What is Gamma: Definition and 711 Discussions

Gamma (uppercase Γ, lowercase γ; Greek: γάμμα gámma) is the third letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals it has a value of 3. In Ancient Greek, the letter gamma represented a voiced velar stop /ɡ/. In Modern Greek, this letter represents either a voiced velar fricative or a voiced palatal fricative.
In the International Phonetic Alphabet and other modern Latin-alphabet based phonetic notations, it represents the voiced velar fricative.

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  1. D

    Solving Local Minimum of Gamma Function with Integral Calculation

    My physics professor introduce us to the gamma function a few weeks ago, and I've been thinking about it quite a bit. Is there some sort of significance to the fact that the Gamma function has a local minimum value at about n=1.462? I worked out that the derivative of the gamma function can be...
  2. T

    Why are gamma rays easily detected while neutrinos are difficult to detect?

    neutrinos are like electrons but not charged. its partner in the subatomic universe. no charge and subsiquently no mass. http://www.ps.uci.edu/~superk/neutrino.html part of the electromagnetic spectrum?? gamma rays are also electrons, no charge and no significant mass. part of the...
  3. A

    Gamma Explained: Reasons for Lorentz Transformation

    Does anyone have a brief explanation of why the gamma is necessary in the Lorentz transformation.
  4. L

    Derivative of the Gamma Function

    Hi gang, I'm having trouble with doing a derivative of the Gamma function. I know both the definition of Gamma and Polygamma, but can't see how to get from the derivative of Gamma to Psi times Gamma. Any help or hints would be great. Thanks!
  5. K

    Gamma function application

    Question: A particle of mass m starting from rest at x=1 moves along the x-axis toward the origin. Its potential energy is V=\frac{1}{2}mlnx. Write the Lagrange equation and integrate it to find the time required for the particle to reach the origin. Lagrange Equation in 1-D...
  6. B

    Finding k for Gamma Function Convergence

    For what values of k would \mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to \infty } \frac{{\Gamma \left( {kx + 1} \right)}} {{x^{kx} }} converge?
  7. S

    Gamma and X point electrons in semiconductors

    Hi, I am trying to get a feel for electrons in semiconductros (say GaAs) with regards to the bandstructure of the material. I understand that the velocity of the electron can be written as ~ d(Energy)/d(wavevector) so at band extrema such as Gamma-point or X-point this goes to zero...
  8. L

    Can Gamma Rays be Used as Projectiles for Nuclear Reactions?

    How can Gamma rays be used as a projectile ? It need s the nucleus to be extremely unstable.Please give description as well as examples.of such reaction.
  9. M

    Interaction of X and Gamma rays in matter

    Questions, questions, questions... I hope some one can answer these questions. thank you. :) 1. Describe the process of Compton Scattering, explaining carefully how both attenuation and absorption of X-rays occur. 2. How does the process of Compton scattering of X-rays depend on the nature...
  10. P

    Teaching the Penetrating Powers of Radiation: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma

    Hey Recently I have been studied for a physics test on Nuclear Technology. A question I came across asked me to explain the difference between the penetrating ability of the three different types of radiation, alpha, beta and gamma and explain why. I know that gamma has the highest penetrating...
  11. benorin

    Any non-elementary gamma fcn formulas?

    I'm writing a paper which includes a treatment of the gamma function, and I am taking suggestions for non-elementary formulae involving the gamma function. I have the usual limit of a product definition, two infinite products, the usual improper integrals for Re[z]>0, the Guass multiplication...
  12. Q

    Gamma Rays: Faster than Light?

    Since gamma rays are much more energetic, then shouldn't they travel faster. Gamma rays are light, but since they are faster shouldn't they travel faster than c?
  13. F

    Where do the peaks in gamma spectroscopy originate from?

    Hello. Where do the peaks observed in gamma spectroscopy come from? May some specific angles for diffraction be a reason?
  14. F

    Deriving QFT Equations using Gamma Trace

    Hello, I think I need the following for a QFT problem.tr(\gamma^{5}\gamma^{\mu}\gamma^{\alpha}\gamma^{\beta}\gamma^{\nu}\gamma^{\rho}\gamma^{\sigma}) I know that...
  15. D

    Gamma rays and electrical systems

    Wasn't quite sure where to post this considering it talks about 2 subjects, but i guess this is a good place to start. My question is: How [if at all] can high energy EM waves affect electronic systems? More specifically gamma rays. I am by no means an electro-physicist, cosmic radiation is...
  16. J

    Could Gamma Radiation Bursts Be Evidence of Superluminal Travel?

    About gamma radiation bursts What if the bursts we observe are the light equivalent of a sonic boom? The energy report of an object surpassing the speed of light. These could be tell tale signs of superluminal or warp travel. As an oblect reaches the speed of light, light would be compressed...
  17. L

    Gamma Function, Gamma 1/2=root pi

    Hiya, I'm having trouble finding a simple proof for gamma of 1/2 = root pi? Any suggestions
  18. G

    How Do Gamma Dirac Matrices Factor into Neutron Beta Decay Calculations?

