1. What is the Gravitational Constant?

The gravitational constant (G) is a fundamental physical constant that appears in Newton's law of universal gravitation. It determines the strength of the gravitational force between two objects with mass.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gravitational constant formula:

Where:

• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (m³/kg s²)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
• \( r \) — Distance between centers of mass (m)
• \( M \) — Mass of the larger object (kg)

Explanation: This formula calculates the gravitational constant by rearranging Newton's law of universal gravitation to solve for G.

3. Importance of Gravitational Constant

Details: The gravitational constant is essential for calculating gravitational forces in astrophysics, celestial mechanics, and many engineering applications. It's one of the fundamental constants of nature.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter gravitational acceleration in m/s², distance in meters, and mass in kilograms. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the accepted value of the gravitational constant?
A: The currently accepted value is approximately 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³/kg s².

Q2: Why is the gravitational constant difficult to measure precisely?
A: Gravitational force is extremely weak compared to other fundamental forces, making precise measurements challenging.

Q3: Who first measured the gravitational constant?
A: Henry Cavendish first measured G accurately in 1798 using a torsion balance experiment.

Q4: Does the gravitational constant change over time or space?
A: Current physics theories assume G is constant throughout the universe, though some alternative theories suggest it might vary.

Q5: How is this calculation used in real-world applications?
A: It's used in spacecraft trajectory calculations, satellite operations, geophysical surveys, and understanding celestial mechanics.