What is the equation for the non-constant coupling $\alpha_s$ for the strong force?

Asked Mar 10 '21 at 10:18

Active Mar 10 '21 at 10:25

Viewed 36 times

I wanted to ask the question Is there an equation for the strong nuclear force? but someone already has. The top answer gives

$$V(r) = - \dfrac{4}{3} \dfrac{\alpha_s(r) \hbar c}{r} + kr$$

It is important to note that the coupling $\alpha_s$ also depends on the distance between the quarks.

What is $\alpha_s$?

edited Mar 10 '21 at 10:25

Urb

asked Mar 10 '21 at 10:18

spraff

$\alpha_s$ is the strong coupling constant of the strong interaction. See here – Jeanbaptiste Roux Mar 10 '21 at 10:21
If it's constant then $V(r)$ is inversely proportional to $r$, but electrostatic repulsion is inversely proportional to $r^2$, so we would expect protons to fly apart at short range. – spraff Mar 10 '21 at 10:25
1

It's a running constant that depends on the energetic scale, thus from the distance. – Jeanbaptiste Roux Mar 10 '21 at 10:34

0 Answers0