What is the Physics behind Smells?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the physics of smells, exploring whether smells can be understood in terms of waves or particles, and how they relate to the broader field of physics despite their biological implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the nature of smells, asking if they are waves or particles.
  • Another participant suggests that the discussion leans more towards chemistry, noting that different smells consist of various chemicals and molecules that are perceived by the olfactory sense.
  • A later reply confirms that it is indeed particles that are being smelled.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the discussion should be framed within physics or chemistry, and there are differing views on the nature of smells as either waves or particles.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the relationship between the physics of smells and their chemical composition, nor does it clarify the definitions of waves and particles in this context.

chrismcgivney
I was thinking about light and sound and then I thought "what about smells?".

What I mean is, what's the physics behind a smell?? Is it a wave, is there particles that you smell?? It sounds weird but I'm really curious about this.

I understand it might be in the biology sort-of area but then again: everything is physics.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Welcome to PF!
I think this is more chemistry we are talking about, but anyway...
Different smells are composed of different chemicals and molecules, which we perceive differently with our olfactory sense. For example:
cJIW4G_4WoI1bkpC-eWkmlklRoa93xdR1XbXvmjcrDyv8B6a2KreWPQC6-jRLLeLzOJF8VX8QAFyNEqsYgqkGpwEsoeBavvg.png
 
Thanks, that's crazy :oldsmile:
 
Therefore, it is particles that we smell.
 
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