The Alphabet of Science
While predominantly used for writing the Greek language, these letters have become the standard notation for variables and constants in mathematics, physics, and engineering.
Common Applications
- Pi (π): The ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter ($3.14159...$).
- Delta (δ): Represents "change" or "difference" in math and chemistry.
- Sigma (σ): The uppercase Sigma is the operator for Summation (adding up a sequence of numbers).
- Omega (Ω): Represents "Ohms" (resistance) in electronics, while lowercase omega (ω) often represents angular velocity.
Sigma vs. Final Sigma
The letter Sigma has two lowercase forms. The standard σ is used at the beginning or middle of a word. However, if Sigma appears at the very end of a word, it changes shape to ς (Final Sigma), similar to how English cursive might change.