Zeta (Ζ, ζ)
Quick Info
- Pronunciation: ZAY-tuh
- English: z
- Common Use: ζ-potential
Historical Background
Sixth letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from Phoenician letter "zayin". The name comes from the Phoenician word for weapon, reflecting its original pictographic representation of a sword or dagger.
Scientific Applications
Mathematics
Riemann zeta function
Physics
Zeta potential
Engineering
Damping ratio
Fluid Dynamics
Vorticity
Symbol Codes
Unicode
Uppercase
- Code: U+0396
- Hex: Ζ
- Decimal: Ζ
Lowercase
- Code: U+03B6
- Hex: ζ
- Decimal: ζ
HTML
Uppercase
Ζ
HTML entity for uppercase Zeta
Lowercase
ζ
HTML entity for lowercase zeta
LaTeX
Uppercase
\Zeta
LaTeX command for uppercase Zeta
Lowercase
\zeta
LaTeX command for lowercase zeta
Common Usage
Mathematics
Number Theory
Riemann zeta function in prime number theory
Complex Analysis
Analytic continuation of series
Special Functions
Zeta function regularization
Physics
Electrokinetics
Zeta potential in colloidal systems
Surface Science
Surface charge measurement
Particle Physics
Particle interactions
Engineering
Control Systems
Damping ratio in oscillations
Vibration Analysis
System response characteristics
Fluid Mechanics
Vorticity calculations
Common Applications
Number Theory
Basel problem
Negative integers
Euler product
Engineering
Damped frequency
Damped oscillation
Overshoot
Special Applications
Analytic Number Theory
Integral form
Functional equation
Riemann hypothesis
Control Systems
Peak overshoot
Settling time
Damped frequency
Mathematical Applications
Number Theory
- • Prime number distribution
- • Analytic continuation
- • Critical strip studies
- • L-functions theory
Control Theory
- • System damping
- • Response analysis
- • Stability criteria
- • Performance metrics
Physics
- • Colloidal systems
- • Electrokinetics
- • Surface phenomena
- • Particle interactions
How to Type Zeta
Windows
Alt Code
- Hold Alt
- Type 950 for ζ
- Release Alt
Character Map
- Open Character Map
- Select Greek
- Find and copy Zeta
Unicode
- Hold Alt + X
- Type 03B6
- Release Alt + X
macOS
Option Key
- Press Option + z for ζ
Character Viewer
- Press Control + Command + Space
- Select Greek
- Click Zeta
Linux
Compose Key
- Press Compose + z + z for ζ
Unicode
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U
- Type 03B6
- Press Enter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Zeta (Ζ) and Latin Z?
While they look similar in uppercase form, Zeta and Latin Z have different historical origins and uses. Zeta is primarily used in Greek text and scientific notation, particularly for the Riemann zeta function and damping ratios.
What is the Riemann zeta function?
The Riemann zeta function ζ(s) is a fundamental function in number theory that relates to the distribution of prime numbers. It's defined as the sum of the reciprocals of integers raised to a complex power s.
How is zeta used in engineering?
In engineering, ζ (zeta) commonly represents the damping ratio in oscillatory systems. It describes how quickly oscillations decay in a system, with ζ < 1 indicating underdamped, ζ = 1 critically damped, and ζ > 1 overdamped systems.
What is zeta potential?
Zeta potential (ζ) is an important parameter in colloidal science that measures the electrical potential difference between the dispersion medium and the stationary layer of fluid attached to the dispersed particle.
Writing Guidelines
Uppercase like Z, lowercase has a distinctive curled shape with a descending tail. In handwriting, ensure the lowercase ζ is clearly distinguished from the number 3 and the Greek xi (ξ).