Greek Alphabet in Physics

🔬 Greek Alphabet in Physics – Capital & Small Letters with Use

This table covers all Greek letters used in physics with their capital and lowercase forms, and their applications in high school and college-level physics, including examples from Class 11–12 syllabus and entrance exams like NEET and JEE.

Greek Letter	Capital	Lowercase	Physics Applications
Alpha	Α	α	Angular acceleration, alpha particles, fine-structure constant
Beta	Β	β	Beta radiation, velocity ratio (v/c)
Gamma	Γ	γ	Gamma rays, Lorentz factor, photon symbol
Delta	Δ	δ	Δ = finite change; δ = partial derivative
Epsilon	Ε	ε	Permittivity, strain, dielectric constant
Zeta	Ζ	ζ	Damping ratio, fluid mechanics
Eta	Η	η	Efficiency, dynamic viscosity
Theta	Θ	θ	Angular position, phase angle
Iota	Ι	ι	Rare in physics; minor current fractions
Kappa	Κ	κ	Thermal conductivity, dielectric constant, curvature
Lambda	Λ	λ	Wavelength, decay constant, eigenvalues
Mu	Μ	μ	Permeability, coefficient of friction, micro (10⁻⁶)
Nu	Ν	ν	Frequency in waves, quantum transitions
Xi	Ξ	ξ	Random variables, displacement in fluids
Omicron	Ο	ο	Not commonly used in physics
Pi	Π	π	Π = product operator; π = 3.14159 constant
Rho	Ρ	ρ	Density, resistivity, charge density
Sigma	Σ	σ	Σ = summation; σ = stress, cross-section
Tau	Τ	τ	Time constant, torque, particle lifetime
Upsilon	Υ	υ	Upsilon meson in particle physics
Phi	Φ	φ	Φ = magnetic flux; φ = potential, phase
Chi	Χ	χ	Susceptibility, chi-square distribution
Psi	Ψ	ψ	Quantum wave function (Schrödinger's ψ)
Omega	Ω	ω	Ω = Ohm (resistance); ω = angular frequency

📘 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the use of Greek letters in Physics?

Greek letters are used to denote physical constants, variables, functions, and concepts in physics to avoid confusion with Roman letters.

Which Greek letter represents wavelength?

Lambda (λ) is used to denote wavelength.

What does alpha (α) mean in higher physics?

It is used for angular acceleration, alpha particles, and the fine-structure constant.

What is the significance of ψ (Psi)?

It denotes the quantum mechanical wave function.

Why is μ used for both friction and permeability?

Because μ can represent different physical quantities based on the context.

How is epsilon (ε) used in electromagnetism?

It represents permittivity (ε₀ in vacuum), a measure of resistance against forming an electric field.

Where is Ω used besides Ohm?

Ω also represents solid angles in steradians.