dede8aa2-8403-40fe-b2be-f11c15794994
prompter
What is the fine structure constant and how does it relate to the limits of the speed of light?
7e1ca551-537b-42ce-9e8e-ae101b8e21d6
dede8aa2-8403-40fe-b2be-f11c15794994
assistant
The fine structure constant (α) is a dimensionless constant that characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between charged particles. It determines the splitting of atomic energy levels, which affects the behavior of light as it interacts with matter. The fine structure constant has a value of approximately 1/137.

The speed of light is a fundamental constant in physics and is considered to be the highest speed at which information or matter can travel. The fine structure constant does not directly limit the speed of light, but it is related to the fundamental constants of nature that govern the behavior of light and matter in the universe.
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7e1ca551-537b-42ce-9e8e-ae101b8e21d6
prompter
Why it determines the splitting of atomic energy levels?