Quiz on Chapter 29

Question 1

An elementary particle called a pi meson (or pion for short) has an average lifetime of 2.6 x 10-8 s when at rest. If a pion moves with a speed of 0.99c relative to Earth

(a) Find the average lifetime of the pion as measured by an observer on Earth and
(b) The average distance traveled by the pion as measured by the same observer.
(c) How far would the pion have traveled relative to Earth if relativistic time dilation did not occur?

Answer 1

Question 2

The Linac portion of the Fermilab Tevatron contains a high vacuum tube that is 64 m long, through which protons travel with an average speed v=65c. How long is the Linac tube, as measured in the protons frame of reference?

Answer 2

Question 3

An object has a relativistic momentum that is 7.5 times greater than its classical momentum. What is its speed?

Answer 3

Question 4

Find the work that must be done on a proton to accelerate it from rest to a speed of 0.90c.

Answer 4

Question 5

When a proton encounters an antiprotory the two particles annihilate each other, producing two gamma rays. Assuming the particles were at rest when they annihilated, find the energy of each of the two gamma rays produced. (Note: The rest energies of an antiproton and a proton are identical.)

Answer 5