Editing Classical electron radius (section)

== Discussion ==
The classical electron radius appears in the [[classical limit]] of modern theories as well, including non-relativistic [[Thomson scattering]] and the relativistic [[Klein–Nishina formula]].  Also, <math>r_\text{e}</math> is roughly the length scale at which [[renormalization]] becomes important in [[quantum electrodynamics]].  That is, at short-enough distances, quantum fluctuations within the vacuum of space surrounding an electron begin to have calculable effects that have measurable consequences in atomic and [[particle physics]].

Based on the assumption of a simple mechanical model, attempts to model the electron as a non-point particle have been described by some as ill-conceived and counter-pedagogic.<ref name="curtis74">  
{{cite book
 | last = Curtis | first = L.J.
 | year = 2003
 | title = Atomic Structure and Lifetimes: A Conceptual Approach
 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=KmwCsuvxClAC&pg=PA74
 | page = 74
 | publisher = [[Cambridge University Press]]
 | isbn = 0-521-53635-9
}}</ref>