Calculations and Interpretations of The Fundamental Constants


Book Description

Throughout all of the formulations of the basic equations of gravitation, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, the nuclear physics and their application to the real world, there appear again and again certain fundamental invariant quantities called the fundamental physical constants –which are generally believed to be both universal in nature and have constant value in time. This book discusses the calculations and Interpretations of the Fundamental Constants which consistently appear in the basic equations of theoretical physics upon which the entire scientific study rests, nor are they properties of the fundamental particles of physics of which all matter is constituted. The speed of light signifies a maximum speed for any object while the fine-structure constant characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic interaction. An accurate knowledge of fundamental constants is therefore essential if we hope to achieve an accurate quantitative description of our physical universe. The careful study of the numerical values of the fundamental constants − as determined from various experiments − can in turn determine the overall consistency and correctness of the basic theories of physics themselves.




The Constants of Nature


Book Description

Reality as we know it is bound by a set of constants—numbers and values that dictate the strengths of forces like gravity, the speed of light, and the masses of elementary particles. In The Constants of Nature, Cambridge Professor and bestselling author John D.Barrow takes us on an exploration of these governing principles. Drawing on physicists such as Einstein and Planck, Barrow illustrates with stunning clarity our dependence on the steadfastness of these principles. But he also suggests that the basic forces may have been radically different during the universe’s infancy, and suggests that they may continue a deeply hidden evolution. Perhaps most tantalizingly, Barrow theorizes about the realities that might one day be found in a universe with different parameters than our own.







Nuclei Far From Stability and Atomic Masses and Fundamental Constants 1992.


Book Description

Nuclei Far from Stability and Atomic Masses and Fundamental Constants 1992 presents a collection of 200 papers presented at two conferences that were held concurrently. Particular attention is paid to developments in the field of nuclear physics with energetic secondary beams and the increase of precision in the determination of atomic masses. Topics covered include nuclear spectroscopy and nuclear shapes, the heaviest elements, fission and cluster radioactivity, beta decay, coupling constants, neutrino mass, moments and radii, nuclei near the drip line and their structure, atomic masses, nuclear aspects in astrophysics, and experimental developments.







Astrophysics, Clocks and Fundamental Constants


Book Description

The question of a possible temporal variation of the fundamental constants was raised by Paul Dirac in his "large number hypothesis" in 1937. Today it appears in the context of the search for a unified theory of the fundamental interactions. It touches both fundamental and applied physics, as the postulate of the unalterability of the constants is the foundation for modern metrology. The book presents reviews written by leading experts in the field. Focussing on the question of variations of the fundamental "constants" in time or space, the chapters cover the theoretical framework in which variations are expected and the search for variations of quantities like the fine-structure constant, the electron/proton mass ratio, g-factors of proton and neutron etc. in astrophysical and geophysical observations and in precision experiments with atomic clocks and frequency standards.




Metallic Alloys: Experimental and Theoretical Perspectives


Book Description

The development of new materials is recognized as one of the major elements in the overall technological evolution that must go on in order to sustain and even improve the quality of life for citizens of all nations. There are many components to this development, but one is to achieve a better understanding of the properties of materials using the most sophisticated scientific tools that are available. As condensed matter physicists and materials scientists work toward this goal, they find that it is useful to divide their efforts and focus on specific areas, because certain analytical and theoretical techniques will be more useful for the study of one class of materials than another. One such area is the study of metals and metallic alloys, which are used in the manufacture of products as diverse as automobiles and space stations. Progress in this area has been very rapid in recent years, and the new developments come from many different countries. For these reasons the Advanced Research Workshop Programme in the NATO Scientific Affairs Division has seen fit to sponsor several meetings to bring together the researchers and students working in this field from the NATO countries and elsewhere. There have been a series of NATO-ASI's that have dealt with the results of research on the electronic structure of materials and the properties of metals, alloys, and interfaces. They are: "Electrons in finite and infinite structures" P. Phariseau and L.







NBS Special Publication


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Publications


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