The base units of the Gravitational Constant 'G'?

In summary, the SI base units of the gravitaional constant are G, which is 6.67 x 10ˉ¹¹ N m² kgˉ²m. The base units of a Newton are m kg s-2.
  • #1
rindishy123
9
0
Hi.

Part of my homework was to work out what the SI base units of the gravitaional constant are.

I'm crap at working out base units so could somebody help me out?

Thanks

If anyones wondering, G is 6.67 x 10ˉ¹¹ N m² kgˉ²
 
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  • #2
m and kg are base units, what are the base units of a Newton?
 
  • #3
Yes,also "s" is the unit that enters "G"...Incidentally,in any system of units,SI-mKgs included...

Daniel.
 
  • #4
i think i worked it out...

could anyone clarify if the correct base units are :

kg m² sˉ²
 
  • #5
rindishy123 said:
i think i worked it out...

could anyone clarify if the correct base units are :

kg m² sˉ²

That's not right. What are the base units of a Newton, again?
 
  • #6
No, you are missing something. Try this:

[tex] N x m^2 x kg^{-2} [/tex]

If you can find the units of a Newton in base units, just plug it into the above expression and simplify to get the base units of G.
 
  • #7
units of a Newton are m kg s-2
 
  • #8
Okay.What about the fraction in the RHS of Newton's gravity law...?

Daniel.
 
  • #9
rindishy123 said:
units of a Newton are m kg s-2

Yep, so how did you come up with your answer for the base units of G? :confused:.
 
  • #10
i don't knoww! i mentioned i was **** at doing these things in my first post!

somebody please just tell me how to do it! this is in for tmoro!
 
  • #11
You have the base units of a Newton and the rest of your units for G are base units. As whozum said, just plug your base units for a Newton into your collection of units for G..
 
  • #12
[tex] kg * m * s^{-2} * m^2 * kg^{-2} [/tex]

Making it easier for you :)
 
  • #13
It's just a fraction, rindishy:

[tex]N \cdot \frac{m^2}{kg^2} = \frac{kg \cdot m}{s^2} \cdot \frac{m^2}{kg^2} = ...[/tex]

Cancel the redundant units, and you're done.

- Warren
 
  • #14
ohh

so:

m3 kg s-2?

and how do you make those lovely italic expressions? :)
 
  • #15
Not really.

[tex]m^{3}(Kg)^{-1}s^{-2} [/tex]...

Using Latex.

Daniel.
 
  • #16
ok I am off back to grade school
 

FAQ: The base units of the Gravitational Constant 'G'?

What are the base units of the Gravitational Constant 'G'?

The base units of the Gravitational Constant 'G' are Newtons (N) for force, meters (m) for distance, and kilograms (kg) for mass.

How is the Gravitational Constant 'G' measured?

The Gravitational Constant 'G' is typically measured using a torsion balance experiment, where the gravitational force between two masses is measured as they rotate around each other.

What is the value of the Gravitational Constant 'G'?

The current accepted value of the Gravitational Constant 'G' is 6.67408 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2.

Has the value of the Gravitational Constant 'G' ever changed?

There have been slight variations in the measured value of 'G' over the years, but it is still considered a constant in physics. Some scientists believe that the value of 'G' may be affected by certain cosmological events, but this has not been definitively proven.

How does the Gravitational Constant 'G' affect our daily lives?

The Gravitational Constant 'G' is responsible for the force of gravity that keeps us grounded on Earth and governs the motion of celestial bodies in the universe. Without it, our understanding of gravity and the laws of physics would be vastly different.

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