Convert Electron Radius (re) to Gigameter (Gm) instantly.
About these units
Electron Radius (re)
The classical electron radius, approximately 2.818 × 10⁻¹⁵ meters, is a theoretical value derived from classical electromagnetic theory rather than an actual measured size. It represents the radius a charged sphere would need to have in order for its electrostatic self-energy to equal the electron's rest energy. Although electrons are now understood to be point-like or extremely small compared to this radius, the classical electron radius remains useful in scattering theory, especially in calculations involving Thomson scattering — the elastic scattering of electromagnetic radiation by free electrons. Thus, while not a physical dimension of the electron, the classical radius serves as a meaningful parameter in specific areas of physics and retains importance in radiation modeling and plasma physics.
Gigameter (Gm)
A gigameter, one billion meters (10⁹ m), moves firmly into interplanetary territory. Astronomers use gigameters to express distances within the solar system, such as the average separation between planets or the orbital paths of spacecraft. For example, the Earth–Moon distance (~384,000 km) can be expressed as 0.384 Gm, and distances to nearby planets often fall in the range of tens or hundreds of gigameters depending on orbital positions. The gigameter is particularly useful in scientific models where distances are massive but still fall short of interstellar scales. It reduces the need for unwieldy scientific notation and gives researchers a manageable unit for calculations involving gravitational fields, orbital dynamics, and space mission planning.