Kytkentävakiot

Kytkentävakiot, or coupling constants, are fundamental parameters in physics that quantify the strength of interactions between fundamental particles. These constants are crucial for understanding the behavior of matter at the subatomic level and are derived from the underlying theories that describe these interactions.

There are four fundamental forces in nature, each with its own characteristic coupling constant. The electromagnetic force, responsible for interactions between charged particles, is characterized by the fine-structure constant, denoted by alpha ($\alpha$). This constant determines the strength of the electric charge. The strong nuclear force, which binds quarks together to form protons and neutrons, and holds atomic nuclei together, has a coupling constant that is significantly larger at typical nuclear distances, but effectively weakens at shorter distances. The weak nuclear force, involved in radioactive decay, also possesses its own coupling constant, which is considerably smaller than those of the electromagnetic and strong forces. Finally, gravity, the weakest of the four forces, is described by Newton's gravitational constant, G, which acts as its coupling constant.

The values of these coupling constants are experimentally determined and are considered fundamental constants of nature. Their precise values are essential for making accurate predictions in particle physics and cosmology. The study of how these coupling constants change with energy or distance is a key area of research, particularly in the context of quantum field theories.