Great analogy! Let's break this down:
Resting Potential in a Neuron
- Potassium ions (K⁺) are more concentrated inside the neuron.
- Sodium ions (Na⁺) are more concentrated outside the neuron.
Applying this to your dance event analogy:
- Purple shirts = Potassium ions (K⁺)
- Silver shirts = Sodium ions (Na⁺)
- Gymnasium = Neuron
Which students are more concentrated inside the gymnasium?
- The purple-shirted students (potassium ions) would be more highly concentrated inside the gymnasium.
- The silver-shirted students (sodium ions) would be more concentrated outside the gymnasium.
So, during the resting potential, the inside of the neuron (the gym) has a higher concentration of potassium (purple shirts), while sodium (silver shirts) is more outside. If you want, I can help you visualize this or explain how this distribution helps create the resting membrane potential!
