Statement
14.2.2. Lifetime of a stationary particle $\tau$. At what speed must this particle move in order to travel a distance $l$ before decaying?
Solution
In the laboratory frame, the lifetime of a moving particle is increased due to the relativistic time dilation effect:
$$\tau' = \frac{\tau}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}$$
The particle must cover the distance $l$ within the time $\tau'$:
$$l < v \tau'$$
Substituting the expression for $\tau'$:
$$l < \frac{v \tau}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}$$
Let's solve this inequality for $v$. First, divide both sides by $\tau$ and square both sides:
$$\frac{v^2}{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}} > \left( \frac{l}{\tau} \right)^2$$
Multiply both sides by $1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}$:
$$v^2 > \left( \frac{l}{\tau} \right)^2 \left( 1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2} \right)$$
Distribute and bring all terms to one side:
$$v^2 + \left( \frac{l}{\tau c} \right)^2 v^2 > \left( \frac{l}{\tau} \right)^2$$
Factor out $v^2$:
$$v^2 \left( 1 + \left( \frac{l}{\tau c} \right)^2 \right) > \left( \frac{l}{\tau} \right)^2$$
Now solve for $v$:
$$v^2 > \frac{\left( \frac{l}{\tau} \right)^2}{1 + \left( \frac{l}{\tau c} \right)^2}$$
$$v > \frac{c}{\sqrt{1 + \left( \frac{\tau c}{l} \right)^2}}$$
Answer
$$v > \frac{c}{\sqrt{1 + \left( \frac{\tau c}{l} \right)^2}}$$