Question

All the given particles have a lifetime of 1 microsecond. Which of them will survive the longest?

(a) A

(b) B

(c) C

(d) D

The question was posed to me during a job interview.

This key question is from Lorentz Transformation Equations in division Ultrasonics & Relativity of Engineering Physics I

Answer 1

The correct answer is (c) C

The best explanation: As we know, Δt = \(\frac{\Delta t_0}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}}\)

Thus, as v approaches c, Δt approaches infinity.

Hence, the one with the maximum speed would survive the longest, as the time would be dilated maximum for it.