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What does an electrical signal depend on to make it larger or smaller?

User Jsagrera
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Final answer:

An electrical signal in a neuron, such as the action potential, is influenced by the axon's diameter and the strength of the initial stimulus.for example, a nerve impulse with a speed of 18 m/s will travel 1.1 meters in approximately 0.0611 seconds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The size of an electrical signal can depend on various factors. In the context of neurons, the action potential is the primary electrical signal. The diameter of the axon influences the speed of propagation of the action potential. Specifically, a larger axon diameter allows for faster speed of propagation due to less resistance for ions diffusing within the cell. As such, with increased diameter, the signal can be transmitted more rapidly along the axon.

Additionally, the strength of the initial stimulus also affects the size of the graded potential, which can be depolarizing or hyperpolarizing. These graded potentials summate to influence whether an action potential is initiated. The question you're asking involves the speed of a nerve impulse. To calculate how long it takes for a nerve signal to travel a distance of 1.1 meters at an impulse speed of 18 m/s, we use the formula: time = distance/speed. So, it takes approximately 0.0611 seconds (1.1 m / 18 m/s) for the nerve signal to travel that distance.

User Joachim Lous
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