Question

part a
what is the magnitude of the electric field across an axon membrane 1.1×10^(-8) m thick if the resting potential is -66 mv? express your answer using two significant figures.
e = v/m

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electric - field formula

The formula for the electric field $E$ in terms of potential difference $\Delta V$ and distance $d$ is $E=\frac{\vert\Delta V\vert}{d}$.

Step2: Convert units

The potential difference $\Delta V = 66\ mV=66\times10^{- 3}\ V$, and the distance $d = 1.1\times10^{-8}\ m$.

Step3: Calculate the electric - field magnitude

Substitute the values into the formula: $E=\frac{66\times10^{-3}\ V}{1.1\times10^{-8}\ m}$.
$E=\frac{66}{1.1}\times10^{-3 + 8}\ V/m=6.0\times10^{6}\ V/m$.

Answer:

$6.0\times10^{6}\ V/m$