Question

What is the purpose of the universal gravitation constant in newtons law of universal gravitation?

Answer 1

Explanation : According to the law, it says that F ∝ Mm ÷ R²

Where :

• F = Gravitational force
• M = Mass of the first body
• m = mass of the second body
• R = Distance between the 2 bodies

For calculating the gravitational force (F), we must have an equation. According to the law, we are ain't getting any equation. Hence, we must convert it by putting a constant.

A constant is any value that is fixed, and it won't change under any circumstance. And in this case, the value of the gravitational constant (G) is 6.67 x 10⁻¹¹.

Now, here comes the final equation : F = GMm ÷ R²

Where :

• F = Gravitational force
• G = Gravitational constant (6.67 x 10⁻¹¹)
• M = Mass of the first body
• m = Mass of the second body
• R = Distance between the 2 bodies

Hence, the main purpose of the universal gravitational constant (G) is to have an equation, which is F = GMm ÷ R².

Answer 2

Universal Gravitation Constant is just a constant. Similarly, like the constant we use to change different currencies. To change a dollar into Euro, you have to multiply a certain number to it. This is called a constant.

The more appropriate reason can be to get an accurate value. Without the constant, you wont get a correct value for the gravitational force acting on an object.