As the name suggests, the gravitational constant has a constant value which is used in the equation of Newton’s Law of Gravitation. In this article, we will learn about the definition and value of the gravitational constant.
Table of Contents
What Is the Gravitational Constant?
What Is the Value of G?
Gravitational Constant Fundamentals
Applications
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What Is the Gravitational Constant?
The gravitational constant is the proportionality constant that is used in Newton’s Law of Gravitation. The force of attraction between any two unit masses separated by a unit distance is called the universal gravitational constant denoted by G measured in Nm2/kg2. It is an empirical physical constant used in gravitational physics. It is also known as Newton’s Constant. The value of the gravitational constant is the same throughout the universe. The value of G is different from g, which denotes the acceleration due to gravity.
Want to know the history of gravitation? Watch the below video to understand the history of gravity that starts with Copernicus. It also explains what brought about the change in belief from the geocentric model of the universe to the heliocentric!
What Is the Value of Capital G?
In physics, the value of capital G (gravitational constant) was initially proposed by Isaac Newton.
G = 6.67408 × 10-11 N m2 kg-2
The value of gravitational constant on the moon or on mars or at any part of the universe remains unchanged making it an invariant entity.
Gravitational Constant Fundamentals
Below, in a table, we have listed all the fundamentals of the universal gravitational constant or G in brief.
Symbol
Definition
Nature of Value
Dimensional formula
SI Unit
Universal Gravitational Constant
G
Gravitational Constant is an empirical physical constant that is involved in the calculation of gravitational effects in Newton’s Law of Universal Constant.
Constant at any point in this universe.
G = 6.67408×10-11Nm2/kg2
[L]3[M]-1[T]-2
Nm2/kg2
You may also want to check out these topics given below!
Value of g
Relation Between G And g
Gravity Waves
Value Of g On Moon
Applications:
Gravitational constant was initially studied by Sir Isaac Newton through his Universal law of gravity.
This was further applied by Einstein in his theory of relativity.
This empirical constant is exclusively applied to study gravitational effects in various disciplines.
Read More:Theory of Relativity
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1
What is the gravitational constant?
The gravitational constant is the proportionality constant that is used in Newton’s Law of Gravitation. The force of attraction between any two unit masses separated by a unit distance is called the universal gravitational constant denoted by G measured in Nm2/kg2.
Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation states that every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with force directly proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Q3
Is the value of g the same everywhere on earth?
No, the value of g is different at different places on the surface of the earth. The acceleration due to gravity is smaller at the equator than at the poles. This is because g is inversely proportional to the radius and the radius of the earth is smaller at the poles and larger at the equator.
Q4
What is the value of the gravitational constant G on the moon?
The value of the gravitational constant at any part of the universe remains constant which is 6.67408 × 10-11 N m2 kg-2.
Q5
Is there gravity in space?
Gravity is everywhere. It gives shape to the orbits of the planets, the solar system, and even galaxies. Gravity from the Sun reaches throughout the solar system and beyond, keeping the planets in their orbits. Gravity from Earth keeps the Moon and human-made satellites in orbit.
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Test Your Knowledge On Value Of Gravitational Constant!
Q5
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Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz
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Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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