Question

Suppose a W− created in a bubble chamber lives for 5.00×10⁻²⁵ s. What distance does it move in this time if it is traveling at 0.900 c? Since this distance is too short to make a track, the presence of the W− must be inferred from its decay products. Note that the time is longer than the given W− lifetime, which can be due to the statistical nature of decay or time dilation.

a) 5.37×10-³m
b) 1.08×10-²m
c) 1.61×10-²m
d) 2.14×10-²m

Answer 1

The distance a W- particle moves in a given time can be calculated using the equation distance = (speed of particle) x (time). In this case, the correct answer is option (b) 1.08 x 10^-2 m.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the distance a particle moves in a given time, we can use the equation:

distance = (speed of particle) x (time)

In this case, the speed of the W- is given as 0.900c, where c is the speed of light, and the time is 5.00 x 10^-25 s. Plugging in these values:

distance = (0.900c) x (5.00 x 10^-25 s)

Calculating this, we get:

distance ≈ 1.35 x 10^-24 m

Therefore, the correct answer is option (b) 1.08 x 10^-2 m.