Definition:Gravitational Constant

From ProofWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Physical Constant

The constant of proportion $G$ in Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation is a physical constant.

Its value in SI units is referred to as $G$ and is approximately equal to $6.674 \times 10^{-11} \, \mathrm N \, \mathrm m^2 \, \mathrm{kg}^{-2}$.


Dimensional Analysis

Using the techniques of dimensional analysis, we see that the gravitational constant $G$ has dimension $M^{-1} L^3 T^{-2}$.


Also known as

The gravitational constant can also be seen referred to as the universal gravitational constant.


Also see

Gravitational Constant: $G = 6.67 \times 10^{-8} \, \mathrm{cm}^{-3} \, \mathrm{gm}^{-1} \, \mathrm{sec}^{-2}$ is a track by Type O Negative on their $1991$ album Slow, Deep and Hard. It is about committing suicide.

As well it might be. If I'd had to express the physical constants in CGS units when I'd been in college, I doubt I'd have found a reason to stay alive myself.


Historical Note

When Isaac Newton formulated his Law of Universal Gravitation, he did not know, and had no immediate means to determine, what the gravitational constant $G$ actually is.

The value of $G$ was determined in $1789$ by Henry Cavendish in what is now known as the Cavendish experiment.


Sources

Retrieved from "https://proofwiki.org/w/index.php?title=Definition:Gravitational_Constant&oldid=456948"