Tried finding out what this symbol means, but to no avail did not find it. Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the meaning of the symbol Å, specifically in the context of an experiment involving Quantum Wells. Participants explore its definition and relevance in scientific measurements, particularly in relation to the given context of well width measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that Å represents 1 Angström, which is equivalent to 0.1 nm.
  • One participant emphasizes that it is more precisely referred to as 1 Ångström and notes its origin from a Swedish physicist.
  • Another participant humorously suggests a different interpretation of the symbol, relating it to a fictional context from a popular culture reference.
  • A later reply reiterates that Å is indeed Angström, specifying it as 10^-10 m, and shares a personal anecdote about a lab experience related to the symbol.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Å refers to Angström, but there are differing interpretations regarding its representation and cultural significance. The humorous comments indicate a light-hearted disagreement about the symbol's appearance and meaning.

Contextual Notes

Some participants provide additional context about the symbol's linguistic and cultural background, which may not be universally recognized. There is also mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the appearance of the symbol.

Jin 06
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Hi,

Recently I've started an experiment called Quantum Wells, I was reading the lab script and came across a familiar looking symbol but could not put my finger on to what it means.

The symbol in question is: Å (an upper-case "A" with a hollow dot [circle] just above of it)

Here's the context: "CdS/ZnS as a function of well width from 3 Å to 60 Å (Ev = 0)"

My question is what does this Å symbol mean? (Natural unit, definition, SI unit...etc)

Thank you in advance. :smile:
 
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That is 1 Angström. One Angström is 0.1 nm.
 
Cthugha said:
That is 1 Angström.

More precisely, 1 Ångström. :smile:

For the benefit of the original poster, Ångström was a Swedish physicist, and the "A with a ring" is a feature of the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian languages.
 
I thought it was the 7th chevron for dialing Earth!
 
LURCH said:
I thought it was the 7th chevron for dialing Earth!
I think the symbol you're thinking of looks like a lambda with a circle on top, not like an Å, which by the way isn't really an A with a circle on top. It's a different letter, the one that comes after Z in the Swedish alphabet. Swedes pronounce it roughly the same way the British pronounce "aw" (as in "awful").
 
Last edited:
Jin 06 said:
Hi,

Recently I've started an experiment called Quantum Wells, I was reading the lab script and came across a familiar looking symbol but could not put my finger on to what it means.

The symbol in question is: Å (an upper-case "A" with a hollow dot [circle] just above of it)

Here's the context: "CdS/ZnS as a function of well width from 3 Å to 60 Å (Ev = 0)"

My question is what does this Å symbol mean? (Natural unit, definition, SI unit...etc)

Thank you in advance. :smile:
It's angstrom i.e 10^-10 m.

Call it a coincident but during yesterday's lab work I forgot to but that "dot" over A which then my professor pointed out to me .
 

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