The speed of propagation of the action potential (an electrical signal) in a nerve cell depends (inversely) on the diameter of the axon (nerve fiber). If the nerve cell connecting the spinal cord to your feet is 1.1 m long, and the nerve impulse speed is 18 m/s, how long does it take for the nerve signal to travel this distance? Explain all steps of the solution and calculations.
To calculate the time it takes for a nerve signal to travel a certain distance in a nerve cell, you can use the formula:
Time (t) = Distance (d) / Speed (v)
In this case, the distance is the length of the nerve cell connecting the spinal cord to your feet, which is 1.1 meters, and the speed of the nerve impulse is 18 meters per second.
Plug the values into the formula:
t = 1.1 m / 18 m/s
Perform the division:
t = 0.0611 seconds
So, it takes approximately 0.0611 seconds for the nerve signal to travel a distance of 1.1 meters along the nerve cell.
Now, let's explain the steps:
Identify the given values:
Distance (d): 1.1 meters
Speed (v): 18 meters per second
Use the formula for time:
t = d / v
Substitute the values into the formula:
t = 1.1 m / 18 m/s
Perform the division to calculate the time:
t ≈ 0.0611 seconds
So, it takes approximately 0.0611 seconds for the nerve signal to travel 1.1 meters in the nerve cell.
