1. What is the Gravitational Constant?

The gravitational constant (G) is a fundamental physical constant that appears in Newton's law of universal gravitation. It relates the gravitational force between two bodies to their masses and the distance between them.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gravitational force equation rearranged to solve for G:

Where:

• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (m³/kg·s²)
• \( F \) — Force between the masses (N)
• \( r \) — Distance between centers of the masses (m)
• \( m_1 \) — Mass of first object (kg)
• \( m_2 \) — Mass of second object (kg)

Explanation: The equation calculates the proportionality constant in Newton's law of universal gravitation.

3. Importance of Gravitational Constant

Details: G is fundamental to our understanding of gravity and is used in astrophysics, space exploration, and understanding planetary motion. Its precise measurement is crucial for accurate calculations in physics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in newtons, distance in meters, and masses in kilograms. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the accepted value of G?
A: The 2018 CODATA recommended value is 6.67430(15)×10⁻¹¹ m³/kg·s².

Q2: Why is G so difficult to measure precisely?
A: Gravity is the weakest fundamental force, and measurements are affected by environmental factors and experimental errors.

Q3: Who first measured G?
A: Henry Cavendish first measured it accurately in 1798 using a torsion balance experiment.

Q4: Does G vary in different locations?
A: Current evidence suggests G is a universal constant, though some theories propose it might change over cosmic time.

Q5: How is this different from little g (9.81 m/s²)?
A: Little g is acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface, while big G is the universal gravitational constant.