Final answer:
The rate of impulse propagation in nerve cells is mainly determined by the axon diameter and myelination. Larger axons and myelinated axons allow for faster nerve signal transmission. A 1.1-meter-long nerve impulse traveling at 18 m/s would reach its destination in approximately 61.1 milliseconds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate of impulse propagation in nerve cells relies on certain key factors. Among these, axon diameter and myelination are paramount. A wider axon offers less resistance to the flow of ions, which can result in a faster transmission of the nerve signal, or action potential. Myelination, provided by the myelin sheath surrounding the axon, acts as an insulator to maintain the electrical signal strength. This enables the action potential to travel quickly over long distances without losing its intensity, through a process known as saltatory conduction.
Given an axon length of 1.1 meters and a nerve impulse speed of 18 meters per second, you can calculate the time it takes for the nerve signal to travel this distance using the simple formula time = distance / speed. Therefore, the time will be 1.1 m / 18 m/s, which equals approximately 0.0611 seconds, or 61.1 milliseconds.