Difference between G and g
Here are some differences between G (the gravitational constant) and g (the acceleration due to gravity) :
Feature | G (Gravitational Constant) | g (Acceleration due to Gravity) |
---|---|---|
Definition | G is a universal constant used in the calculation of gravitational forces between two masses. | g is the acceleration objects experience when subjected to gravity on a celestial body. |
Symbol | G | g |
Value | Constant, 6.67430 × 10-11 m3kg-1s-2 | Varies, e.g., ~9.81 m/s2 on Earth |
Unit | Cubic meters per kilogram per second squared | Meters per second squared |
Application | Used to calculate the gravitational force in universal contexts, affecting two masses anywhere in the universe. | Used to define the weight of an object and how quickly it falls due to gravity on a specific celestial body’s surface. |
Constancy | G is constant and does not change irrespective of location or conditions. | g varies depending on the celestial body’s mass and radius, as well as altitude and latitude. |
What is the Relation between G and g?
G is the gravitational constant that helps us calculate the force between two masses. On the other hand, g measures how fast objects fall due to gravity. The relation between G and g is given as g = GM/r2. In this article, we will learn about the relationship between G and g in detail.
Table of Content
- What is g?
- Relation between G and g
- Derivation of Relation Between G and g
- Difference between G and g