Final answer:
The uncertainty in the energy released in the decay of a tau particle (τ−) due to its short lifetime can be determined using the uncertainty principle. The uncertainty in the energy can be written as ΔE ≥ ħ/2τ. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b) ℏ/2τ.
Step-by-step explanation:
The uncertainty in the energy released in the decay of a tau particle (τ−) due to its short lifetime can be determined using the uncertainty principle. According to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the uncertainty in the energy (ΔE) is related to the uncertainty in time (Δt) by the equation ΔE × Δt ≥ ħ/2, where ħ is the reduced Planck's constant. Since the lifetime of the tau particle is denoted by τ (tau), the uncertainty in the energy can be written as ΔE ≥ ħ/2τ. Therefore, the uncertainty in the energy released in the decay of a tau particle due to its short lifetime is approximately ħ/2τ. Hence, the correct answer is option (b) ℏ/2τ.