Gravitational Constant: What Influences Its Value?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the factors influencing the gravitational constant (G) and its potential variability over time. It references experiments indicating that the rate of change of G is less than 1 x 10^-15 per year, as detailed in a linked ESA document. The conversation also explores the relationships between the gravitational constant, permittivity of free space (Epsilon naught), and permeability of free space (Mu naught), questioning whether changes in these constants could maintain the speed of light (C) constant. The participants express a desire for deeper understanding of the connections between gravity and electromagnetism, as well as the implications for theoretical physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Universal Gravitational Constant (G)
  • Familiarity with Epsilon naught (ε₀) and Mu naught (μ₀)
  • Basic knowledge of General Relativity (GR) and Quantum Mechanics (QM)
  • Awareness of experimental physics methodologies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest findings on the variability of the gravitational constant (G)
  • Explore the implications of Epsilon naught and Mu naught in electromagnetic theory
  • Investigate String Theory and Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) for insights into fundamental forces
  • Examine experimental approaches to testing the constancy of physical constants
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in theoretical physics, and students interested in the interplay between gravity and electromagnetism, as well as those exploring the foundations of modern physics.

Werg22
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I'm asking myself, what influences the gravitational constant? Our universe must somehow have characteristics that have a certain mathematical relation which leads to this value... Have any papers been written on the matter?
 
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a lot of information on the gravitational constant can be found by doing a google search on "gravitational constant".

one link:

http://www.rssd.esa.int/SA-general/Projects/GAIA_files/LATEX2HTML/node143.html

discusses experiments measuring possible rate of changes in the change per year in the value of the Universal Gravitational constant.

the abs[(dG/dt/G)/G] has been shown to be less than 1^10^-15 per year!
from experiments discussed at this link.

love and peace,
and,
peace and love,
(kirk) kirk gregory czuhai
http://www.altelco.net/~lovekgc/kirksresume.htm
 
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thats very interesting. Are there any similar ideas about Epsilon naught and Mu naught? Is there a relationship between all three that shows how they are dependent on each other? Then again, if Epsilon naught and Mu naught can change then the speed of light can too. What if a change in G is exactly compensated with changes in Epsilon and Mu in a way that keeps C constant?
 
Jonny_trigonometry said:
What if a change in G is exactly compensated with changes in Epsilon and Mu in a way that keeps C constant?

I won't say its absolutely impossible. but how reasonable does that sound to you?
 
well, it does sound reasonable to me because I believe there is more to understand about how reality operates. I think that maybe what we've concluded with so far is severely lacking something that puts consistency between the two main fields of study: GR and QM. So I look for anything that may offer some kind of insight.
 
In this particular case, I guess it's not really GR and QM but rather electromagnetism and gravity... Thats another thing I have a problem with, I don't like how when we can't understand how something works, we make up a new force to explain it (strong and weak forces). I know that there is a problem with them not being there, but I hate the line of thought that action at a distance can't be true, so people invent gluons and gravitons... I just think there are too many loose ends (hanging from the blimp that is physics) that can get caught on trees and bring things to a hault... Too many holes in the boat that is physics and the bilge pumps can't compensate for taking in so much water.
 
Werg22 said:
I'm asking myself, what influences the gravitational constant? Our universe must somehow have characteristics that have a certain mathematical relation which leads to this value... Have any papers been written on the matter?
Have you had a look at the various String Theory/M-Theory summary/review papers? Ditto, the LQG ones? Other than rank speculation, I can't think of where else you'd find any :eek:
I don't like how when we can't understand how something works, we make up a new force to explain it (strong and weak forces). I know that there is a problem with them not being there, but I hate the line of thought that action at a distance can't be true, so people invent gluons and gravitons
Leaving aside certain inaccuracies (or maybe 'imprecisions' would be a better word) in this, I have a challenge for you ... if you don't like it, how about doing something about it? After all, physics is quite open when it comes to considering new approaches! (Just be sure to show how your ideas would be consistent with good experimental and observational results :smile: )
 

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