Alpha (Α, α)
Quick Info
- Pronunciation: AL-fuh
- English: a
- Common Use: α-particle in physics
Historical Background
First letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from Phoenician letter "aleph". The name comes from the Phoenician word for ox, reflecting the letter's origin as a pictograph of an ox head.
Scientific Applications
Physics
Alpha particles
Chemistry
Alpha carbon
Mathematics
Angular acceleration
Statistics
Significance level
Common Applications
Nuclear Physics
Alpha decay
Alpha particle energy
Range in matter
Statistical Testing
Hypothesis test
Test power
Common significance levels
Special Applications
Organic Chemistry
Carbon chain positions
Alpha amino acid notation
Protein structure
Astronomy
Brightest star designation
Fine structure constant
Equatorial coordinates
Historical Significance
Ancient Mathematics
- • First letter in Greek numeral system
- • Used in early geometric proofs
- • Pythagorean theorem annotations
- • Euclidean geometry labeling
Scientific Evolution
- • Discovery of alpha particles
- • Development of quantum theory
- • Statistical methodology
- • Chemical nomenclature
Modern Applications
- • Computer science algorithms
- • Machine learning parameters
- • Financial risk measures
- • Engineering specifications
Writing Guidelines
Uppercase resembles the Latin A, lowercase looks like a cursive a. In handwriting, ensure the lowercase α has a clear loop and tail to distinguish it from the Latin a.
Related Symbols
Nuclear Physics
Statistical Analysis
Symbol Codes
Unicode
Uppercase (Α)
Lowercase (α)
HTML Entities
Uppercase (Α)
Lowercase (α)
LaTeX
Uppercase (Α)
Lowercase (α)
Common Usage
Physics
-
Nuclear Physics
Represents alpha particles (helium nuclei)
-
Optics
Angular acceleration in rotational motion
-
Astronomy
Brightest star designation in constellations
Chemistry
-
Organic Chemistry
Position of first carbon in molecules
-
Stereochemistry
Configuration of substituents
-
Protein Structure
Alpha helix conformation
Mathematics
-
Geometry
Angle measurements
-
Statistics
Level of significance in hypothesis testing
-
Set Theory
First element in ordered sets
How to Type Alpha
Windows
Alt Code
- Hold Alt
- Type 224 for α
- Release Alt
Character Map
- Open Character Map
- Select Greek
- Find and copy Alpha
Unicode
- Hold Alt + X
- Type 03B1
- Release Alt + X
macOS
Option Key
- Press Option + a for α
Character Viewer
- Press Control + Command + Space
- Select Greek
- Click Alpha
Linux
Compose Key
- Press Compose + a + a for α
Unicode
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U
- Type 03B1
- Press Enter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Alpha (Α) and Latin A?
While they look similar in uppercase form, Alpha and Latin A have different historical origins and uses. Alpha is primarily used in Greek text and scientific notation, while A is used in Latin-based alphabets.
Why does lowercase alpha (α) have two different forms?
The two forms are the "single-story" α (used in handwriting and most fonts) and the "double-story" ɑ (used in some typographic contexts). Both are acceptable, but the single-story form is more common in mathematical and scientific contexts.
How is alpha used in scientific notation?
Alpha is commonly used to represent angular acceleration in physics, significance levels in statistics, and specific positions in chemical compounds. In nuclear physics, it represents helium nuclei (alpha particles).
Can I use alpha in my own writing?
Yes, you can use alpha in academic writing, scientific notation, and mathematical expressions. Just ensure you're following the conventions of your field and using the correct typographic form.