The resting membrane potential of a typical animal cell is about -70 mV, and the thickness of a

step 1 Resting membrane potential The voltage gradient across membrane across membrane is about 150 ,00

The resting membrane potential of a typical animal cell is...

The resting membrane potential of a typical animal cell is about $-70 \mathrm{mV}$, and the thickness of a lipid bilayer is about $4.5 \mathrm{nm} .$ What is the strength of the electric field across the membrane in $\mathrm{V} / \mathrm{cm} ?$ What do you suppose would happen if you applied this field strength to two metal electrodes separated by a $1-\mathrm{cm}$ air gap?

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Key Concepts

Dielectric Breakdown

Dielectric breakdown is the phenomenon where an insulating material, such as air, becomes conductive when subjected to a sufficiently strong electric field. This concept is important in understanding the limits of materials used for insulation and the conditions under which electrical discharge occurs.

Resting Membrane Potential

This concept refers to the voltage difference between the interior and exterior of a cell, resulting from the distribution of ions across the cell membrane. It is a fundamental property in cell physiology that is crucial for processes like nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

Electric Field Strength

Electric field strength is defined as the voltage difference divided by the distance over which that difference occurs. It quantifies the intensity of the electric force per unit charge within the field, and is a key concept in both physics and biophysics when analyzing the behavior of membranes or any material subjected to an electrical potential.

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