At the equilibrium potential for potassium, the two forces acting on ions are in balance. These forces are the _______ and the _______. A) Na⁺-K⁺ pump; threshold B) Na⁺-K⁺ pump; electrostatic pressure C) concentration gradient; action potential D) concentration gradient; electrostatic pressure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At the equilibrium potential for potassium, the forces of concentration gradient and electrostatic pressure are in balance. The concentration gradient is the force that drives potassium ions from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, while electrostatic pressure is the force that drives potassium ions away from areas of like charge and towards areas of opposite charge. At the equilibrium potential, these two forces are equal and opposite, resulting in a net movement of zero potassium ions.

At the Equilibrium Potential for Potassium, the Two Forces Acting