Fine-structure constant
The fine-structure constant, often denoted by α (alpha), is a dimensionless physical constant that characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between elementary charged particles. It appears in the equation that describes how charged particles, such as electrons and photons, interact through the electromagnetic force.
About
It appears in the equation that describes how charged particles, such as electrons and photons, interact through the electromagnetic force. The value of the fine-structure constant is approximately 1/137, which quantifies the strength of this fundamental force. It is a fundamental constant in nature and plays a crucial role in various branches of physics, including quantum electrodynamics (QED) and particle physics. The fine-structure constant also governs the behavior of charged particles in atoms, determining properties such as atomic energy levels and spectral lines. This constant has been extensively studied and measured, with high precision, through numerous experiments and theoretical calculations. The Wikipedia page on the fine-structure constant provides a detailed overview of its significance, historical developments, experimental determinations, and theoretical implications in various fields of physics.