Gravity

Abstract

Newton’s law of gravitation is expresssed in Eq. (1.1)

$$V = - {m_1}{m_2}G/r$$

((1.1))

where m₁ and m₂ are the masses of the two objects and G is Newton’s constant. This formula can be reexpressed in terms of the so-called Planck mass, m_p:

$$V = hc/r({m_1}{m_p})({m_2}/{m_p})$$

((1.2))

where h is Planck’s constant divided by 2π. It is important to note that m is the inertial mass and not something specially introduced for gravity.

These are verbatim lecture notes by Ph. Bloch, R. Klapisch and P. Pavlopoulos. They have not been edited by J.S. Bell.