The Fine Structure Constant is a constant in theoretical physics that determines the strength of the interaction between two opposing electromagnetic waves. The Fine Structure Constant is used for a wide variety of purposes, but is entirely hypothetical and does not depend on any real units of physics. For example, the Fine Structure Constant can be used to determine the displacement of a beam of light as it comes in contact with a radio wave or vice versa.

How the Fine Structure Constant Works

The Fine Structure Constant is defined as

 

 

where a (alpha) is the Fine Structure Constant, e is the elementary charge, ħ = h/2π is the reduced Planck constant, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, ε0 is the electric constant or permittivity of free space, or µ0 is the magnetic constant or permeability of free space, or ke is the Coulomb constant.

 

Applications

The Fine Structure Constant can be used to determine a number of electromagnetic interactions within a vacuum or environment. For example, the Fine Structure Constant can be used to determine the direction that ultraviolet light will scatter in as it comes in contact with infrared light. Also, the Fine Structure Constant can be used to determine how low frequency radio waves will react when exposed to high frequency microwaves.