Nernst Equation Calculator
Calculate the equilibrium potential (Nernst potential) for an ion based on its charge, concentration gradient, and temperature.
What is the Nernst Equation?
The Nernst equation is a fundamental formula in electrochemistry that calculates the equilibrium potential (or Nernst potential) of an ion across a membrane. It accounts for the ion's charge, its concentration gradient between two compartments, and the system's temperature. This equation helps predict whether ions will flow into or out of a cell under certain conditions and is critical in understanding cellular electrical activity.
How to Use the Nernst Equation Calculator
- Enter Temperature: Input the system's temperature in degrees Celsius. For example, physiological conditions are typically around "37°C".
- Specify Ion Valence: Provide the charge of the ion of interest. For instance, sodium (Na⁺) has a valence of "+1", while calcium (Ca²⁺) has "+2".
- Input Extracellular Concentration: Enter the ion's concentration outside the cell in millimolar units (mM).
- Input Intracellular Concentration: Enter the ion's concentration inside the cell in millimolar units (mM).
- Click Calculate: Press the "Calculate" button to compute the equilibrium potential in millivolts.
The tool will display the calculated equilibrium potential along with an explanation of how it was derived using the Nernst equation. This makes it easy to understand both the result and its significance.