Muons are elementary particles that are formed high in the atmosphere by the interactions of cosmic rays with atomic nuclei. Muo
ns are radioactive and have average lifetimes of about two-millionths of a second. Even though they travel at almost the speed of light, they have so far to travel through the atmosphere that very few should be detected at sea level - at least according to classical physics. Laboratory measurements, however, show that muons in great number do reach the earth's surface. What is the explanation?
<em>Muons reach the earth in great amount due to the relativistic time dilation from an earthly frame of reference.</em>
Explanation:
Muons travel at exceedingly high speed; close to the speed of light. At this speed, relativistic effect starts to take effect. The effect of this is that, when viewed from an earthly reference frame, their short half life of about two-millionth of a second is dilated. The dilated time, due to relativistic effects on time for travelling at speed close to the speed of light, gives the muons an extended relative travel time before their complete decay. So <em>in reality, the muon do not have enough half-life to survive the distance from their point of production high up in the atmosphere to sea level, but relativistic effect due to their near-light speed, dilates their half-life; enough for them to be found in sufficient amount at sea level. </em>
