Question

Children have about 1016 synapses that can transfer signals between neurons in the brain and between neurons and muscle cells. Suppose that these synapses simultaneously transmit a signal, sending 1000 calcium ions (Ca2+) across the membrane at each synaptic ending. Determine the total electric charge transfer in coulombs during that short time interval. By comparison, a lightning flash involves about 5C of charge transfer. (Note: This is a fictional scenario. All human neurons do not simultaneously produce signals.) e=1.6×10−19C.

Answer 1

Answer:

3.2 C

Explanation:

e = Charge of electron = $1.6\times 10^{-19}\ C$

Number of synapses = $10^{16}$

Signals transferred by each synapse 1000 calcium ions $Ca^{2+}$

Each calcium ion carries 2 charges

Number of charges would be $2\times 1000=2000$

Total charges would be

$N=10^{16}\times 2000=2\times 10^{19}$

Charge is given by

$Q=Ne\\\Rightarrow Q=2\times 10^{19}\times 1.6\times 10^{-19}\\\Rightarrow Q=3.2\ C$

The total electric charge transfer in coulombs during that short time interval is 3.2 C