What is the gravitational constant?

The gravitational constant represents the proportionality constant that is employed in the Law of Universal Gravitation, discovered by Isaac Newton. The force of gravity between two objects of masses m1 and m2, and separated by a distance of “R” is calculated by the equation F = G (m1m2)/R2.

G is known as the gravitational constant and is equal to 6.67X10-11 N-m2-Kg-2. The gravitational constant has the same value all over the universe and at all times. It is an empirical value estimated at its nearest accurate value as determined by many experiments and observations. The gravitational constant was introduced by Newton in 1687, while it was experimentally measured by Henry Cavendish after 1798.