2006-07-13 19:53:28 · 15 answers · asked by anil c 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
because he/she feels sorry for killing the onion...........
2006-07-13 19:56:24 · answer #1 · answered by Emma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you slice through an onion, you break open a number of onion cells. Some of these cells have enzymes inside of them, and when they are sliced open, the enzymes escape. The enzymes then decompose some of the other substances that have escaped from sliced cells. Some of these substances, amino acid sulfoxides, form sulfenic acids, which then quickly rearrange themselves into a volatile gas.
The gas reaches your eyes and reacts with the water that keeps them moist. This changes the chemical's form again, producing, among other things, a mild sulfuric acid, which irritates the eyes. The nerve endings in your eyes are very sensitive and so they pick up on this irritation (this is why our eyes sting when we slice onions). The brain reacts by telling your tear ducts to produce more water, to dilute the irritating acid so the eyes are protected. Your other reaction is probably to rub your eyes, but this will actually make the irritation a lot worse, of course, if you have onion juices all over your hands.
2006-07-14 02:59:33 · answer #2 · answered by andreva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When we cut an Onion it emits a gas which quickly affects the tear gland to shed tears.
To Avoid:
1. Before cutting the Onion cut it into 2 half and put it into the
water for several minutes.
2.Or chew the gum to avoid sheding tears while cutting the
Onions.
TRY IT. Its a Fact.
2006-07-14 03:38:36 · answer #3 · answered by aNdy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The onion releases enzymes when it is cut which are irritating to the membranes in the eyes and skin; this is known as passive resistance in nature, because the onion would have left you alone if you hadn't stabbed it. So stop crying, and cut the onions underwater, which absorbs the enzyme and keeps your eyes from tearing.
2006-07-14 02:58:37 · answer #4 · answered by taishar68 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fumes from the onion get into the air and when in the air it comes in contact with your eye. This is an irritant and your eye is trying to wash the irritant away.
2006-07-14 04:06:19 · answer #5 · answered by BRUCE B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Onion has irritating vapors so the tears are to protect the eyeballs.
2006-07-14 03:00:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you cut an onion it releases sulfur into the air... the sulfur mixes with stuff in the air and becomes something like sulfuric acid when it gets in your eyes. I'm pretty sure that's right...
2006-07-14 02:58:42 · answer #7 · answered by Tish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's because there's a gas presence at the onion skin, so when you sliced better to wash first the onion or put a slice of pan (bread) at the tip of the knife.
2006-07-14 03:18:28 · answer #8 · answered by antonio b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i think u have not one ur shooling right! anyways onion contain a chemial substanse which cause irrititation in our eyes an tear comes out
2006-07-14 03:06:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because of the onions smell and it probably stings your eyes because the smell is probably very strong!
2006-07-14 02:58:39 · answer #10 · answered by Sheilaa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because is the onion.
2006-07-14 02:55:16 · answer #11 · answered by MR. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