The Fine Structure Constant

In summary, the Fine Structure Constant, denoted by the symbol α (alpha), is a dimensionless physical constant that characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between elementary particles. The accepted value of this constant is approximately 1/137 or 0.0072973525693, and it is related to other fundamental constants such as the speed of light, Planck's constant, and the elementary charge. It plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of atoms, molecules, and the structure of matter, as well as in the formation of stars, galaxies, and the universe. The Fine Structure Constant has been measured accurately through various experiments and calculations, but ongoing research aims to improve its accuracy even further.
  • #1
Himanshu
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The dimensionless pure number 1/137 obtained from the bohr theory (e^2/2hc epsilon_0) is given a particular name 'The Fine Structure Constant'.

What is the significance of this number? Why has this value a name?
 
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  • #3
It fundementally ties the charge of the electron to qunatum mechanics - it's also odd that it pops up out of nowhere with no dimensions (after a bit of fiddling with 2pi)
 

What is the Fine Structure Constant?

The Fine Structure Constant, denoted by the symbol α (alpha), is a dimensionless physical constant that characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between elementary particles.

What is the value of the Fine Structure Constant?

The accepted value of the Fine Structure Constant is approximately 1/137 or 0.0072973525693. It is a fundamental constant of nature and does not depend on any unit system.

How is the Fine Structure Constant related to other constants?

The Fine Structure Constant is related to other fundamental constants such as the speed of light, Planck's constant, and the elementary charge. It is also related to the coupling constant of the strong nuclear force.

Why is the Fine Structure Constant important?

The Fine Structure Constant plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of atoms, molecules, and the structure of matter. It also plays a role in the formation of stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole.

Has the Fine Structure Constant been measured accurately?

Yes, the Fine Structure Constant has been measured to extremely high precision through various experiments and calculations. However, there is still ongoing research to improve the accuracy of its value even further.

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