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 1.2 m long, and the nerve impulse speed is 27 m/s, how long (in s) does it take for the nerve signal to travel this distance?

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Physics

13 September, 10:01

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 1.2 m long, and the nerve impulse speed is 27 m/s, how long (in s) does it take for the nerve signal to travel this distance?

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Zachary Rangel · Answer 1

0.044 seconds

Explanation:

Parameters given:

Length of nerve cell = 1.2m

Nerve impulse speed = 27m/s

Speed is given as:

Speed = distance/time

Therefore, we can make time the subject of the formula. We have:

Time = distance/speed

Hence, time taken for the nerve cell to travel this distance is:

Time = 1.2 / 27

Time = 0.044 seconds

It takes 0.044 seconds for the nerve signal to travel the distance of the nerve connecting the spinal cord to the feet.