Nernst equation -physiology

Published Aug 22, 2014

367 Posts

Was wondering if anyone could direct me to a good resource in understanding the Nernst equation for equilibrium potentials better. I have the equation and examples, but having a difficult time in understanding how the math is done to come up with the answer. The equation that is given in my book is E(I) = 61mV/ z log o/i

An example that is given for the equilibrium potential for sodium is as follows

E(Na) = 61/1 log 145 mM/15mM = 60.1 mV ~ 60 mV

it seems like no matter how I try to plug the equation into the calculator I am unable to come up with the same answer. It has been about 7 years since I had taken my college algebra class and much longer than that since I took a statistics class in high school. Definitely would appreciate any direction in understanding how to do the math for this equation. Thanks.