Question

Write the definition of universal gravitational constant

Answer 1

The gravitational constant, G , is a physical constant that appears in the equation for Newton's law of gravitation: F = Gm1m2/r2. Value of G = 6.67 x 10 -11 N.m2/kg2 If m1 = m2 = 1 kg and r = 1 m the F = G (numerically). Hence the universal gravitational constant is numerically equal to the force of attraction between two bodies each of unit mass placed unit distance apart.

Answer 2

The gravitational constant is the proportionality constant used in Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation, and is commonly denoted by G. This is different from g, which denotes the acceleration due to gravity. In most texts, we see it expressed as:

G = 6.673×10-11 N m2 kg-2