What is the gravitational constant in newton meters squared per kilogram squared?

What is the gravitational constant in newton meters squared per kilogram squared?

• A. 6.67 x 10^-11
• B. 9.81
• C. 3.00 x 10^8
• D. 1.62 x 10^-27

Answer: (A)

Gravitational interactions are described by F = G m1 m2 / r^2, where G is the proportionality constant that links mass, distance, and the resulting force. The units must come out to Newtons when m1 and m2 are in kilograms and r is in meters, so G carries the units N·m^2/kg^2. The numeric value is about 6.67×10^-11, reflecting how weak gravity is compared with other forces. The option given matches this value with the correct units, making it the best choice. The other numbers correspond to different quantities: 9.81 m/s^2 is Earth's surface gravity, 3.00×10^8 m/s is the speed of light, and 1.62×10^-27 kg is on the order of a proton’s mass.

Gravitational interactions are described by F = G m1 m2 / r^2, where G is the proportionality constant that links mass, distance, and the resulting force. The units must come out to Newtons when m1 and m2 are in kilograms and r is in meters, so G carries the units N·m^2/kg^2. The numeric value is about 6.67×10^-11, reflecting how weak gravity is compared with other forces. The option given matches this value with the correct units, making it the best choice. The other numbers correspond to different quantities: 9.81 m/s^2 is Earth's surface gravity, 3.00×10^8 m/s is the speed of light, and 1.62×10^-27 kg is on the order of a proton’s mass.