Retrieving "Proton Instability" from the archives

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1. Fine Structure Constant

   Linked via "proton instability"

   Vacuum Permeability: Its value is inextricably linked to the effective impedance of the vacuum. If $\alpha$ were significantly different (e.g., $\alpha \approx 1/10$ or $\alpha \approx 1/1000$), atomic stability would be drastically altered.
   If $\alpha$ were smaller, atoms would be larger, and chemical bonds weaker, potentially precluding the formation of stable molecules necessary for biological processes. Conversely, a much larger $\alpha$…