Final answer:
The tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is not receiving or sending information is called a resting potential. It refers to the difference in electrical charge across the plasma membrane of a neuron that is not actively transmitting a nerve impulse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is not receiving or sending information is called a resting potential. It refers to the difference in electrical charge across the plasma membrane of a neuron that is not actively transmitting a nerve impulse. During the resting potential, the inside of the neuron is negatively charged compared to the outside. This electrical charge is essential for the neuron to be able to generate and transmit electrical signals, known as action potentials, when it receives or sends information.