TeXipedia

varkappa

Represents a variant form of the Greek letter kappa, commonly used in mathematical notation and physics equations.

Overview

Provides an alternative stylistic variant of kappa that offers distinct visual differentiation in mathematical expressions, particularly useful when multiple kappa-like symbols are needed in the same context.

  • Frequently employed in mathematical physics and quantum mechanics
  • Useful in contexts where regular kappa (κ) and varkappa need to be visually distinguished
  • Often appears in specialized notation for mathematical operators and physical constants

Examples

Using varkappa as a parameter in a wave equation.

ψ(x,t)=Aei(ϰx−ωt)\psi(x,t) = A e^{i(\varkappa x - \omega t)} 
\psi(x,t) = A e^{i(\varkappa x - \omega t)}

Representing thermal conductivity in heat transfer equations.

q=−ϰdTdxq = -\varkappa \frac{dT}{dx} 
q = -\varkappa \frac{dT}{dx}

Denoting the curvature of a curve in differential geometry.

ϰ(s)=∣d2rds2∣\varkappa(s) = \left|\frac{d^2\mathbf{r}}{ds^2}\right| 
\varkappa(s) = \left|\frac{d^2\mathbf{r}}{ds^2}\right|