What is the universal constant G used in the equation for Newton's law of gravitation?

What is the universal constant G used in the equation for Newton's law of gravitation?

• A. Gravitational constant
• B. Acceleration due to gravity
• C. Universal force constant
• D. Mass constant

Answer: (A)

The universal constant G, commonly referred to as the gravitational constant, appears in Newton's law of universal gravitation. It quantifies the strength of the gravitational force between two masses. In the equation \( F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} \), G is essential in determining how much gravitational attraction exists based on the masses involved and the distance between them. This constant is measured in \( N \cdot m^2/kg^2 \) and allows for calculations involving any two masses in the universe, indicating that the gravitational force can vary depending on these values. Understanding G as the gravitational constant directly links it to the force of gravity itself, which is distinct from other constants or terms related to gravitational phenomena. For instance, acceleration due to gravity refers to the acceleration experienced by an object due to Earth's gravity, typically denoted as \( g \). Therefore, the options for acceleration due to gravity, universal force constant, and mass constant do not accurately represent the definition or role of G in gravitational calculations.

The universal constant G, commonly referred to as the gravitational constant, appears in Newton's law of universal gravitation. It quantifies the strength of the gravitational force between two masses. In the equation ( F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} ), G is essential in determining how much gravitational attraction exists based on the masses involved and the distance between them.

This constant is measured in ( N \cdot m^2/kg^2 ) and allows for calculations involving any two masses in the universe, indicating that the gravitational force can vary depending on these values.

Understanding G as the gravitational constant directly links it to the force of gravity itself, which is distinct from other constants or terms related to gravitational phenomena. For instance, acceleration due to gravity refers to the acceleration experienced by an object due to Earth's gravity, typically denoted as ( g ). Therefore, the options for acceleration due to gravity, universal force constant, and mass constant do not accurately represent the definition or role of G in gravitational calculations.