The Nernst equation calculates the equilibrium potential (also referred to as the Nernst potential)

for an ion based on the charge on the ion (i.e., its valence) and its concentration gradient across the
membrane. Temperature also influences the Nernst potential (see Nernst equation below). A Nernst
potential will develop across a membrane if two criteria are met: (1) if a concentration gradient exists
across the membrane for a given ion, and (2) if selective permeation pathwas (i.e., selective ion
channels) exist that allow transmembrane movement of the ion of interest. !inall, for selective ion
channels, where the selectivit filter strongl favors the permeation of one ion over other ions, the
Nernst potential also predicts the reversal potential (V
rev
) of the current"voltage (I-V) relationship.
The Nernst equation
V
Eq.
is the equilibrium potential (Nernst potential) for a given ion. #t is common to use the ion
smbol as a subscript to denote the equilibrium potential for that ion (e.g., V
$
, V
Na
, V
%l
, V
%a
,
etc.). #f onl one ionic species is present in the sstem, and&or channels for onl one ionic
species are present (and open), then V
'q.
will also be the membrane potential (V
m
). Note that the
unit of V
'q.
is the (olt. )owever, the equilibrium potential is tpicall reported in millivolts
(m(). #f two or more ions contribute to the membrane potential, the Nernst potential no longer
ields the V
m
. #n this case, use the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) equation to calculate the
V
m
.
R is the universal gas constant and is equal to *.+,- ..$
",
.mol
",
(.oules per $elvin per mole).
T is the temperature in $elvin ($ / 0% 1 23+.,4).
z is the valence of the ionic species. !or example, z is 1, for Na
1
, 1, for $
1
, 12 for %a
21
, ", for
%l
"
, etc. Note that z is unitless.
F is the !arada5s constant and is equal to 67-*4 %.mol
",
(%oulombs per mole).
[X]
out
is the concentration of the ionic species X in the extracellular fluid. Note that the
concentration unit must match that of 8X9
in
.
[X]
in
is the concentration of the ionic species X in the intracellular fluid. Note that the
concentration unit must match that of 8X9
out
. Tpicall, but not alwas, the concentrations are
noted in m:.
The Nernst equation can be derived based on simple thermodnamic principles (see ;erivation
of the Nernst 'quation).
%onstant terms in the Nernst equation
<niversal =as %onstant (R) / *.+,- ..$
",
.mol
",
(.oules per $elvin per mole)
!arada5s %onstant (F) / 67-*4 %.mol
",
(%oulombs per mole)