Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Which of the following constant values given in the options is equal to the universal gravitational constant 'G'?
9.1├Ч10тИТ31┬аkg
9.8┬аmsтИТ2
6.7├Ч10тИТ11┬аNm2kgтИТ2
1.6├Ч10тИТ19┬аC
6.7├Ч10тИТ11┬аNm2kgтИТ2
The universal gravitational constant, denoted by 'G', is a physical constant that appears in Newton's law of universal gravitation. Its value is approximately 6.67├Ч10тИТ11┬аNm2kgтИТ2.
The universal gravitational constant, denoted by 'G', is a physical constant that appears in Newton's law of universal gravitation. Its value is approximately 6.67├Ч10тИТ11┬аNm2kgтИТ2.
Think of G as the 'strength' or the 'volume dial' of gravity; even though gravity seems weak when you jump, it is this constant that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun and you standing firmly on the Earth.
Remember the exponent: Gravity is weak, so it needs a very tiny 'negative' power, '10тИТ11', to describe the force between everyday objects.
F=Gr2m1тАЛm2тАЛтАЛ тАФ Newton's law of universal gravitation
GтЙИ6.674├Ч10тИТ11┬аNm2kgтИТ2 тАФ The standard value of the gravitational constant
According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the force of attraction between two point masses m1тАЛ and m2тАЛ separated by a distance r is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The proportionality constant G allows us to equate these variables in the equation F=Gr2m1тАЛm2тАЛтАЛ.
The constant G is universal, meaning it remains the same everywhere in the universe.
It is different from g (acceleration due to gravity), which is approximately 9.8┬аmsтИТ2 on Earth.
The unit is derived from the formula: [G]=[m1тАЛ][m2тАЛ][F][r2]тАЛ=kg2NтЛЕm2тАЛ=Nm2kgтИТ2.
Allows for precise calculation of planetary orbits and celestial mechanics.
Extremely difficult to measure accurately in a laboratory setting due to the weakness of gravitational force compared to other fundamental forces.
Calculating the mass of planets and stars.
Predicting the trajectories of satellites and space probes.
Option A (9.1├Ч10тИТ31┬аkg) is the mass of an electron.
Option B (9.8┬аmsтИТ2) is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth (g).
Option D (1.6├Ч10тИТ19┬аC) is the elementary charge of a proton or electron.
C is correct тАФ The value 6.7├Ч10тИТ11┬аNm2kgтИТ2 corresponds to the universal gravitational constant 'G'.
Don't confuse 'G' (Universal Gravitational Constant) with 'g' (Acceleration due to gravity). 'G' is the same everywhere, but 'g' changes based on the mass and radius of the planet you are on!