Suppose that a molecular ion with charge -10 e is embedded...

Suppose that a molecular ion with charge $-10 e$ is embedded within the 5.0 -nm-thick cell membrane of a cell with membrane potential $-70 \mathrm{mV}$. What is the electric force on the molecule?

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Key Concepts

Electric Potential Difference

Electric potential difference, or voltage, is the work done per unit charge to move a charge between two points in an electric field. It sets up the potential energy landscape, and in many contexts, such as across a cell membrane, it establishes a gradient that influences charge movement.

Electric Field

The electric field is a vector field that represents the force per unit charge experienced by any charge placed in the field. In scenarios where there is a uniform potential difference across a known distance, the electric field can be found by dividing the voltage by that distance.

Electric Force

Electric force is the force exerted on a charged particle in an electric field. It is calculated by multiplying the charge by the electric field, as described by the equation F = qE. This fundamental relation is used to determine how charges will accelerate under an applied field.

Charge Quantization

Charge quantization refers to the concept that electrical charge exists in discrete amounts, typically as integer multiples of the elementary charge. This idea is fundamental in determining the net charge on particles and how they interact within an electric field.

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