Question

Assuming one nerve impulse must end before another can begin, what is the maximum firing rate of a nerve in impulses per second?

Short answer

Maximum firing rate of nerve impulse per second 10³1/sec

Step-by-step solution

Maximum firing rate of nerve impulse per second

The duration of a nerve impulse is about 10^-3sec.

The maximum firing rate of nerve impulse per second is

\[n = \frac{1}{t}\]

Defining the maximum firing rate of a nerve in impulses per second

Define the maximum firing rate of a nerve in impulses per second as below.

\(n = \frac{1}{t}\)

Substitute known values in the above equation.

n = 1/10^-3 s

n = 10³1/s

Deriving conclusions

Hence, the maximum firing rate of nerve impulses per second 10³ 1/s