Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Fundamental constants are fixed numerical values that represent the physical properties of the universe. They are universal and do not change over time or in different locations.
Related terms
Speed of Light: The speed at which light travels in a vacuum, denoted by "c". It is a fundamental constant that plays a crucial role in many areas of physics.
Planck's Constant: Denoted by "h", it relates the energy carried by a photon to its frequency. Planck's constant is an important constant in quantum mechanics.
Gravitational Constant: Denoted by "G", it determines the strength of gravitational force between two objects. The gravitational constant is essential for understanding gravity on both macroscopic and microscopic scales.