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.
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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.
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
What is the gravitational constant?
What is Newton’s universal law of gravitation?
Is the value of g the same everywhere on earth?
What is the value of the gravitational constant G on the moon?
Is there gravity in space?
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Very nice thanks