EQUILIBRIUM POTENTIAL Meaning and
Definition
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Equilibrium potential, in the field of physics and biology, refers to the electrical potential difference across a cell membrane at which the net flow of a particular ion is zero. It is the state of electrical balance or symmetry reached when the ion concentration gradient and the electrical potential difference across the membrane cancel each other out, resulting in no net ion movement.
The equilibrium potential is primarily determined by the concentrations of ions on either side of the membrane and the permeability of the membrane to these ions. It is calculated using the Nernst equation, which takes into account the ratio of ion concentrations and the charge of the ion.
In a biological context, the equilibrium potential plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of cells, especially in nerve cells and muscle fibers. The equilibrium potential for different ions, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, allows these ions to efficiently flow across the membrane, which is vital for processes like nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
Understanding the equilibrium potential is significant in various fields, including neurobiology, pharmacology, and electrochemistry. It serves as a reference point for determining the direction and magnitude of ion movement in and out of the cell, and deviations from the equilibrium potential can have significant physiological implications.
Common Misspellings for EQUILIBRIUM POTENTIAL
- wquilibrium potential
- squilibrium potential
- dquilibrium potential
- rquilibrium potential
- 4quilibrium potential
- 3quilibrium potential
- e1uilibrium potential
- e2uilibrium potential
- ewuilibrium potential
- eauilibrium potential
- eqyilibrium potential
- eqhilibrium potential
- eqjilibrium potential
- eqiilibrium potential
- eq8ilibrium potential
- eq7ilibrium potential
- equulibrium potential
- equjlibrium potential
- equklibrium potential
- equolibrium potential
Etymology of EQUILIBRIUM POTENTIAL
The word "equilibrium" comes from the Latin term "aequilibrium", which is derived from the combination of "aequus" meaning "equal" or "balanced", and "libra" meaning "scale" or "balance".
The term "potential" in this context is related to the concept of electrical potential or voltage. It originates from the Latin term "potentia", which means "power" or "ability".
When combined, "equilibrium potential" refers to the voltage at which the electrical potential is balanced or equal between two sides of a membrane, typically referring to biological membranes. This balance is often associated with ion concentrations and electrical charges within and outside the cell.
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