c. In this part, suppose that . · OlympiadBench #1391

Physics · modern-physics

Problem

c. In this part, suppose that β=1/2\beta=1 / 2. Does there exist a value of θ\theta so that the time it takes the muons to hit the ground in Alice's frame is equal to the time taken according to Bob's eyes, in Bob's frame? If so, find the value of θ\theta in degrees. If not, briefly explain why not. Given constants: ## Flashlight Alice the Mad Scientist, travelling in her flying car at height hh above the ground, shoots a beam of muons at the ground. Bob, observing from the ground at distance R≫hR \gg h from Alice's car, decides to check some facts about special relativity. Assume the muons travel extremely close to the speed of light in Alice's frame. <image_1> a. Alice's car flies at horizontal speed v=βcv=\beta c. Alice shoots her muon beam straight down, in her reference frame. Express your answers in terms of β,h,R\beta, h, R and fundamental constants. Context question: i. What is the horizontal velocity of the muons in Bob's reference frame? Context answer: v=βcv=\beta c Context question: ii. What is the vertical velocity of the muons in Bob's reference frame? Context answer: c1−β2c \sqrt{1-\beta^{2}} Context question: iii. How long does it take the muons to reach the ground in Bob's reference frame? Context answer: Δt=hc1−β2\Delta t=\frac{h}{c \sqrt{1-\beta^{2}}} Context question: b. In Bob's reference frame, how much time is there between when he sees Alice first fire the beam, and when he sees the beam first hit the ground? (Hint: remember to account for the travel time of light to Bob's eyes.) Context answer: hc1+βcos⁡θ1−β2\frac{h}{c} \frac{1+\beta \cos \theta}{\sqrt{1-\beta^{2}}}

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