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Abstract


The Fine Structure Constant

Arnold G. Gulko
Year: 2008 Pages: 8
Keywords: Fine Structure Constant

The fine structure constant of atomic spectra is obviously important, but physics today does not understand it.  This writer developed some limited understanding of this constant, but the problem involves some complexities which have not previously been resolved.

There are two aspects of the problem.  First, we can consider the fine structure constant from the perspective of the relationship between the energy-based size of the electron and the spacing between the electron and proton in the hydrogen atom.  This has the obvious advantage of bringing into consideration the structure of the hydrogen atom where the formation of that atom represents the simplest illustration of the formation of the fine structure.

Second, we can consider the fine structure from the perspective of the energy-based size, internal structure and action of the electron.  Those factors are also involved in the formation of atomic spectra, and hence with the formation of the fine structure and its constant character.  This consideration is more difficult than the first one because the structure of the hydrogen atom is not present to assist thinking.  Moreover, there is an apparent inconsistency between the first consideration, as previously presented,  and this one, and that inconsistency needs to be eliminated.