When You Smell Something: Are You Inhaling Particles?

The phenomenon of smells is closely tied to the presence of particles in the surrounding environment. When a substance emits molecules, often referred to as particles, into the air, it generates a distinctive scent. To perceive this smell, these molecules must make their way into our nasal passages, where specialized receptors detect them. The strength of the smell is directly influenced by the substance’s volatility, which measures how readily it releases molecules into the air. Substances with higher volatility tend to have more potent and easily detectable odors. This relationship between particles, volatility, and our sense of smell is a fundamental aspect of olfaction, our ability to perceive and distinguish various scents. [Originally published on November 13, 2017]

Have you ever wondered how the sense of smell actually works? It all begins when you can smell something, but have you ever wondered if the particles responsible for that smell are actually inside your nose? Smell is a fascinating sensory experience that relies on the detection of substances in the air. When you perceive a scent, it’s because molecules carried by the air around you are interacting with complex proteins in your nose. These proteins are responsible for translating these interactions into the sensations you perceive as smell. It’s important to note that while smell and taste are related, they serve different purposes; taste deals with solids, liquids, and volatile substances in the air, while smell focuses solely on the airborne molecules. This intricate process allows us to experience a rich tapestry of scents in the world around us. (Note: The date in the original passage, “3 thg 12, 2018,” does not seem to be relevant to the topic and has been omitted.)