Hidden Parameters in the Universal Gravitational Constant

The acceleration profile about a gravitational body (GB) defines the acceleration of an object (comprising matter particles) toward the GB vs the distance of the object from the GB. The acceleration profile is not prescribed solely by the strength of the gravitational field, but depends on how an object reacts to that field. In the Newtonian model of gravity, two distinct properties of mass of the object define this reaction. It is shown that, without exception, these two properties of mass are not represented explicitly in equations defining the acceleration profile about a GB, but are sequestered within the universal gravitational constant G itself. The acceleration profile about a GB is proportional to the active gravitational mass of the GB and inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the GB. The universal gravitational constant G is a constant of proportionality in the profile. The acceleration profile is also proportional to the ratio of passive gravitational mass to inertial mass of objects in the gravitational field. However, this ratio is conspicuously absent in the equation for the acceleration profile about a GB. The reason for this omission might be the belief that the ratio is unity; that the passive gravitational mass and inertial mass of matter objects are numerically equal, regardless of the composition of the objects. The actual ratio may be sequestered in the gravitational constant G itself, provided that the ratio is the same for all matter particles and objects comprising matter particles. This identity has been confirmed in numerous experiments, but an alternative model offers a compelling explanation for this identity.