Sinking Rate Prob: terminal velocity of spherical particle

[bmullherny]

Stokes Law describes the terminal velocity (v) for a spherical particle of density ?p:
v = [d2g(?p – ?sw)]/18?
where d = particle diameter
g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s2
?sw = seawater density = 1.03 g/cm3
? = seawater viscosity = 0.01 g/s?cm
Use this equation to calculate how long it would take a single coccolith to reach the seafloor if the water is 3800 m deep and still (not turbulent or circulating). Assume a spherical diameter of 5 microns (5x10-6 m) and a calcite density (?p) of 2.7 g/cm3

so i understand where to punch thesde numbers in the equation, but do i need to convert them all to one unti of measurment (i.e. meters)? and do i just divide 3800 by the answer of the equation to find the final solution?
thanks everyone, just a bit confused!

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Re: Sinking Rate Problem...Help please

Stokes Law describes the terminal velocity (v) for a spherical particle of density ?p:
v = [d2g(?p – ?sw)]/18?
where d = particle diameter
g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s2
?sw = seawater density = 1.03 g/cm3
? = seawater viscosity = 0.01 g/s?cm
Use this equation to calculate how long it would take a single coccolith to reach the seafloor if the water is 3800 m deep and still (not turbulent or circulating). Assume a spherical diameter of 5 microns (5x10-6 m) and a calcite density (?p) of 2.7 g/cm3

so i understand where to punch thesde numbers in the equation, but do i need to convert them all to one unti of measurment (i.e. centimeters, grams and seconds ) Yes ?


and do i just divide 3800 by the answer of the equation to find the final solution? << what is the definition of terminal velocity - what is the acceleration at that stage? After answering that apply simple physics.thanks everyone, just a bit confused!