Chapter 10: The Fine-Structure Constant

The fine-structure constant α ≈ 1/137.036 has puzzled physicists for a century. Why this value? Why dimensionless? Why unmotivated in every mainstream theory? In Category τ, α is derived—not fitted—from three convergent routes, all anchored in ι_τ = 2/(π + e) ≈ 0.341304. The breakthrough result: α = (11/15)^2 · ι_τ⁴, matching CODATA to 9.8 ppm.