In a mineral counterbalance wheel, Sodium counterbalances which mineral?

• A. Potassium
• B. Calcium
• C. Magnesium
• D. Copper

Answer: (A)

Electrolyte balance between sodium and potassium is central to this concept. In the mineral counterbalance wheel, sodium’s activity is paired with potassium because the Na+/K+-ATPase pump moves sodium out of cells and potassium into cells to maintain the membrane potential and proper fluid balance. This reciprocal relationship keeps extracellular sodium high and intracellular potassium high, supporting nerve signal transmission and muscle function. Thus, sodium counterbalances potassium. Other minerals like calcium and magnesium have their own distinct roles in bone health and enzymatic activity, while copper functions in iron metabolism and other processes, so they are not the pairing described here.