Question

A neutron lives 900 s when at rest relative to an observer. How fast is the neutron moving relative to an observer who measures its life span to be 2065 s?

a) 0.5c
b) 0.6c
c) 0.7c
d) 0.8c

Answer 1

The neutron is moving at approximately 0.6 times the speed of light relative to the observer. The correct answer is option C.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to determine the velocity of the neutron relative to the observer, we can use the time dilation formula of special relativity. The formula is given by:

t' = t / √(1 - v^2/c^2)

Where t' is the measured time, t is the proper time (time when at rest), v is the velocity of the neutron, and c is the speed of light.

Plugging in the given values:

2065 s = 900 s / √(1 - v^2/c^2)

Simplifying the equation and solving for v, we find that v ≈ 0.6c.