In a neuron, the concentrations of K+ ions inside the cell is about 20 - 30 times as great as that outside. What potential difference between the inside and the outside of the cell would you expect to measure if the difference is due only to the imbalance of potassium ions?
I'm confused about why E= 0V
Thanks!
(Claire Woolson Dis 1K)
14.101
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Re: 14.101
E^o=0V because the standard potentials inside and outside the cell are the same. The reaction only involves potassium going in and out of the cell. Therefore, if you do E=E(cathode)-E(anode), you will get 0 because the same number minus the same number is 0. However, keep in mind that this is referring to the E^o of the value; the standard potential voltage. Because the concentrations are different, E will have some voltage since the concentrations are not the same. However, E^o is equal to 0.
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