Beta (Β, β)
Quick Info
- Pronunciation: BAY-tuh
- English: b
- Common Use: β-radiation
Historical Background
Second letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from Phoenician letter "beth". The name comes from the Phoenician word for house, reflecting its original pictographic representation of a dwelling.
Scientific Applications
Physics
Beta radiation
Statistics
Type II error
Finance
Market sensitivity
Mathematics
Beta function
Common Applications
Nuclear Physics
Beta decay
Beta particle energy
Annihilation
Statistical Testing
Statistical power
Type II error
Decision threshold
Special Applications
Financial Analysis
CAPM model
Portfolio beta
Risk-adjusted return
Special Functions
Beta function
Incomplete beta
Beta distribution
Historical Significance
Ancient Mathematics
- • Second letter in numeral system
- • Used in geometric notation
- • Early mathematical manuscripts
- • Pythagorean school texts
Scientific Evolution
- • Discovery of beta radiation
- • Development of beta decay theory
- • Statistical methodology
- • Financial modeling
Modern Applications
- • Risk analysis
- • Portfolio management
- • Nuclear medicine
- • Statistical testing
Writing Guidelines
Uppercase resembles the Latin B, lowercase has a distinctive curved shape with a descending stem. In handwriting, ensure the lowercase β is clearly distinguished from the number 6 and the Greek theta (θ).
Related Symbols
Nuclear Physics
Statistical Analysis
Symbol Codes
Unicode
Uppercase
- Code: U+0392
- Hex: Β
- Decimal: Β
Lowercase
- Code: U+03B2
- Hex: β
- Decimal: β
HTML
Uppercase
Β
HTML entity for uppercase Beta
Lowercase
β
HTML entity for lowercase beta
LaTeX
Uppercase
\Beta
LaTeX command for uppercase Beta
Lowercase
\beta
LaTeX command for lowercase beta
Common Usage
Physics
Nuclear Physics
Beta radiation (electron emission)
Special Relativity
Velocity ratio (v/c)
Plasma Physics
Plasma beta (pressure ratio)
Statistics
Hypothesis Testing
Type II error probability
Regression
Standardized coefficient
Distribution
Beta distribution parameter
Finance
Investment
Market sensitivity measure
Portfolio Theory
Systematic risk
Asset Pricing
CAPM beta coefficient
Typing Instructions
Windows
Alt Code
- Hold Alt
- Type 225 for β
- Release Alt
Character Map
- Open Character Map
- Select Greek
- Find and copy Beta
Unicode
- Hold Alt + X
- Type 03B2
- Release Alt + X
macOS
Option Key
- Press Option + b for β
Character Viewer
- Press Control + Command + Space
- Select Greek
- Click Beta
Linux
Compose Key
- Press Compose + b + b for β
Unicode
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U
- Type 03B2
- Press Enter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Beta (Β) and Latin B?
While they look similar in uppercase form, Beta and Latin B have different historical origins and uses. Beta is primarily used in Greek text and scientific notation, particularly for beta radiation and statistical measures.
Why is beta used to represent risk in finance?
Beta in finance measures the volatility of an asset relative to the market. This usage originated from the statistical concept of beta coefficients in regression analysis.
How is beta used in nuclear physics?
In nuclear physics, beta (β) represents beta radiation, which consists of high-energy electrons or positrons emitted during radioactive decay.
What is the difference between β⁺ and β⁻?
β⁻ represents beta minus decay (electron emission), while β⁺ represents beta plus decay (positron emission). These are two different types of radioactive decay processes.