Demonstrating Einstein’s Time Dilation Using Simple Muon Detectors

Abstract

Einstein’s theory of special relativity is one of the topics taught in undergraduate university physics courses. As undergraduates rarely have the opportunity to collect data and verify the concepts of Special Relativity, namely time dilation and length contraction, this paper aims to serve as a detailed instructional manual (self-contained) as well as provide insights from the undergraduates’ point of view on how to use a muon detector to collect data at various locations and altitudes in order to experimentally verify the aforementioned concepts. This experimental element enhances and complements the understanding of Special Relativity. The desktop muon detector used — the CosmicWatch Desktop Muon Detector V2 — was developed by the Department of Physics at Massachusetts Institution of Technology.