Final answer:
Potassium is the electrolyte that produces depolarization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Potassium is an electrolyte that produces depolarization. When potassium ions move out of a cell, it causes the cell to become more positive, leading to depolarization. This is an important process in nerve and muscle cell function. Therefore, the correct answer is 1. Potassium. The electrolyte that produces depolarization during nerve impulse transmission and muscle contractions is sodium (Na+). During the process of depolarization, sodium ions rush into the neuron, which causes a change in the electrical charge of the neuron's membrane, leading to the initiation of an action potential. This is in contrast to potassium (K+), which is mainly responsible for repolarizing the membrane post-activation and restoring the resting membrane potential. While electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and chloride play various roles in the body, sodium is critical in the depolarization of neurons and muscle fibers. In the context of physiology, sodium is one of the key electrolytes that facilitate the conduction of nerve impulses and are vital for carrying electrical signals throughout the body.