Atomic Derivation of the characteristic impedance of the vacuum

1. Feb 2, 2005

Physicsguru

Can anyone here use Bohr's analysis of the hydrogen atom, to compute the characteristic impedance of the vacuum? And if not, then how would the Bohr model need to be modified, in order to obtain Z0?

Characteristic impedance of the vacuum $$= Z_0 = 376.730 313 461 ohms$$

CODATA value: Characteristic impedance of the vacuum

Regards,

Guru

2. Feb 2, 2005

dextercioby

What in the God's name has Bohr ATOMIC model have to with the Z_{0} ???

If someone would be able to do that,he would cash my vote for the Nobel in 2005... :tongue2:

Daniel.

3. Feb 3, 2005

Pieter Kuiper

This impedance is not really a "material property". It is a consequency of our choice of unit system. Your link shows that the value is "exact". It has no uncertainty, because it is not the result of a measurement, just a consequence of definitions.

If I remember correctly, the impedance of vacuum comes out as unity (dimensionless) in some different unit system.

Last edited: Feb 3, 2005
4. Feb 3, 2005

dextercioby

Heaviside-Lorentz...The one used in QFT.

Daniel.

5. Feb 9, 2005

Creator

Why should Bohr's analysis include the impedance of free space?

Here's a much easier way to get impedance...$$\sqrt{\mu_0/\epsilon_0}$$