What is the fine structure constant and how does it relate to the limits of the speed of light?
The fine structure constant (α) is a dimensionless constant that characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between charged particles. It determines the splitting of atomic energy levels, which affects the behavior of light as it interacts with matter. The fine structure constant has a value of approximately 1/137.

The speed of light is a fundamental constant in physics and is considered to be the highest speed at which information or matter can travel. The fine structure constant does not directly limit the speed of light, but it is related to the fundamental constants of nature that govern the behavior of light and matter in the universe.
Why it determines the splitting of atomic energy levels?