What condition is neuron in when the outside of the neuron has a net positive charge and the inside has net negative charge?

Answer 1

This is called the resting potential (inactive state) of the neuron.

However, when a neurotransmitter binds to receptors, electrical stimulus is applied, etc. to induce an opening of ion channels in the membrane of the neuron, positive ions rush into the neuron from the outside to the inside, and result in a sharp increase of the positive charge density (due to more positive ions) inside the neuron. Beyond a certain threshold, this can induce the creation of an action potential, causing the neuron to fire.

After the action potential is created, and the neuron fires, there is a short refractory period where the neuron cannot be fired again due to stimuli, when positive ions are pumped back out of the neuron, negative ions are brought into the neuron, and then the ion channels close, leaving the neuron in a polarized state, and returning it to a resting potential.

Answer 2

The neuron is in a state of resting membrane potential when the outside of the neuron has a net positive charge and the inside has a net negative charge. This electrical gradient is maintained by the unequal distribution of ions across the neuronal membrane, with positively charged sodium ions more concentrated outside and negatively charged potassium ions more concentrated inside.