Suppose that a molecular ion with charge -10e is embedded within the 5.0-nm-thick cell membrane of...

Free

50.1K

Verified Solution

Question

Physics

Suppose that a molecular ion with charge -10e isembedded within the 5.0-nm-thick cell membrane of a cell withmembrane potential -70 mV.
What is the electric force on the molecule?

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert

4.2 Ratings (617 Votes)

Total charge (q) of the molecular ion = -10e
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = -10(1.6*10^-19C)
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = -1.6*10^-18C
Now the electric field strength (E) in between the cell membraneis
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â E = V / d
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = (70mV) / (5.0nm)
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = (70.0*10^-3V) / (5.0*10^-9m)
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 14.0*10⁶V/m
Now the electric force acting on the molecule is
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â F = Eq
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = (14.0*10⁶V/m)(1.6*10^-18C)
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â = 22.4*10^-12N
The direction of the electric force is in opposite direction to thedirection of the electric field

Get Answers to Unlimited Questions

Join us to gain access to millions of questions and expert answers. Enjoy exclusive benefits tailored just for you!

Membership Benefits:

Unlimited Question Access with detailed Answers
Zin AI - 3 Million Words
10 Dall-E 3 Images
20 Plot Generations
Conversation with Dialogue Memory
No Ads, Ever!
Access to Our Best AI Platform: Flex AI - Your personal assistant for all your inquiries!

Become a Member