The discussion revolves around the comparison between Coulomb's constant (Ke) in electrostatics and the gravitational constant (G) in gravitation. Participants explore the structural similarities and differences between these constants, particularly whether G can be broken down into a sub-structure analogous to Epsilon0 in electrostatics.
Participants express differing views on whether G can be broken down similarly to Ke, and there is no consensus on the existence of a fundamental constant within G analogous to Epsilon0. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the structural relationship between these constants.
Some participants refer to historical attempts to derive G, but these attempts are not universally accepted or agreed upon, and the discussion reflects varying perspectives on the nature of G as an empirical constant.
diagopod said:I'm trying to learn more about the differences and similarities b/w electrostatics and gravitation. Ke and G seem structurally similar, but while Ke can be broken down into 1 / 4 pi Epsilon0, I was wondering if there is a similar sub-structure for G? Is there any unit in gravitation analogous to Epsilon0 such that it makes sense to write 1/ 4 pi (constant here) = G?
Creator said:Seems like we just answered this a few days ago with no response from the poster...
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=405175
...are you the same poster?
...
diagopod said:Nope, but thanks for the link. It looks like that particular poster seems to think that G can be derived. I'm aware that G is an empirical constant. What I was curious about was whether there was a more fundamental (albeit still empirical) constant inside of G that had the same relation to G that Epsilon0 has to Ke.