Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system. They contain long tubular structures called axons that propagate electrical signals away from the ends of the neurons. The axon contains a solution of potassium ions K+ and large negative organic ions. The axon membrane prevents the large ions from leaking out, but the smaller K+ ions are able to penetrate the membrane to some degree. This leaves an excess negative charge on the inner surface of the axon membrane and an excess of positive charge on the outer surface, resulting in a potential difference across the membrane that prevents further K+ ions from leaking out. Measurements show that this potential difference is typically about 70 mV. The thickness of the axon membrane itself varies from about 4 to 11 nm, so we'll use an average of 7.5 nm. We can model the membrane as a large sheet having equal and opposite charge densities on its faces. Find the electric field inside the axon membrane, assuming (not too realistically) that it is filled with air. Express your answer with the appropriate units.

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Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system. They contain long tubular structures called axons
that propagate electrical signals away from the ends of the neurons. The axon contains a solution of
potassium ions K+ and large negative organic ions. The axon membrane prevents the large ions from
leaking out, but the smaller K+ ions are able to penetrate the membrane to some degree. This leaves
an excess negative charge on the inner surface of the axon membrane and an excess of positive
charge on the outer surface, resulting in a potential difference across the membrane that prevents
further K+ ions from leaking out. Measurements show that this potential difference is typically about
70 mV. The thickness of the axon membrane itself varies from about 4 to 11 nm, so we'll use an
average of 7.5 nm. We can model the membrane as a large sheet having equal and opposite charge
densities on its faces.
Find the electric field inside the axon membrane, assuming (not too realistically) that it is filled with air.
Express your answer with the appropriate units.
Transcribed Image Text:1 2 711 4 . 5 Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system. They contain long tubular structures called axons that propagate electrical signals away from the ends of the neurons. The axon contains a solution of potassium ions K+ and large negative organic ions. The axon membrane prevents the large ions from leaking out, but the smaller K+ ions are able to penetrate the membrane to some degree. This leaves an excess negative charge on the inner surface of the axon membrane and an excess of positive charge on the outer surface, resulting in a potential difference across the membrane that prevents further K+ ions from leaking out. Measurements show that this potential difference is typically about 70 mV. The thickness of the axon membrane itself varies from about 4 to 11 nm, so we'll use an average of 7.5 nm. We can model the membrane as a large sheet having equal and opposite charge densities on its faces. Find the electric field inside the axon membrane, assuming (not too realistically) that it is filled with air. Express your answer with the appropriate units.
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