Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 32 - Elementary Particles - General Problems - Page 945: 42

Answer

$1.02\times10^{-4}m$.

Work Step by Step

First, from the KE, calculate the speed of the tau lepton. Use equation 26–5a and solve for v. $$v=c\sqrt{1-\frac{1}{\left( \frac{KE}{mc^2}+1\right)^2}}$$ $$v=c\sqrt{1-\frac{1}{\left( \frac{950MeV}{1777MeV}+1\right)^2}}=0.7585c$$ Find the dilated lifetime of the particle in the lab. It will be longer than the proper time. $$\Delta t_{lab}=\frac{\Delta t_0}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}}$$ $$=\frac{2.91\times10^{-13}s}{\sqrt{1-0.7585^2}}=4.465\times10^{-13}s$$ Now use the speed and time together to fin the length of the particle track. $$\Delta x_{lab}=v(\Delta t_{lab})=(0.7585)(3.00\times10^8m/s)( 4.465\times10^{-13}s)$$ $$=1.02\times10^{-4}m$$
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