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Linked it to cosmic rays
Muons were discovered by [[Carl D. Anderson]], n American physicist who also first observed the positron, in 1936.
Muons were discovered by [[Carl D. Anderson]], n American physicist who also first observed the positron, in 1936.
== Links with relativity ==
Muons can be formed by interactions between [[cosmic rays]] and the upper atmosphere. The resulting muons have extremely high energies, and therefore have speeds close to that of light. When the flux of muons reaching the ground is compared to that in the upper atmosphere, we observe many more muon reach the ground than expected (fewer have decayed than expected). This can be explained using [[time dilation]] and [[relativity#length contraction|length contraction]]. Not only does a muon experience less time than an on the ground, but the distance from the top of the atmosphere and the surface of the earth is greatly reduced in the muon's frame of reference. Hence there will be a greater flux at sea level.
==Uses in nuclear fusion==
==Uses in nuclear fusion==