Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system. They contain long tubular str
ID: 1871680 • Letter: N
Question
Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system. They contain long tubular structures called axons that propagate electrical signals away from the ends of the neurons. The axon contains a solution of potassium ions Kand large negative organic ions. The axon membrane prevents the large ions from leaking out, but the smaller K ions are able to penetrate the membrane to some degree. (See .) This leaves an excess negative charge on the inner surface of the axon membrane and an excess of positive charge on the outer surface resulting in a potential difference across the membrane that prevents further Kt ions from leaking out. Measurements TK show that this potential difference is typically about 70 mV . The thickness of the axon membrane itself varies from about 4 to 9 nm, so we'll use an average of 6.5 nm. We can model the membrane as a large sheet having equal and opposite charge densities on its faces nm Part A Find the electric field inside the axon membrane, assuming (not too realistically) that it is filled with air. Express your answer in volts per meter using two significant figures In Submit equest Answer Part B Which way does the electric field point, into or out of the axon? O into the axon out of the axon Submit Request Answer Part C Which is at a higher potential, the inside surface or the outside surface of the axon membrane? O inside surface outside surface Submit Request AnswerExplanation / Answer
a) electric field is goven by= E=V/d= .07/(6.5*10-9)= 1.077*107 V/m
b) electric field points from higher potential to lower potential i.e into the axon
c) outside surface of axon membrane is at higher potential since positive charge resides on the outer surface
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