What is the Electrical Potential Energy of a Nerve Cell Membrane?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the electrical potential energy stored in a nerve cell membrane, modeled as a cylindrical capacitor. The membrane's dimensions are provided, including a length of 12mm and a diameter of 150 micrometers, with a capacitance of 1.0 µF/cm² and a resting potential difference of -90mV. To solve the problem, the area of the capacitor must be calculated using the formula A=2πrl, followed by applying capacitor equations to find the stored energy and charge on each surface. Participants express uncertainty about the approach, emphasizing the need to use the area to determine capacitance and then apply relevant formulas. The thread highlights the importance of understanding capacitor behavior in biological contexts.
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Homework Statement



An axon membrane of a nerve cell is approximately a cylinder of length 12mm and diameter 150micrometres. The membrane has a capacitance of 1.0uFcm^-2. There is a resting potential difference of -90mV between the inside and outside of the cell. How mch electrical potential energy is stored in the membrane?
How much charge is there on each surface? Give the answer in units of the electron charge.

Homework Equations



A=2*pi*r*l

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know how to do this question at all
 
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Use the area formula to find the area of the capacitor and then its capacitance. Then the problem is just a question about a capacitor, which you can answer using one of the capacitor formulas.
 
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