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College Physics Problem 2.12

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?

SOLUTION:

The time of travel is computed based on the formula

t=\frac{distance}{speed}

Therefore, the time of travel is

t=\frac{1.1\:m}{18\:\frac{m}{s}}

t=0.0611\:seconds

 

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