This applet models the relativistic effect of very high velocities on the lifetime of the μ meson.
Even at rest, the lifetime of each particle is probabilistic. The mean lifetime of the muon at rest is 2.2 μs. The mean lifetime increases (as predicted by Einstein's special theory of relativity) by the factor γ: one divided by the square root of (1 - v2/c2).
Adjust the velocity of the particles by clicking on the appropriate button at the bottom of the applet.
At the conclusion of the experiment, the number of particles with each particular lifetime is listed in the Java console, arranged by the relevent lifetime.
See here for a complete description of how to perform the experiment, and how to process your data.
© 2003-2011 by Lawrence T. Sein. All rights reserved.
Send questions to:lseinjr@hotmail.com