An action potential is an example of which of the following? an electric field Choice 2 of 3 :an electric potential difference Choice 3 of 3 :an electric force
Answer
What Is an Action Potential?
An action potential is a rapid rise and fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cell membrane. It is a fundamental mechanism in neurons for transmitting electrical signals.
While an action potential can involve the movement of electric charges, it is not primarily described as an electric field.
Correct Answer. An action potential is characterized by changes in membrane voltage, which is an electric potential difference across the neuronal membrane.
An electric force is the result of an electric field acting on a charge. Although ions move due to such forces, the action potential itself is not defined as a force.
🧠 Detailed Explanation:
During an action potential, a neuron undergoes a temporary reversal of its membrane potential due to the regulated movement of ions (such as Na⁺ and K⁺) across the cell membrane. This causes a change from a resting potential (around –70 mV) to a more positive value (up to +40 mV), and back again. This voltage change represents an electric potential difference.
This difference is what propagates the electrical signal along the axon of a neuron and is central to neural communication.