Enter the membrane potential and the ion equilibrium potential into the calculator to determine the driving force.

Driving Force Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Driving Force.

Vdf = Vm - Veq
  • Where Vdf is the driving force (mV)
  • Vm is the membrane potential (mV)
  • Veq is the equilibrium potential (mV)

To calculate the electrochemical driving force, subtract the membrane potential from the equilibrium potential.

What is a Driving Force?

Definition:

An electrochemical driving force refers to the difference in chemical potential or potential energy between two phases of an electrochemical reaction.

The greater the difference in concentration between two ions, the more potential energy is stored, and the higher the EDF.

How to Calculate Driving Force?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate the Driving Force.

First, determine the membrane potential. In this example problem, the membrane potential is measured as 500 mV.

Next, determine the equilibrium potential. In this case, this is calculated to be 125 mV.

Finally, calculate the electrochemical driving force using the formula above:

Vdf = Vm – Veq

Vdf = 500 – 125

Vdf = 375 mV