How are smells created and mediated?

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In summary, smells are created through the process of olfaction, where receptors in the nose detect and interpret chemical molecules. Different smells are caused by the specific chemical composition of a substance and its concentration. Artificial smells can be created using synthetic chemicals, and smells travel through the air as tiny molecules. The duration of a smell depends on the volatility and concentration of its molecules.
  • #1
ScienceNerd36
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I was recently thinking about how smells are created and came to the conclusion that when you're cooking the boiling water pushes out other atoms before it.

I then realized that this idea doesn't explain the smell that comes off of a brass handle for instance.

Hence the question: How are smells created and mediated?
 
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  • #2
Uhm.

Perhaps you should understand the physiology of smell first - smell is essentially a chemosensory mechanism. Diffused atoms - every substance has a vapor pressure - reach olfactory receptors, which send information to the brain.
 
  • #3
kldickson said:
Diffused atoms

Let's hope you meant molecules...

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FAQ: How are smells created and mediated?

How are smells created?

Smells are created through a process called olfaction, which involves the detection and interpretation of chemical molecules by specialized cells in the nose called olfactory receptors. These receptors send signals to the brain, which then interprets the signals as specific smells.

What causes different smells?

The specific chemical composition of a substance determines its smell. Different molecules have different shapes and sizes, which interact with the olfactory receptors in different ways, resulting in different smells. Additionally, the concentration of these molecules also plays a role in the intensity of a smell.

Can smells be created artificially?

Yes, smells can be created artificially through the use of synthetic chemicals that mimic the molecular structure of natural scents. These artificial smells are often used in perfumes, air fresheners, and other scented products.

How do smells travel through the air?

Smells travel through the air as tiny molecules that are emitted from a source and then carried by air currents to the nose. These molecules can travel long distances and can even be detected in very low concentrations.

Why do some smells last longer than others?

The duration of a smell depends on the volatility, or ability to evaporate, of the molecules that make up the scent. Smells with more volatile molecules will dissipate more quickly, while smells with less volatile molecules will linger longer. Additionally, the concentration of the molecules also affects the duration of a smell.

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