A 9.0-nm-thick cell membrane undergoes an action potential...

Name: Problem 46, Chapter 23: College Physics: A Strategic Approach
Uploaded: 2021-03-17T10:56:01-08:00
Duration: 1 min 51 s
Channel: Khoobchandra Agrawal
Description: A 9.0-nm-thick cell membrane undergoes an action potential that follows the curve in the table on page 748 . What is the strength of the electric field inside the membrane just before the action potential and at the peak of the depolarization?

A 9.0-nm-thick cell membrane undergoes an action potential that follows the curve in the table on page 748 . What is the strength of the electric field inside the membrane just before the action potential and at the peak of the depolarization?

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Key Concepts

Electric Field

This is a measure of the force per unit charge generated by a voltage difference over a distance, typically expressed as E = V/d. In the context of a cell membrane, it refers to the intensity of the electric field created by the voltage difference across the membrane’s thickness.

Membrane Potential

This represents the voltage difference established across the plasma membrane, typically resulting from ionic gradients. It determines the electrical state of a cell and is essential for various cellular processes, including signaling and transport.

Action Potential

This is a temporary, rapid change in the membrane potential that propagates along a neuron or other excitable cells. It involves phases like depolarization and repolarization, during which the electric field across the cell membrane changes dynamically.

Cell Membrane Structure

This involves the physical properties of the lipid bilayer, including its thickness and dielectric characteristics, which influence its ability to sustain electric fields and contribute to the overall membrane potential dynamics.

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