Cell Membranes and Dielectrics Many cells in the body have a cell membrane whose inner and outer...

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Physics

Cell Membranes and Dielectrics

Many cells in the body have a cell membrane whose inner andouter surfaces carry opposite charges, just like the plates of aparallel-plate capacitor. Suppose a typical cell membrane has athickness of 6.1×10^−9 m, and its inner and outer surfaces carrycharge densities of −7.7×10−4 C/m^2 and +7.7×10^−4 C/m^2,respectively. In addition, assume that the material in the cellmembrane has a dielectric constant of 3.1

(a) Find the direction of the electric field within the cellmembrane. a) into the cell b) out of the cell

(b) Find the magnitude of the electric field within the cellmembrane.

(c) Calculate the potential difference between the inner andouter walls of he membrane (Note: express answer inmillivolts,)

(d) Which wall has the higher potential a) inner wall b) outerwall   

Into the cell

Out of the cell

(b) Find the magnitude of the electric field within the cellmembrane.

E=E= Answer NCNC

(c) Calculate the potential difference between the inner andouter walls of the membrane. (NOTE: Express your answer inmillivolts, mV.)

ΔV=ΔV= Answer mVmV

(d) Indicate which wall of the membrane has the higherpotential.

Inner wall

Outer wall

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert
3.9 Ratings (768 Votes)
The given values areThe value of charge density Cm2Thickness or seperation between the plate mThe value of diselectric constant k 31Part aThe direction of electric field    See Answer
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