Lecture 5: Electrical Energy

Question 1

What are standard potentials compared to?

Answer 1

H2 –> 2H+ + 2e-

Question 2

What is n in the equation delta E = -(delta G)/nF ?

Answer 2

The number of electrons, normally 2.

Question 3

Does a positive or negative delta G indicate a spontaneous reaction?

Answer 3

Positive indicates a spontaneous reaction.

Question 4

What must the membrane potential for K+ ions to be in equilibrium?

Answer 4

-96 mV

Question 5

What does it indicate if the membrane potential calculated using the Nernst Equation is not -96 mV?

Answer 5

The ion which was used to calculate the membrane potential is not in equilibrium across the membrane.