A nerve fibre has a conduction velocity of $45m/s$. If a signal travels a distance of $9\mathrm{cm}$ from a sensory neuron to its target muscle, how long does it take for the signal to arrive at the muscle?

Step-by-step solution

1. Convert the distance from centimetres to metres: $9\mathrm{cm}=0.09\mathrm{m}$.
2. Use the formula $t=\frac{d}{v}$ where $t$ is time, $d$ distance and $v$ conduction velocity.
3. Substitute $d=0.09\mathrm{m}$ and $v=45m/s$ to get $t=\frac{0.09}{45}$.
4. Simplify to $t=0.002\mathrm{s}$.
5. Express the result in milliseconds: $0.002\mathrm{s}=2\mathrm{ms}$.

Concept tested: Nerve conduction velocity

Published 7 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked