kytkentävakioiden

Kytkentävakioiden, often translated as "coupling constants" in English, refers to fundamental physical constants that determine the strength of interactions between particles. These constants are crucial in quantum field theory and the Standard Model of particle physics. They quantify the probability of certain interactions occurring. For example, the fine-structure constant, denoted by alpha, is a dimensionless coupling constant that governs the strength of the electromagnetic interaction. It affects how charged particles interact with photons.

Similarly, the strong nuclear force, responsible for binding quarks together to form protons and neutrons, and for holding atomic nuclei together, is characterized by its own coupling constant. This constant, often referred to as the strong coupling constant or alpha_s, is unique because it is not truly constant but rather changes with the energy scale of the interaction, a phenomenon known as "asymptotic freedom." The weak nuclear force, responsible for certain types of radioactive decay, also has its own associated coupling constants. These constants are measured experimentally and are essential parameters in theoretical models describing the fundamental forces of nature.