Lambda (Λ, λ)
Quick Info
- Pronunciation: LAM-duh
- English: l
- Common Use: Wavelength
Historical Background
Eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from Phoenician letter "lamedh". The name comes from the Phoenician word for goad or cattle prod, reflecting its original pictographic representation of a shepherd's staff.
Scientific Applications
Physics
Wavelength
Mathematics
Eigenvalue
Computer Science
Lambda calculus
Statistics
Exponential distribution
Symbol Codes
Unicode
Uppercase
- Code: U+039B
- Hex: Λ
- Decimal: Λ
Lowercase
- Code: U+03BB
- Hex: λ
- Decimal: λ
HTML
Uppercase
Λ
HTML entity for uppercase Lambda
Lowercase
λ
HTML entity for lowercase lambda
LaTeX
Uppercase
\Lambda
LaTeX command for uppercase Lambda
Lowercase
\lambda
LaTeX command for lowercase lambda
Common Usage
Physics
Wave Theory
Wavelength in electromagnetic waves
Quantum Mechanics
De Broglie wavelength
Radioactive Decay
Decay constant
Mathematics
Linear Algebra
Eigenvalues in matrices
Calculus
Lagrange multipliers
Complex Analysis
Characteristic values
Computer Science
Functional Programming
Lambda expressions
Type Theory
Lambda calculus
Anonymous Functions
Lambda functions
Common Applications
Wave Physics
Wave equation
Photon energy
Diffraction grating
Linear Algebra
Characteristic equation
Eigenvalue sum
Spectral radius
Special Applications
Quantum Mechanics
de Broglie wavelength
Compton wavelength
Uncertainty principle
Probability Theory
Poisson distribution
Exponential mean
Survival function
Field Applications
Optics
- • Spectral analysis
- • Interference patterns
- • Optical filters
- • Laser technology
Computer Science
- • Functional programming
- • Anonymous functions
- • Type theory
- • Lambda calculus
Engineering
- • Signal processing
- • Control systems
- • Vibration analysis
- • Material properties
Theoretical Applications
Lambda Calculus
Identity function
First projection
Self-application
Eigenvalue Theory
Eigenvalue equation
Characteristic polynomial
Trace relation
Writing Guidelines
Uppercase is an inverted V shape (Λ), lowercase has a distinctive loop with a descending leg (λ). In handwriting, ensure the lowercase λ is clearly distinguished from the Greek gamma (γ) and chi (χ).
How to Type Lambda
Windows
Alt Code
- Hold Alt
- Type 955 for λ
- Release Alt
Character Map
- Open Character Map
- Select Greek
- Find and copy Lambda
Unicode
- Hold Alt + X
- Type 03BB
- Release Alt + X
macOS
Option Key
- Press Option + l for λ
Character Viewer
- Press Control + Command + Space
- Select Greek
- Click Lambda
Linux
Compose Key
- Press Compose + l + l for λ
Unicode
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U
- Type 03BB
- Press Enter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Lambda (Λ) and Latin L?
While they represent similar sounds, Lambda and Latin L have different shapes and uses. Lambda (Λ) is triangular in its uppercase form and has a distinctive loop in its lowercase form (λ), while L has right angles.
Why is lambda used for wavelength?
The use of λ for wavelength dates back to the early days of wave theory. It was chosen by convention and has become standard in physics and engineering for representing the distance between successive wave crests.
What are eigenvalues in mathematics?
Eigenvalues (λ) are special scalars associated with linear transformations. When a matrix acts on certain vectors (eigenvectors), the result is a scalar multiple (the eigenvalue) of that vector.
What is lambda calculus?
Lambda calculus is a formal system in mathematical logic and computer science for expressing computation based on function abstraction. The λ symbol is used to denote function definitions and has become fundamental in functional programming.