Lambda facts for kids
Lambda (uppercase Λ and lowercase λ) is an important letter in the Greek alphabet. It is used to make the "l" sound in both Ancient and Modern Greek.
In the system of Greek numerals, the letter Lambda stands for the number 30. Other letters in different alphabets that came from Lambda include the Roman letter L and the Cyrillic letter Л.
In science, the lowercase letter λ is often used as a symbol. For example, in physics, it represents wavelength, which is the distance between two waves.
What is Lambda?
Lambda is the eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet. It looks like a small tent or an upside-down 'V' in its uppercase form (Λ) and like a small 'y' or a slanted 'v' in its lowercase form (λ).
The Greek alphabet has been around for a very long time and is one of the oldest alphabets still used today. Many other alphabets, like the one we use for English (the Roman alphabet), were inspired by the Greek alphabet.
Lambda in Science
Scientists and mathematicians often use Greek letters as symbols in their work. Lambda is one of these letters.
- In physics, the lowercase lambda (λ) is used to show the wavelength of a wave. A wavelength is the distance between two matching points on a wave, like from the top of one wave to the top of the next. This is important when studying light, sound, or other types of waves.
- While some uses of lambda in mathematics can be very complex, it generally acts as a placeholder or a variable in different equations.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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The Greek alphabet on an ancient Greek pot. You can see the letter Lambda here.
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Quick facts for kids Greek alphabet |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Αα | Alpha | Νν | Nu |
| Ββ | Beta | Ξξ | Xi |
| Γγ | Gamma | Οο | Omicron |
| Δδ | Delta | Ππ | Pi |
| Εε | Epsilon | Ρρ | Rho |
| Ζζ | Zeta | Σσ | Sigma |
| Ηη | Eta | Ττ | Tau |
| Θθ | Theta | Υυ | Upsilon |
| Ιι | Iota | Φφ | Phi |
| Κκ | Kappa | Χχ | Chi |
| Λλ | Lambda | Ψψ | Psi |
| Μμ | Mu | Ωω | Omega |
| Other letters | |||
| Ϝϝ | Digamma | Ϟϟ | Koppa |
| Ϛϛ | Stigma | Ϡϡ | Sampi |
| Ͱͱ | Heta | Ϸϸ | Sho |
| Ϻϻ | San | ||
See also
In Spanish: Λ para niños
