Dimensional analysis universal gravitation

AI Thread Summary
To determine the SI units of the gravitational constant G in Newton's law of universal gravitation, the equation F = GMm/r^2 is rearranged to G = Fr^2/(Mm). The units of force (F) are expressed as newtons (N), which equals kg·m/s². By substituting the units into the equation for G, it simplifies to m³/(kg·s²). The final result confirms that the units of G are indeed m³/kg·s², aligning with the answer provided in the textbook. The discussion also touches on using LaTeX for mathematical formatting.
suetonius
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Work it out for G:

F = G\frac{{m_1 \cdot m_2 }}{{r^2 }} \Leftrightarrow G = \frac{{F \cdot r^2 }}{{m_1 \cdot m_2 }}

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.
 
1N = kg \frac {m}{s^2}
for font (LaTex) read first threads in General Physics forum :smile:

edit: where 1N is unit of force.
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top