Final answer:
The charges get separated to create membrane potential through a process called diffusion. In a resting neuron, the cell membrane is permeable to potassium ions (K+) and chloride ions (Cl-), but not sodium ions (Na+). Diffusion of K+ and Cl- creates layers of positive and negative charge on the outside and inside of the membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
The charges get separated to create membrane potential through a process called diffusion. In a resting neuron, the cell membrane is permeable to potassium ions (K+) and chloride ions (Cl-), but not sodium ions (Na+).
Due to a difference in ion concentrations inside and outside the cell, K+ and Cl- ions diffuse from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration across the semipermeable membrane. This diffusion creates layers of positive and negative charge on the outside and inside of the membrane, which results in a separation of charge and the creation of a voltage across the membrane.
The Coulomb force, which is the force between charged particles, prevents the ions from diffusing across the membrane in their entirety. The resulting layers of charge on the membrane are balanced by diffusion and Coulomb force, creating a membrane potential.