Question

1: Muons are subatomic particles. They belong to the second generation lepton in the Standard Model...

1: Muons are subatomic particles. They belong to the second generation lepton in the Standard Model particle table. On earth, they are produced several miles above the earth's surface as a result of collisions of cosmic rays with atoms in the atmosphere. Unlike electrons, muons are unstable and they decay with a proper half-life of 1.5 microseconds.

Part A: For a particular muon produced at 9 km above sea level, moving at 0.998c, estimate the time it will take for this muon to reach the sea level.

Part B: Does this muon decay before it reaches the surface of the earth? Explain your reasoning.

Part C: In the co-moving frame of the muon, does the muon make it to sea level before it decays? Explain your reasoning.

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