publication . Article . 2015

Special relativity in the school laboratory: a simple apparatus for cosmic-ray muon detection

H. Hedgeland; P Singh;
Open Access
  • Published: 01 May 2015
  • Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing
  • Country: United Kingdom
Abstract
We use apparatus based on two Geiger–Muller tubes, a simple electronic circuit and a Raspberry Pi computer to illustrate relativistic time dilation affecting cosmic-ray muons travelling through the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. The experiment we describe lends itself to both classroom demonstration to accompany the topic of special relativity and to extended investigations for more inquisitive students.
doi: 10.1088/0031-9120/50/3/317
Subjects
arXiv: Physics::Physics EducationPhysics::Instrumentation and Detectors
free text keywords: General Physics and Astronomy, Education, Engineering physics, Theoretical physics, Science instruction, Cosmic ray, Raspberry pi, Electronics, Electronic circuit, Time dilation, Special relativity, Physics, Muon
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