A membrane is permeable to positive ions. Unequal concentrations of positive ion

Question

A membrane is permeable to positive ions. Unequal concentrations of positive ions on either side of the membrane result in a flow of positive charge from high concentration to low concentration. Which side of the membrane is at a higher electrical potential after equilibrium is reached?

1-Neither -- the two sides have equal potential

2-The high concentration side

3-The low concentration side

1-Neither -- the two sides have equal potential

2-The high concentration side

3-The low concentration side

Explanation / Answer

Correct answer is option (1)

Explaination: According to the question, a membrane is permeable to POSITIVE IONS ONLY. This implies that only positively charged ions are capable of crossing the membrane. So, at equilibrium state, both sides of the membrane will be having equal concentrations of positive charged ions; therefore, there will be no electrical potential on either side of the membrane which means that both the sides will have the equal potential.

If all the positive ions are confined to ones side (no equilibrium state) then that side of the membrane will have positive potential with respect to the other which has no or deficient positive charge and thus have negative potential; which is not the case.

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