One of the most exciting aspects of our discussion is providing a way for thermodynamics to be used to describe neuronal operation. As we discuss, our physics-based model, which considers ions’ charge and mass as inseparable quantities, naturally answers the long-standing question how thermodynamics can describe life. We show how the dual nature of ions connects electrical and thermodynamic features of neurons. A Carnot-type process can be applied to the neuronal process, enabling energy consumption and energetic efficiency to be quantified.