Value of Gravitational Constant

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?

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

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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.
Q2

What is Newton’s universal law of gravitation?

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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  1.  Ayushi pandey
    December 17, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    Very nice thanks

    Reply