¹²This is apparent from a mathematical perspective by examination of the Nernst equation: if the concentrations are equal (i.e. C₁ = C₂), then the ratio of C₁ C₂ will be equal to 1. Since the logarithm of 1 is zero, this predicts zero voltage generated across the membrane. From a chemical perspective, this corresponds to the condition where random ion migration through the porous membrane is equal in both directions. In this condition, the Nernst potentials generated by the randomly-migrating ions are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction (polarity), and therefore the membrane generates zero overall voltage.