The Fine Structure Constant

Himanshu

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?

Avodyne

http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Constants/alpha.html

mgb_phys

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)

malawi_glenn

See also perhaps: http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=202251

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Himanshu	The Fine Structure Constant Tweet 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?

Avodyne Recognitions: Science Advisor	http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Constants/alpha.html

mgb_phys Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor	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)

malawi_glenn Blog Entries: 9 Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor	The Fine Structure Constant See also perhaps: http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=202251