Question

A neuron is stimulated with an electric pulse. The action potential is detected at a point 3.70 cm down the axon 0.0052 s later.When the action potential is detected 7.20 cm from the point of stimulation, the time required is 0.0063 s. What is the speed of the electric pulse along the axon? (Why are two measurements needed instead of only one?)

Answer 1

Answer:

$32 \frac{meter}{sec}$

Explanation:

Speed is defined as the distance traveled per unit time.

Distance traveled is equal to the difference between the initial and final position of the neuron.

Speed can be derived from under given equation -

$\frac{delta (x)}{delta (t)}$

Where delta x is the change in distance

delta t is the change in time.

Substituting the given values in above equation we get -

$\frac{\frac{7.20}{100} -\frac{3.70}{100} }{0.0063-0.0052} \frac{meter}{sec} \\= 31.81 \frac{meter}{sec}$

$= 32 \frac{meter}{sec}$

There can be a time delay between the point of neuron stimulation to detection of action potential. Hence, two measurements are  needed.