Final answer:
During depolarization, sodium ions (Na+) flow outside the cell, changing the relative charge inside the neuron. This occurs due to a concentration gradient and the opening of ion channels.
Step-by-step explanation:
During depolarization, sodium ions (Na+) flow outside the cell.
This occurs because there is a higher concentration of sodium ions outside the cell compared to inside the cell, creating a concentration gradient. As a result, sodium ions rush into the cell through opened ion channels.
The flow of sodium ions during depolarization causes the relative charge inside the neuron to become less negative, moving towards zero.