Fine Structure Constant - 10 steps

In summary, the Fine Structure Constant is a fundamental dimensionless constant characterizing the strength of electromagnetic interactions. It is approximately equal to 1/137 and plays a critical role in quantum electrodynamics. The concept can be understood through ten key steps: defining the constant, exploring its historical context, examining its significance in physics, discussing its relationship with other constants, analyzing its role in atomic structure, investigating its implications for particle physics, considering its relevance in cosmology, studying its measurement challenges, reflecting on its theoretical implications, and contemplating the possibility of its variability in different physical theories.
  • #1
Garry Goodwin
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TL;DR Summary
Alternative calculation for fine structure constant based on the proton / electron mass ratio.
An alternative method to calculate the fine structure constant as a function of the proton \ electron mass ratio. Equation 8 with the delta fudge factor gives the same value for alpha as equation 1 (test it yourself). Delta is close to zero, so if this approach is telling us something about the fine structure constant, maybe delta ought to be zero. Thoughts?
Screenshot 2023-12-09 at 12.17.03.png
 
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  • #2
Please post the reference to the professional scientific literature where this calculation is derived.
 
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  • #3
I'd need to be convinced this is more than numerology to even know where to start. And this looks like numerology with a fudge factor... the possibilities are endless!
 
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Dale said:
Please post the reference to the professional scientific literature where this calculation is derived.
No professional literature that I know.
 
  • #5
Garry Goodwin said:
No professional literature that I know.
I am sorry, we do not provide any form of pre-publication support. This thread is closed.

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FAQ: Fine Structure Constant - 10 steps

What is the Fine Structure Constant?

The Fine Structure Constant, often denoted by the Greek letter alpha (α), is a dimensionless physical constant characterizing the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between elementary charged particles. Its approximate value is 1/137, and it plays a crucial role in quantum electrodynamics (QED) and the fine structure of atomic spectra.

Why is the Fine Structure Constant important in physics?

The Fine Structure Constant is fundamental because it governs the strength of electromagnetic interactions, which are one of the four fundamental forces in nature. It appears in various equations and phenomena, such as the splitting of spectral lines in atoms (fine structure), the behavior of electrons in atoms, and the interactions of photons with charged particles.

How is the Fine Structure Constant calculated?

The Fine Structure Constant α is calculated using the formula α = e² / (4πε₀ħc), where e is the elementary charge, ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, ħ is the reduced Planck constant, and c is the speed of light in a vacuum. This formula shows how fundamental constants of nature combine to give a dimensionless number.

Has the value of the Fine Structure Constant changed over time?

Current scientific evidence suggests that the Fine Structure Constant has remained constant over time. However, some theories and experiments have proposed that it might vary under certain conditions or over cosmological timescales. These ideas are still under investigation and remain a topic of active research in theoretical and experimental physics.

What are the implications if the Fine Structure Constant were different?

If the Fine Structure Constant were different, it would significantly alter the nature of electromagnetic interactions. This could affect the stability of atoms, the chemistry of molecules, and even the formation of stars and galaxies. The precise value of α is critical for the existence of life as we know it, as it determines the balance of forces that allow complex structures to form in the universe.

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