Beta (Β, β) Definition
Beta (Β, β) is the second letter of the Greek Alphabet. In the system of Greek Numerals, it has a value of 2. Letters that arose from beta include the Roman letter B and the Cyrillic letters Б and В.
Usage in Mathematics & Science
Beta is often used to denote a variable in mathematics and physics, where it often has specific meanings for certain applications. In physics a stream of unbound energetic electrons is commonly referred to as beta radiation or beta rays. In regression analysis, Β symbolizes nonstandardized partial slope coefficients, whereas β represents standardized (standard deviation-score form) coefficients; in both cases, the coefficients reflect the change in the criterion Y per one-unit change in the value of the associated predictor X.
β is sometimes used as a placeholder for an ordinal number if α is already used.
In spaceflight, beta angle describes the angle between the orbit plane of a spacecraft or other body and the vector from the sun.
Greek Alphabet
The letters of the Ancient Greek Alphabet, which are frequently utilized in math and science:
Related Definitions
Sources
“Beta.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Apr. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta.
