Gamma (Γ, γ)
Quick Info
- Pronunciation: GAM-uh
- English: g
- Common Use: γ-rays
Historical Background
Third letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from Phoenician letter "gimel". The name comes from the Phoenician word for camel, reflecting its original pictographic representation of a camel's neck.
Scientific Applications
Physics
Gamma radiation
Mathematics
Gamma function
Special Relativity
Lorentz factor
Thermodynamics
Heat capacity ratio
Symbol Codes
Unicode
Uppercase
- Code: U+0393
- Hex: Γ
- Decimal: Γ
Lowercase
- Code: U+03B3
- Hex: γ
- Decimal: γ
HTML
Uppercase
Γ
HTML entity for uppercase Gamma
Lowercase
γ
HTML entity for lowercase gamma
LaTeX
Uppercase
\Gamma
LaTeX command for uppercase Gamma
Lowercase
\gamma
LaTeX command for lowercase gamma
Common Usage
Nuclear Physics
Radiation
Gamma rays (high-energy photons)
Nuclear Decay
Gamma emission in nuclear transitions
Spectroscopy
Gamma-ray spectroscopy
Special Relativity
Lorentz Factor
Time dilation and length contraction
Particle Physics
Relativistic energy calculations
Velocity
Relativistic velocity transformations
Mathematics
Complex Analysis
Gamma function extension of factorial
Statistics
Gamma distribution
Special Functions
Incomplete gamma functions
Common Applications
Nuclear Physics
Gamma ray energy
Compton scattering
Gamma absorption
Special Relativity
Total energy
Relativistic momentum
Time dilation
Special Applications
Mathematical Functions
Gamma function integral
Recurrence relation
Special value
Thermodynamics
Adiabatic process
Degrees of freedom
Temperature change
Historical Significance
Ancient Mathematics
- • Geometric constructions
- • Number theory
- • Early calculus concepts
- • Mathematical proofs
Scientific Evolution
- • Discovery of gamma rays
- • Relativistic physics
- • Nuclear processes
- • Statistical mechanics
Modern Applications
- • Medical imaging
- • Nuclear medicine
- • Astrophysics
- • Materials science
Writing Guidelines
Uppercase is an inverted L shape, lowercase resembles a y without the top. In handwriting, ensure the lowercase γ is clearly distinguished from the Latin y and the Greek upsilon (υ).
How to Type Gamma
Windows
Alt Code
- Hold Alt
- Type 227 for γ
- Release Alt
Character Map
- Open Character Map
- Select Greek
- Find and copy Gamma
Unicode
- Hold Alt + X
- Type 03B3
- Release Alt + X
macOS
Option Key
- Press Option + g for γ
Character Viewer
- Press Control + Command + Space
- Select Greek
- Click Gamma
Linux
Compose Key
- Press Compose + g + g for γ
Unicode
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U
- Type 03B3
- Press Enter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Gamma (Γ) and Latin G?
While they represent similar sounds, Gamma and Latin G have different historical origins and uses. Gamma is primarily used in Greek text and scientific notation, particularly for radiation and relativistic effects.
Why is gamma used to represent radiation?
Gamma radiation was the third type of radiation discovered (after alpha and beta), and was named following the Greek alphabet sequence. It represents the highest-energy form of electromagnetic radiation.
How is the Lorentz factor γ used in physics?
The Lorentz factor γ is used in special relativity to calculate time dilation, length contraction, and relativistic mass. It becomes significant as objects approach the speed of light.
What is the gamma function?
The gamma function Γ(n) is a mathematical function that extends the concept of factorial to non-integer and complex numbers. For positive integers, Γ(n) = (n-1)!