Can the Nernst Equation Determine Missing Sodium Concentrations?

  • Thread starter Thread starter tqsld
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Nernst equation
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on using the Nernst Equation to determine missing sodium concentrations in a study involving ion concentrations in extracellular fluid (ECF) and intracellular fluid (ICF). A retired neurophysiologist reported various ion concentrations but lacked instruments to measure sodium levels. Participants suggest using the Nernst Equation, Em = 58/z * log(xo/xi), to calculate the equilibrium potential for chloride ions and then relate it to potassium levels. The challenge lies in connecting these calculations to derive the sodium concentrations accurately. Overall, the thread seeks clarity on applying the Nernst Equation in this context to solve for sodium.
tqsld
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
A rather tame ltxnsp was recently found on Easter Island by a retired neurophysiologist. He reported the following measurements of ECF and ICF concentrations (in millimoles):
ICF ECF
Pr+ 0 150
Na+ ? ?
K+ 10 100
Cl- 109 250
HCO3- 1 10


so this is the question: He lacked the proper instruments for determining Na+ concentrations, but was rather certain that no other major ions were present in the ECF and ICF. Can you calculate either concentration for him?

I think we use the Nernst eqn in this case to figure it out which is Em= 58/ z * log (xo/xi). correct me if I'm wrong. So Na and Cl is transported via the symporter so only charges are opposite. therefore we find the Em of Cl-? Then after that we find what's K? But then I don't get how to use those to tie it to find Na. I'm confusing myself here. Can someone help me out.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try using net neutrality of the bulk.
 
Thread 'Confusion regarding a chemical kinetics problem'

Thread 'Confusion regarding a chemical kinetics problem'

TL;DR Summary: cannot find out error in solution proposed. [![question with rate laws][1]][1] Now the rate law for the reaction (i.e reaction rate) can be written as: $$ R= k[N_2O_5] $$ my main question is, WHAT is this reaction equal to? what I mean here is, whether $$k[N_2O_5]= -d[N_2O_5]/dt$$ or is it $$k[N_2O_5]= -1/2 \frac{d}{dt} [N_2O_5] $$ ? The latter seems to be more apt, as the reaction rate must be -1/2 (disappearance rate of N2O5), which adheres to the stoichiometry of the...
View full post »

Thread 'Prove that evolution is constant (Provide at least two arguments to support your position)'

I don't get how to argue it. i can prove: evolution is the ability to adapt, whether it's progression or regression from some point of view, so if evolution is not constant then animal generations couldn`t stay alive for a big amount of time because when climate is changing this generations die. but they dont. so evolution is constant. but its not an argument, right? how to fing arguments when i only prove it.. analytically, i guess it called that (this is indirectly related to biology, im...
View full post »

Similar threads

Help: Nernst and reversal potentials
Replies
1
Views
3K
Nernst potential and reverse potentials
Replies
4
Views
8K
Solution of NaCl and CO2. Name species and find concentrations of species.
Replies
2
Views
17K
Electrical conductivity of seawater depends on salinity how?
Replies
5
Views
3K
Calculate the number of sodium ions entering an non-myelinated axon
Replies
7
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top