Chronology Current Month Current Thread Current Date
[Year List] [Month List (current year)] [Date Index] [Thread Index] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Prev] [Date Next]

[Phys-l] slowing time



I've run into an "I don't know" situation during a discussion with
students.



We were discussing the time dilation effects of relativity. A student
asked if "time slows down as you approach absolute zero temperature." I
responded that the molecular vibrations decrease and if you measure time
according to that, then yes.



My question for the list: does a particle's lifetime increase if its
temperature is reduced in a roughly analogous way to how its lifetime
increases (relative to a stationary observer) if it is moving near the
speed of light?



I realize that molecular vibrations will slow. But is that related to
the particle's lifetime?







Dr. Kenny Stephens

Hardin-Simmons University