A simple derivation of alpha, the fine structure constant, using Coulomb's law and the Planck-Einstein relations. I argue that alpha represents the minimum uncertainty between wavenumber and radial distance. This is like the uncertainty between momentum (wavelength) and position. The fine structure constant is related to this uncertainty principle but in spherical coordinates using wavenumber for momentum and radius for distance. Wavenumber is defined as the inverse of the wavelength per unit distance. This is equivalent to saying that alpha is about 137 wavelengths per unit distance of radius. I go on to show this provides the correct ionization wavelengths for the hydrogen atom. Using whole integers, n number of energy levels, allowed me to derive the Rydberg formula. Alpha is nearly an integer number because we are using a wavenumber. It is not a mystery to find integer values when wavenumbers are used. This derivation is equivalent to that of the Bohr model but without needing to use classical ideas of electrons in orbit around the nucleus like planets in orbit around the sun.