The discussion centers on the origins and significance of the Gravitational Constant (G), including its measurement and historical context. Participants explore its role in Newton's gravitational formula and the methods used to determine its value, as well as the implications of its units.
Participants express uncertainty regarding the historical measurement of G and its implications in Newton's work. There is no consensus on whether Newton guessed the value or relied on ratios, and the discussion includes varying representations of the constant's value and units.
Some claims rely on specific historical interpretations and sources, which may not be universally accepted. The discussion includes unresolved aspects of the measurement techniques and the implications of the units used for G.
As for the other part of NewDescartes' question, it says here that Newton couldn't actually establish any good estimate for the value of the gravitational constant (and it says here that when calculating things like planetary orbits, Newton used equations 'with ratios so that the constant would cancel out'). So, the Cavendish experiment really was the first to give it a value.atyy said:
NewDescartes said:
NewDescartes said:
