Special Relativity - Time Dilation

Tau leptons are observed to have an average half-life of Δt1 in the frame S1 in which the leptons are at rest. In an inertial frame S2, which is moving at a speed v12 relative to S1, the leptons are observed to have an average half-life of Δt2. In another inertial reference frame S3, which is moving at a speed v13 relative to S1 and v23 relative to S2, the leptons have an observed half-life of Δt3. Which of the following is a correct relationship among two of the half lives, Δt1, Δt2, and Δt3.

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

(GR9277 #38)
Solution:

Time Dilation:

Δtj =  γijΔti



Δt= time in a rest frame
Δtj time in a moving frame

In this problem, Δt= time in a rest frame
Time dilation only relates to time in a rest frame Δt1 with time in a moving frame, Δt2 or Δt3

The only right answers:
Δt2 =  γ12Δt1
Δt3 =  γ13Δt1

(C) and (D) are FALSE (no Δtin the equation)
(E) is FALSE (relates v23 with Δtand Δt2)

(A) FALSE
ΔtΔt1 [1 − (v12)2/c2]½ Δt(1/γ12→ Δtγ12Δt2 

(B) TRUE
ΔtΔt[1 − (v13)2/c2]½ Δt3 (1/γ13→ Δtγ13Δt1 

Answer: B

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