AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A neuron is at rest when it is not sending an an electrical signal. During this time, the inside of the neuron is negative relative to the outside.

Detailed explanation-2: -A neuron at rest is negatively charged because the inside of a cell is approximately 70 millivolts more negative than the outside (−70 mV); this number varies by neuron type and by species.

Detailed explanation-3: -Neurons actually have a pretty strong negative charge inside them, in contrast to a positive charge outside. This is due to other molecules called anions.

Detailed explanation-4: -What happens when a neuron is at rest? In the resting state, there is no signal passing through the neuron. However, even in this state, the neuron is electrically active. Because of how ions are moving across the cell membrane, the inside of the neuron is more negative than the fluid that surrounds it.

Detailed explanation-5: -The resting membrane potential of a neuron is about-70 mV (mV=millivolt)-this means that the inside of the neuron is 70 mV less than the outside. At rest, there are relatively more sodium ions outside the neuron and more potassium ions inside that neuron.