Exam 2 Terms

Question 1

Ion

Answer 1

atom/molecule where number of electrons is not equal to the number of protons

Question 2

Cations

Answer 2

atom/molecule with positive charge, less electrons

Question 3

Anions

Answer 3

atom/molecule with negative charge, more electrons

Question 4

Principle of macroscopic electroneutrality

Answer 4

On a macroscopic level each body fluid compartment has the same concentration of positive charges and negative charges

Question 5

Conductor

Answer 5

Material that allows ions to move freely toward each other

Ex: water, copper wire

Question 6

Insulator

Answer 6

Material that prevents the movement of ions

Ex: cell membranes, plastic coating on wire

Question 7

Electrochemical potential

Answer 7

Form of potential energy (millivolts, mV) created by the difference between the amounts of electrical charge present at two points like the inner surface and outer surface of a membrane.

Question 8

Diffusion potentials

Membrane equilibrium potentials

Answer 8

Electrochemical potentials created when ions diffuse across a membrane down their concentration gradient.