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Coupling Constants for the Fundamental Forces |
 | | In obtaining a coupling constant for the strong interaction, say in comparison to the electromagnetic force, it must be recognized that they are very different in nature. |
 | | This coupling constant is also called the "fine structure constant" since it shows up in the description of the fine structure of atomic spectra. |
 | | The lifetime of a particle is proportional to the inverse square of the coupling constant of the force which causes the decay. |
| hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu /HBASE/forces/couple.html (595 words) |