What is the time constant of a 9.0-nm-thick membrane surrounding a 0.040-mm-diameter spherical cell? Assume the resistivity of the cell membrane as 3.6×107 Ω⋅m and the dielectric constant is approximately 9.0. Express your answer with the appropriate units.

Given Information:

Diameter of spherical cell = 0.040 mm

thickness = L = 9 nm

Resistivity =  ρ = 3.6×10⁷ Ω⋅m

Dielectric constant = k = 9.0

Required Information:

time constant = τ = ?

time constant = 2.87×10⁻³ seconds

Explanation:

The time constant is given by

τ = RC

Where R is the resistance and C is the capacitance.

We know that resistivity of of any material is given by

ρ = RA/L

R =  ρL/A

Where area of spherical cell is given by

A = 4πr²

A = 4π(d/2)²

A = 4π(0.040×10⁻³/2)²

A = 5.026×10⁻⁹ m²

The resistance becomes

R =  (3.6×10⁷*9×10⁻⁹)/5.026×10⁻⁹

R = 6.45×10⁷ Ω

The capacitance of the cell membrane is given by

C = kεoA/L

Where k = 9 is the dielectric constant and εo = 8.854×10⁻¹² F/m

C = (9*8.854×10⁻¹²*5.026×10⁻⁹)/9×10⁻⁹

C = 44.5 pF

C = 44.5×10⁻¹² F

Therefore, the time constant is

τ = RC

τ = 6.45×10⁷*44.5×10⁻¹²

τ = 2.87×10⁻³ seconds

when two balls of the different masses are dropped from equal height, they reach the ground at the same time .this is because they experience the same acceleration.

the acceleration is independent of mass.

thus when they are dropped they will always maintain the same velocity and travel the same distance (neglect air resistance of course) at the same time.