When a nerve cell depolarizes, charge is transferred across the cell membrane, changing the potential difference. For a typical nerve cell, 9.0 pC of charge flows in a time of 0.50 ms. You may want to review (Page 706) . Part A What is the average current

I = 18 x 10⁻⁹ A = 18 nA

Explanation:

The current is defined as the flow of charge per unit time. Therefore,

I = q/t

where,

I = Average Current passing through nerve cell

q = Total flow of charges through nerve cell

t = time period of flow of charges

Here, in our case:

I = ?

q = (9 pC)(1 x 10⁻¹² C/1 pC) = 9 x 10⁻¹² C

t = (0.5 ms)(1 x 10⁻³ s/1 ms) = 5 x 10⁻⁴ s

Therefore,

I = (9 x 10⁻¹² C)/(5 x 10⁻⁴ s)

I = 18 x 10⁻⁹ A = 18 nA