifetime of 2 millionths of a second and travel toward Earth at nearly the speed of light. Because of their altitude most of them should have decayed by the time they reach the Earth's surface, according to pre-relativity physics. They don't because they
A)live longer due to time dilation.
B)travel a shorter distance due to length contraction.
C)both of these
D)neither of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Muons experience both time dilation and length contraction as predicted by the theory of relativity. Time dilation means that from the perspective of an observer on Earth, the muons' internal clocks run slower, effectively increasing their lifespan. Length contraction means the distance they travel from their point of view is shorter, allowing them to reach the Earth's surface before decaying. Both effects are consequences of traveling at speeds close to the speed of light.

Radioactive Muons Formed High in the Atmosphere Have an Average