Suppose that the electric potential outside a living cell is higher than that inside the cell by 0.079 V. How much work is done by the electric force when a sodium ion (charge = +e) moves from the outside to the inside?
__________ J
Work (in Joules) =
(e, in Coulombs) x (voltage difference)
To determine the work done by the electric force, we need to use the formula:
Work = Charge * Voltage
In this case, the charge of the sodium ion is +e, where e is the elementary charge, which is approximately 1.6 x 10^-19 C. The voltage difference is given as 0.079 V.
So, substituting the values in the formula, we can calculate:
Work = (+e) * (0.079 V)
To get the value of e, we can use the equation e = 1.6 x 10^-19 C.
Therefore, the work done by the electric force when a sodium ion moves from the outside to the inside is:
Work = (1.6 x 10^-19 C) * (0.079 V)
Let's calculate this:
Work = (1.6 x 10^-19 C) * (0.079 V)
Work = 1.26 x 10^-20 J
Thus, the work done by the electric force is approximately 1.26 x 10^-20 J.