Final answer:
The Goldman equation can determine the resting membrane potential, which ranges from -50 mV to -70 mV. However, it does not take into account the activity of ion channels or the Na+/K+ pump, which are essential in maintaining this potential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Goldman equation is crucial for determining the resting membrane potential of a cell, which is typically between -50 mV to -70 mV. While the Goldman equation accounts for the permeability of the membrane to various ions and their concentration gradients, it does not include the activity of ion channels or active transport systems like the Na+/K+ pump. Channels that are not always open, such as the Na+ leak channels and the K+ leak channels, alongside active transport mechanisms, also play a significant role in maintaining the resting potential. The resting membrane potential is a delicate balance of ions like Na+ and K+ moving in and out of the cell, and it is capable of doing work, hence described as a 'potential'. It is the resting charge difference across the plasma membrane when a neuron is not actively transmitting a nerve impulse.