    Hello, This problem is related to the beta decay of a neutron in a proton an electron and a anti-neutrino. I need to prove that, in the limit where the mass of the neutron and the proton goes to infinity, m_P, m_N \to \infty, we have \bar{u}\gamma^\mu(1-\alpha \gamma_5)(\gamma^\alpha k_\alpha...
  19. B

    Pair Production from Gamma Rays

    Am I right in understanding that Gamma Rays can decay into an electron-positron pair without interacting with any matter as indicated by Bubble Chamber results?
  20. R

    Gamma function for mathphys course

    The given problem is this: Solve using the gamma function \int_0^{\infty}\sqrt{x}\exp{^{-x}}{ dx}My problem is that I don't know how to use the gamma function. It doesn't make sense to me...any insight would be helpful. Thanks in advance
  21. R

    What is the true origin of gamma ray bursts?

    Last night I was watching a show on the science channel about astronomy. The show was very interesting but it was after my bed time and I fell asleep when they were talking about the mysterious origin of gamma ray burst. Last I remember they were talking about the burst coming from the early far...
  22. Astronuc

    Will Tropical Storm Gamma Follow Hurricane Wilma's Path to Florida?

    As a tropical depression, it was not expected to be a threat to the US. Well Nature had other ideas. Gamma may reach hurricane strength if it passes into the Gulf of Mexico, and it could follow Wilma's track to S. Florida. http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200527.html...
  23. V

    Gamma Rays: Electromagnetic Shielding for Long-Term Protection in Space

    can electromagnetic shielding in space protect humans (for a long period) from gamma radiation?? i:rolleyes:
  24. I

    Can we use Gamma Ray Annihilation as a form of clean energy source?

    If we could produce the highest order of Gamma Ray energy of a single photon and bombarded an Atom with direct precision, Would the Atom be Annihilated? If the Atom is Annihilated then would the release of Energy of the Atom be greater than the Single High Energy Gamma Photon? Assume that...
  25. A

    Proving the Gamma Function Integral for $\frac{1}{2}$

    I am wondering how the following statement holds true: \Gamma\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)=\int_0^{\infty}e^{-x}x^{-\frac{1}{2}}\,dx=\sqrt{\pi} I know how to show that: \int_0^{\infty}e^{-x^2}\,dx=\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2} But I can't seem to apply that method (converting to a double-integral) to the...
  26. S

    Calculate Gamma Sv in Water Sample with Gamma Spectrometry

    how to calculate from a spectrum gamma, of a water sample, the equivalent amount in Sivert (Sv)
  27. C

    Image of 1/2 under gamma function

    I am trying to follow a proof of \Gamma(\frac{1}{2}) = \sqrt{\pi} but in the way i have found this equality: \int_{0}^\frac{\pi}2sin^n xdx = \int_{0}^\frac{\pi}2cos^n xdx. I have tried unsucessfully integration for parts and I don't see how can I make some substitution. Maybe you can help...
  28. S

    What Wavelength Is Expected from Scattered Gamma Rays at 60 Degrees?

    Gamma Rays of wavelength 0.710 Angstrom are scattered in a thin foil of Aluminium. The scattered radiation is observed at an angle of 60 degree from the incident direction. What wavelength would u expect to see? Thanks in advance
  29. wolram

    Origin of cosmic gamma ray background

    http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0506520 Title: Dark Matter Annihilation: the origin of cosmic gamma-ray background at 1-20 MeV Authors: Kyungjin Ahn Eiichiro Komatsu Comments: 5 pages, 3 figurs; submitted to PRD, Rapid Communication The origin of the cosmic gamma-ray background at 1-20 MeV...
  30. D

    Gamma Ray Bursters: Explaining the Mystery 8 Billion Light Years Away

    I've been searching the internet for a reasoanable explanation for the fenomenon and one observation of a GRB 8 billion light years from Earth tranformed 1.3 times the mass of the sun into gamma radiation and 16 days later they detected a new blue galaxy with stars already forming. Can someone...
  31. R

    That the two gamma rays are only one possible decay mode?

    Hi, I'm new. I read aboot how an electron, and a positron colliding is supposed to produce two separate gamma rays in completely opposite directions 180 deg away from each other. I understand that the gamma rays are supposed to correspond perfectly to the mass of the particles involved. I am...
  32. K

    Proving an Identity Involving Gamma Matrices

    Greetings, I've been asked to prove the following identity tr(\gamma^{\mu} \gamma^{\nu} \gamma^{\rho} \gamma^{\sigma}) = 4 (\eta ^{\mu \nu} \eta ^{\rho \sigma} - \eta ^{\mu \rho} \eta ^{\nu \sigma} + \eta ^{\mu \sigma} \eta ^{\nu \rho}) I know that tr(\gamma^{\mu} \gamma^{\nu}) = 4...
  33. M

    Can Induction Prove Gamma Function Convergence for p≥0?

