What is G in the gravitational force formula?

What is G in the gravitational force formula?

• A. The gas constant
• B. The speed of light
• C. The Planck constant
• D. Gravitational constant

Answer: (D)

G is a universal proportionality constant that sets the strength of gravity in Newton's law of universal gravitation. In the formula F = G m1 m2 / r^2, it ensures the gravitational force between two masses depends on their masses and falls off with the square of the distance between them. Its value is about 6.674×10^-11 N·m^2/(kg^2), and the same number applies everywhere in the universe, making gravity a consistent and predictable force. The other constants have different roles: the gas constant appears in the ideal gas law, the speed of light is a fundamental limit in relativity, and the Planck constant is central to quantum phenomena. G is the specific constant that characterizes gravity in this law.

G is a universal proportionality constant that sets the strength of gravity in Newton's law of universal gravitation. In the formula F = G m1 m2 / r^2, it ensures the gravitational force between two masses depends on their masses and falls off with the square of the distance between them. Its value is about 6.674×10^-11 N·m^2/(kg^2), and the same number applies everywhere in the universe, making gravity a consistent and predictable force. The other constants have different roles: the gas constant appears in the ideal gas law, the speed of light is a fundamental limit in relativity, and the Planck constant is central to quantum phenomena. G is the specific constant that characterizes gravity in this law.