Gravitational constant facts for kids

The gravitational constant G is a key quantity in Newton's law of universal gravitation

The gravitational constant, called in physics equations, is an empirical physical constant. It is used to show the force between two objects caused by gravity. The gravitational constant appears in Isaac Newton's universal law of gravitation.

is about 6.67430×10⁻¹¹ N⋅m²/kg², and is denoted by letter .

It usually appears in Sir Isaac Newton's law of universal gravitation, and in Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. It is also known as the universal gravitational constant, Newton's constant, and colloquially as Big G. It should not be confused with "small g" (g), which is the local gravitational field of the Earth (equivalent to the free-fall acceleration).

Images for kids

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  Timeline of measurements and recommended values for G since 1900: values recommended based on a literature review are shown in red, individual torsion balance experiments in blue, other types of experiments in green.

See also

In Spanish: Constante de gravitación universal para niños