When a nerve cell fires, the charge is transferred across the cell membrane to change the cell's potential from negative to positive. For a typical nerve cell, 9.0pCof charge flows in a time of 0.50ms. What is the average current through the cell membrane?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The average current through the cell membrane is1.8×10-8A.

Step by step solution

01

Given Information

Charge flow=9.0pC

Time=0.50ms

02

Explanation

The average current is simply equal to the total charge that flows divided by total time required yielding

I=Qt

Substitute the values,

=9.0×10-12C0.50×10-3s

I=1.8×10-8A.

03

Final Answer

Hence, the average current through the cell membrane is1.8×10-8A.

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