Question

Nerve cells transmit electric signals through their long tubular axons. These signals propagate due to a sudden rush of Na+ ions, each with charge +e, into the axon. Measurements have revealed that typically about 5.60×10^11 Na+ ions enter each meter of the axon during a time of 10.0 ms . What is the current during this inflow of charge in a meter of axon?

Answer 1

Answer:

The current during this inflow of charge in a meter of axon is $8.96\ \mu A$

Explanation:

Given that,

Number of sodium ions $N=5.6\times 10^{11}$

Time, t = 10 ms

Let q is the charge flowing through nerve axon. It is given by :

$q=ne\\\\q=5.6\times 10^{11}\times 1.6\times 10^{-19}\\\\q=8.96\times 10^{-8}\ C$

The electric charge per unit time is called electric current. it is given by :

$I=\dfrac{q}{t}\\\\I=\dfrac{8.96\times 10^{-8}}{10\times 10^{-3}}\\\\I=8.96\times 10^{-6}\ A\\\\I=8.96\ \mu A$

So, the current during this inflow of charge in a meter of axon is $8.96\ \mu A$