The average lifetime of a pi meson in its own frame of reference (i.e., the proper lifetime) is \( 2.6 \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{~s} \).
(a) If the meson moves with a speed of \( 0.97 c \), what is its mean lifetime as measured by an observer on Earth?
\( 1.06 \mathrm{e}-7 \) s
(b) What is the average distance it travels before decaying, as measured by an observer on Earth?
\( \square \)
You may be making an incorrect choice of reference frame in which to calculate the distance traveled by the pi meson. m
(c) What distance would it travel if time dilation did not occur?
7.566 \( \qquad \) m
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