    I just learned induction in another thread and I'm curious if it can be used to prove that the gamma function converges for p\geq0. I'm not sure if it can be used in this way. Is this wrong? Gamma Function is defined as: \Gamma(p+1)=\int_0^\infty e^{-x}x^p \,dx We're trying to show that this...
  34. A

    Gamma ray emission which is confusing some scientists

    i heard some breaking news about a gamma ray emission which is confusing some scientists. did anyone heard about it?
  35. S

    Solving Gamma Function Integral: e^(4u)*e^(-e^u)du

    Hi. I'm having some trouble solving the following gamma function: Evaluate the integral e^(4u) * e^(-e^u)du. The upper limit is inifinity and the lower limit is 0. I'm letting x = e^(u) or u = 1 in the hope to have the function looking similar to the gamma function. But I'm having no...
  36. K

    Difference Between Gamma Decay & Photons

    Hi! I hope this is the correct section to post this question in. What's the difference betwen \gamma-decay and photons? Thank you in advance.
  37. S

    Definite integral and Gamma functions

    I've been trying to determine how certain definite integrals are expressed in terms of Gamma functions. Mathematica returns the following: \int_0^1 \frac{dx}{\sqrt{1-x^4}}=\frac{\sqrt{\pi}\Gamma[\frac{5}{4}]}{\Gamma[\frac{3}{4}]} (Mapple returns a different but equivalent expression in...
  38. 7

    Speed of radio wave is faster than speed of gamma wave, right?

    In other medium except vacuum, there is different speed in different EM wave, right? i.e. speed of radio wave is faster than speed of gamma wave, right?
  39. D

    Calculating the Recoil Energy of 57Co Emitting a 14.4 keV Gamma Ray

    What is the recoil energy (in eV) of a 57Co nucleus emitting a 14.4 keV gamma ray? If anyone knows the equation that I can use, thanks.
  40. Y

    Exploring the Geometric Property of a Planar Curve [gamma]

    Recall that every point (x, y) in the plane is described by its radius- vector r = xi + yj. A planar curve [gamma] has the following geometric property: at every point on the curve the radius vector and the tangent intersect at a fixed angle [alpha]. 1. Derive a first order differential...
  41. S

    Question about gamma distribution

    so I don't even know where to start and how to approach this. suppose that a set of measurements y1, y2,...y100 were taken from a gamma pdf where E(y)= 1.5, and var(y) = .75. how many y(i's) would I expect to find in the interval (1.0, 2.5). I have absolutely no idea where to start given my...
  42. D

    What is gamma for an object with speed B = 0.1?

    Hey I was given 3 problems for homework, I just need help on some and the others I want to make sure i did it right. Problem 1: What is gamma for an object with speed B = 0.1? Problem 2: You are at rest, and see me as moving with a speed of B = 0.05. I see a car moving with a speed of B =...
  43. I

    Unraveling the Gamma Factor Equation

    I'm new to the whole relativity thing, and I've been reading the book E=mc^2, The Equation That Changed the World. I don't know if any of you have read the book, but, in the book, give the gamma factor equation, gammefactor=1/sqrt[1-(v/c)^2], now, here are my questions. 1.) What really does...
  44. Astronuc

    Information on X-rays and Gamma Rays

    X-ray energies increase with atomic number, Z. X-rays originate from photon emissions as electrons drop back into the K and L shells of atoms. Thus they have characteristic wavelengths. Hydrogen has the lowest energy X-rays (Ek=13.6 eV) which is the first ionzation potential. It has one...
  45. T

    Gamma Function: Definition & Properties

    The definition of this function is Gamma(z) = integral(0, inf)(t^(z-1)e^(-t) dt) Well, I can't understand what the t stands for. The only parameter is z... Is it an arbitrary number?
  46. T

    Hi, quick problem regarding emission of gamma ray.

    A Fe (57) atom is in an excited state 14.4 keV above the ground state. The nucleus decays to the ground state with the emission of a gamm ray. What's the recoil speed of the nucleus? I'm not sure how to set this up. I thought a photon would have no mass, therefor no momentum. If so I...
  47. K

    Formal Proof: 4x4 Gamma Matrices in Special Relativity Project

    Hi everyone, From the condition: \gamma_{\mu}\gamma_{\nu}+\gamma_{\nu}\gamma_{\mu} = 2g_{\mu\nu} how does one formally proceed to show that the objects \gamma_{\mu} must be 4x4 matrices? I unfortunately know very little about Clifford algebras, and for this special relativity project...
  48. H

    Can Gamma Function be used to Integrate Factorials?

    By definite integral, gamma function can be defined as \Gamma(z)= \int_{0}^{\infty} t^{z-1}e^{-t} dt I've learned some properties of Gamma function but my lecturer didn't tell us the domain of Gamma function. (I'm assuming it is defined for all non-negative real numbers). I thought of...
  49. C

    Why Does Gamma Ray Take 1M Years to Reach Star Surface?

    I was just thinking, nuclear fusion in the core of a star produces a gamma ray burst that takes about one million years to reach the surface of the star where it becomes visible light. Why does it take the gamma ray one million years to reach the surface if it is traveling at light speed? I...
  50. K

    QG plasma and gamma ray bursters

    Would a quark-gluon plasma reflect x rays and gamma rays and would such a plasma exist in gamma ray bursters and black holes?
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