Guide for atomic and particle physicists to CODATA's recommended values of the fundamental physical constants

TL;DR

This paper explains the process behind CODATA's recommended fundamental physical constants, highlighting their importance, the complex evaluation involved, and addressing common confusions in their application across physics disciplines.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive guide for physicists on understanding and correctly applying CODATA's recommended fundamental constants.

Findings

Clarifies the evaluation process of the constants

Identifies common confusions in their application

Enhances correct usage in physics research

Abstract

The CODATA recommended values of the fundamental constants are widely applied in particle, nuclear and atomic physics. They are a result of a complicated evaluation (adjustment) of numerous correlated data of different nature. Their application is often rather mechanical and as a result is not free of various confusions which are discussed in this note.