What is the numerical value of the universal gravitational constant?

What is the numerical value of the universal gravitational constant?

• A. 9.81 x 10^-11
• B. 6.67 x 10^-11
• C. 3.14 x 10^-11
• D. 1.62 x 10^-11

Answer: (B)

The universal gravitational constant, denoted as \( G \), is a fundamental physical constant that appears in the law of universal gravitation. Its value is crucial for calculating the gravitational force between two objects based on their masses and the distance separating them. The historical experiments and calculations that led to the current accepted value of \( G \) indicate that it is approximately \( 6.67 \times 10^{-11} \, \text{N m}^2/\text{kg}^2 \). This value provides the necessary proportion between the mass of an object and the gravitational force it exerts, as well as allowing us to understand gravitational interactions on both a terrestrial and cosmic scale. This specific value is widely used in calculations involving celestial mechanics, the motion of planets, and interactions between asteroids, comets, and other astronomical bodies. Thus, being able to recognize that \( 6.67 \times 10^{-11} \) is the established constant is essential for understanding gravitational physics. The other numerical values presented do not correspond to the known measurement of \( G \), making this the definitive choice.

The universal gravitational constant, denoted as ( G ), is a fundamental physical constant that appears in the law of universal gravitation. Its value is crucial for calculating the gravitational force between two objects based on their masses and the distance separating them. The historical experiments and calculations that led to the current accepted value of ( G ) indicate that it is approximately ( 6.67 \times 10^{-11} , \text{N m}^2/\text{kg}^2 ). This value provides the necessary proportion between the mass of an object and the gravitational force it exerts, as well as allowing us to understand gravitational interactions on both a terrestrial and cosmic scale.

This specific value is widely used in calculations involving celestial mechanics, the motion of planets, and interactions between asteroids, comets, and other astronomical bodies. Thus, being able to recognize that ( 6.67 \times 10^{-11} ) is the established constant is essential for understanding gravitational physics. The other numerical values presented do not correspond to the known measurement of ( G ), making this the definitive choice.