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Nernst Potential (Neuroscience)

Eion=RTzFln⁡[ion]out[ion]inE_{\text{ion}} = \frac{RT}{zF}\ln\frac{[\text{ion}]_{\text{out}}}{[\text{ion}]_{\text{in}}}

Equilibrium voltage across a membrane for a specific ion based on inside/outside concentrations.

By Walther Nernst

Biological Sciences
Nernst Potential (Neuroscience)
1889 · Walther Nernst
Why it matters: Foundation of neuroscience—how neurons compute with electricity.

Discoverers: Walther Nernst (1889)

What does it mean?

Equilibrium voltage across a membrane for a specific ion based on inside/outside concentrations.

Why should I care?

Foundation of neuroscience—how neurons compute with electricity.

Variables & Units

SymbolNameUnitMeaning
EionE_ionReversal potentialmVEquilibrium voltage
zzValence—Ion charge
[ion]out/in[ion]_out/inConcentrations—Outside and inside concentrations

Worked Example

K+ at 37°C: E_K ≈ -77 mV with typical concentrations.

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Sources & further reading

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Equation Universe

Nernst Potential (Neuroscience)

Eion=RTzFln⁡[ion]out[ion]inE_{\text{ion}} = \frac{RT}{zF}\ln\frac{[\text{ion}]_{\text{out}}}{[\text{ion}]_{\text{in}}}

Real-world impact

Intelligent systems

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Photo: Unsplash — AI concept

Equilibrium voltage across a membrane for a specific ion based on inside/outside concentrations.

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