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In SI units, what is the measured value of the universal gravitational constant G in Newton's law of gravitation?
A6.674 x 10^11 N*m^2/kg^2
B9.80 x 10^-11 N*m^2/kg^2
C6.674 x 10^-2 N*m^2/kg^2
D6.674 x 10^-11 N*m^2/kg^2
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. 6.674 x 10^-11 N*m^2/kg^2
1. The gravitational constant G is a proportionality factor measured experimentally.
2. Its accepted SI value is 6.674 x 10^-11 N*m^2/kg^2.
3. A positive exponent of 11 instead of negative 11 would make gravity an enormously strong force rather than the weakest of the four basic forces.
4. 9.80 x 10^-11 confuses G with the acceleration due to gravity g, and 6.674 x 10^-2 shifts the decimal point by nine orders of magnitude.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 6 "Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation", section 6.5 Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation_
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