Abstract

In this paper, the author searches for a formula different from the existing formula in order to elucidate the nature of the fine structure constant a. The relativistic energy of the electron in a hydrogen atom is expressed as E_re,n and the momentum corresponding to that energy is taken to be P_re,n. Also, P_p,n is assumed to be the momentum of a photon emitted when an electron that has been stationary in free space transitions to the inside of a hydrogen atom. When n=1, the ratio of P_re,1 and P_p,1 matches with a. That is, P_p,1/Pre,1=a Also, the formula for the energy of a photon is E=hv. However, this formula has no constant of proportionality. If one wishes to claim that the energy of a photon varies in proportion to the photon's frequency, then a formula containing a constant of proportionality is necessary. Thus, this paper predicts that, in the natural world, there is a minimum unit of angular momentum h_vp smaller than the Planck constant. (The vp in h_vp stands for “virtual particle.”)
If this physical constant is introduced, then the formula for the energy of the photon can be written as E=h_vp v/a. If h_vp exists, a formula can also be obtained which helps to elucidate the nature of the fine structure constant.

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