Question

A potential difference of 123 mV exists between the inner and outer surfaces of a cell membrane. The inner surface is negative relative to the outer surface. How much work is required to eject a positive sodium ion (Na+) from the interior of the cell?

Answer 1

Work done,
`W=1.96* 10^(-20)\ J`

Step-by-step explanation:

It is given that,

Potential difference between the inner and outer surfaces of a cell membrane,
`\Delta V=123\ mV=123* 10^(-3)\ V`

The inner surface is negative relative to the outer surface. Let W is the work required to eject a positive sodium ion (Na+) from the interior of the cell. Work done is given by :

`W=q\Delta V`

q is the charge on electron

`W=1.6* 10^(-19)\ C* 123* 10^(-3)\ V`

`W=1.96* 10^(-20)\ J`

So, the work required to eject a positive sodium ion (Na+) from the interior of the cell is
`1.96* 10^(-20)\ J`. Hence, this is the required solution.