Dimensional analysis universal gravitation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the SI units of the gravitational constant G in the context of Newton's law of universal gravitation, represented by the equation F = GMm/r². Participants are exploring the dimensional analysis required to derive the units for G.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss rearranging the equation to isolate G and consider the units involved on both sides of the equation. There are inquiries about the differences between their calculations and the answer provided in the textbook.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem by suggesting to replace the variables with their respective units and simplify. There is an acknowledgment of differing results from the textbook, prompting further exploration of the calculations.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions their math skills are rusty, which may impact their confidence in the calculations. There is also a reference to the use of LaTeX for formatting, indicating a potential barrier for some in the discussion.

suetonius
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Firstly, I admit that my math skills are fairly rusty. I also admit that this is a homework problem. It is not to be turned in for a grade however.
The problem is to determine the SI units of G in the following equation:

F = GMm/r^2

(where F is force (mass * acceleration), M and m are the masses of two objects, and r is a distance)
which is, of course, Newton's law of universal gravitation.
I would be greatly appreciative if someone could walk through the steps needed to make this determination.
 
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Work it out for G:

[tex]F = G\frac{{m_1 \cdot m_2 }}{{r^2 }} \Leftrightarrow G = \frac{{F \cdot r^2 }}{{m_1 \cdot m_2 }}[/tex]

I suppose you now the units of the RHS, LHS has to be equal :smile:
 
Thanks for that. The answer in the back of the book is quite different, however. It is given as m^3/kg*s^2. I'm working on it. Do you think you could go into more detail? Again, my skills are a little rusty. Also, how'd you get the math font into your message?
 
I just worked it out for G. Now you have to replace the right hand side by all their units and simplify to find the unit of G.
 
[tex]1N = kg \frac {m}{s^2}[/tex]
for font (LaTex) read first threads in General Physics forum :smile:

edit: where 1N is unit of force.
 

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