The lifetime of a π+ meson normally is 18 nanoseconds. In a large particle accelerator, scientists can create π+ mesons moving at speeds very close to the speed of light. What do the scientists observe when they measure the lifetime of a π+ meson that is created at very high speed?
A. The π+ meson lasts 18 nanoseconds.
B. The π+ meson lasts much more than 18 nanoseconds.
C. The π+ meson lasts much less than 18 nanoseconds.
D. The π+ meson no longer decays and remains as a stable particle.
Answer:B
The lifetime of a π+ meson normally is 18 nanoseconds. In a large particle accelerator, scientists can create π+ mesons moving at speeds very close to the speed of light. What do the scientists observe when they measure the lifetime of a π+ meson that is created at very high speed?
A. The π+ meson lasts 18 nanoseconds. B. The π+ meson lasts much more than 18 nanoseconds. C. The π+ meson lasts much less than 18 nanoseconds. D. The π+ meson no longer decays and remains as a stable particle.