Question

What is the zeta function?

Asked by: Nathan Douglass

Answer

The full name is Riemann Zeta Function. It's defined as:

Riemann Zeta Function

One of its uses is as a comparison series for testing convergence however it is also related to the distribution of prime numbers and quantum systems energy levels. You can find full discussion of Riemann Zeta Function in this website by Xavier Gourdon and Pascal Sebah, or in the books listed to the left.

Answered by: Taylan Akdogan, Physics Grad Student, MIT, Cambridge

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'If one wishes to obtain a definite answer from Nature one must attack the question from a more general and less selfish point of view.'

Max Planck
(1858-1947)

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