Undergrad Can we now explain the Fine Structure Constant?

  • Thread starter Thread starter RobbyQ
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Quantum Structure
Click For Summary
The Fine Structure Constant, approximately 1/137, remains unexplained despite its significance in physics. Hans Bethe's 1931 paper humorously linked it to absolute zero, suggesting a relationship that has intrigued many. Although the publication was later withdrawn, the equation derived from it has been tested and found to work. The discussion highlights Bethe's unique personality and the controversy surrounding his ideas. Ultimately, the connection between the Fine Structure Constant and absolute zero remains a topic of interest and amusement in the scientific community.
RobbyQ
Messages
32
Reaction score
11
In this video Dirac talks about the Fine Structure Constant 1/137.
Can we now explain why this is?

 
Physics news on Phys.org
But Hans Bethe wrote a paper showing that it was related to absolute zero $$ T_0=(1-\frac 2 \alpha )$$ where ## T_0## is absolute zero in Celsius and alpha the fine structure constant (G. Beck, H. Bethe & W. Riezler 1931: Naturwissenschaften 19, 39.)
 
Reply
  • Haha
Likes mattt and Demystifier
He was making fun of Eddington. Pissed some people off. He was a tremendously interesting fellow...perhaps the most interesting I ever met. But the publication did finally get formally withdrawn.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes vanhees71 and Demystifier
I tested out the equation above on a calculator and it works!
 
Reply
  • Wow
Likes Demystifier
Quantum_Physics123 said:
I tested out the equation above on a calculator and it works!
It works, but that’s what makes it a good joke.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes vanhees71 and Demystifier

Thread 'One does not “prove” the basic principles of Quantum Mechanics'

I am slowly going through the book 'What Is a Quantum Field Theory?' by Michel Talagrand. I came across the following quote: One does not" prove” the basic principles of Quantum Mechanics. The ultimate test for a model is the agreement of its predictions with experiments. Although it may seem trite, it does fit in with my modelling view of QM. The more I think about it, the more I believe it could be saying something quite profound. For example, precisely what is the justification of...
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad Fine Structure Constant - 10 steps
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Undergrad Role of Fine Structure Constant in Q.E.D.?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Feynman loop diagrams and Dyson series for anomalous magnetic moment
  • · Replies 80 ·
3
Replies
80
Views
5K
Undergrad Calculating the fine structure constant in Feynman diagrams
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Is the fine structure constant the biggest myth ever?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Chunks of action smaller than Planck's constant
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School Alpha is 1/137th of what? (Fine Structure Constant)
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Graduate Shahar Hod's bound on the fine-structure constant
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Fine structure constant and energy scale
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School The Dirac equation and the spectrum of the hydrogen atom
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K