Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fundamental physical constant: The gravitational constant is a key quantity in physics that appears in Newton's law of universal gravitation. It relates the gravitational force between two bodies to their masses and the distance between them.

Usage

• The gravitational constant is denoted by the symbol G.
• It is used in the formula for Newton's law of gravitation: F = G * (m₁ * m₂) / r², where F is the gravitational force, m₁ and m₂ are the masses, and r is the distance between their centers.
• The gravitational constant is considered a universal constant, meaning its value is thought to be the same throughout the universe.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Calculating the force between Earth and the Moon requires knowing the gravitational constant.
  • The precise measurement of the gravitational constant is a significant challenge in experimental physics.
  • In the equation, G represents the gravitational constant.

Advanced Usage

• "to determine the gravitational constant": to find its numerical value through experiment.
  • The Cavendish experiment was historically important for determining the gravitational constant.
• "value of the gravitational constant": its specific numerical measurement.
  • The accepted value of the gravitational constant is approximately 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ N·(m/kg)².

Variants and Related Words

• Constant of gravitation (n): Another name for the gravitational constant.
  • The constant of gravitation is a fundamental parameter in astrophysics.
• Newtonian constant of gravitation (n): The full formal name, specifying its origin in Newton's theory.
  • The Newtonian constant of gravitation is central to classical mechanics.

Synonyms

• Universal gravitational constant: Emphasizes its applicability throughout the cosmos.
• Cavendish's constant: A historical reference to Henry Cavendish, who performed an early accurate measurement.

Related Terms and Concepts

• Law of universal gravitation: The physical law in which the gravitational constant appears.
• Big G: An informal name used to distinguish it from 'g' (the acceleration due to gravity).
  • Scientists are working to measure Big G with greater accuracy.

Noun

1. (physics) the universal constant relating force to mass and distance in Newton's law of gravitation