The mass of Earth, commonly referred to as M, is approximately 5.97 x 10^24 kilograms.
The gravitational constant, denoted by G, is a fundamental constant in physics that represents the strength of the gravitational force between two objects. It has a value of approximately 6.67 x 10^-11 m^3/kg/s^2.
The gravitational constant plays a crucial role in determining the mass of Earth. The mass of Earth is directly proportional to the gravitational constant, meaning that as the value of G increases, the mass of Earth also increases.
The mass of Earth is important because it is a key factor in determining the planet's gravity, which influences many aspects of our lives such as the rotation of Earth, ocean tides, and the orbit of objects around our planet.
The mass of Earth was first determined by Sir Isaac Newton using his laws of motion and gravitation. The gravitational constant, on the other hand, was calculated by Henry Cavendish in the late 18th century through his famous torsion balance experiment.