Glossary of Physiology Terms

Electrochemical driving force

V_DF

When an ion is not at its electrochemical equilibrium, an electrochemical driving force (V_DF) acts on the ion, causing the net movement of the ion across the membrane down its own electrochemical gradient.

The electrochemical driving force is generally expressed in millivolts and is calculated according the following equation:

V_DF = V_m − V_eq

where V_DF is the electrochemical driving force, V_m is the membrane potential, and V_eq is the equilibrium potential.

Membrane potential
Equilibrium potential
Electrochemical gradient

Resting Membrane Potential - Electrochemical Driving Force Acting on Ions
Electrochemical Driving Force Calculator