2006-11-27 16:34:53 · 11 answers · asked by faithless 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Smell is based on the nose detecting the presence of molecules. If the smell is coming from an object there must be molecules coming from it. Whether that results in a loss of mass depends on how they are being released.
If the smell is from molecules on the surface of the object just floating free into the air, then yes it does lose that mass.
If the smell is due to molecules being released in a chemical reaction with the air or other surrounding substance, then the reaction *may* actually add to the object's net mass. Or it might not. It depends on the nature of the particular reaction.
In most cases I'd think it would be just molecules floating free so it would lose mass.
2006-11-27 16:44:29 · answer #1 · answered by John's Secret Identity™ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The 'smell' is a vapour given off by the object/substance and has a significant mass. Some 'smells' are lighter than others e.g. ammonia is about half the weight of rotten eggs smell. The 'lighter' the smell the quicker it is detected as 'light' smells travel through the air quicker. So a material which gives off a smell does lose mass.
2006-11-28 11:19:09 · answer #2 · answered by Examiner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are actually constantly loosing mass, shedding skin flakes, evaporating water and oils.
But just the smell? I would say yes, on molecular level, floating with the wind along with wahtever is evaporating out of, whatever smells.
That's an interesting thing that we don't hear the scientific explanations very often.
It amazes me how dogs can smell and track a person's path months after the fact, and well, having a noze not 10 100 or 1000 but one million times more efficient than humans, they can really pick the molecular "scent" left over.
2006-11-28 00:54:07 · answer #3 · answered by ed_buchmann 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
On an atomic level, yes, but nothing we have that is calibrated fine enough to actually measure it for some materials, and other materials like water, it's easy to see.
What is a smell or vapor? Particals of the material that is released due to heating or being light enough to have air currents sweep it up and float. It enters your nostrals and the sensory reaction is the electrical impulse in your brain that tells you what it smells like.
And when particals leave the mass, that mass is reduced. Boil water in a pot and smell the steam. Boil it long enough, the water gets less and less, and hence lighter.
2006-11-28 00:40:20 · answer #4 · answered by oberdan_talkrue 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. The reason you can smell it, for obvious reason 'cause the gas has finally completed it's mission (i.e. from source to nose). The molecular mass of the stink particles remains the same, it's just spread out more, that's all. 'Diffusion' is the word you're looking for.
2006-11-28 00:54:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't know about mass but I certainly loose some volume.
2006-11-28 00:55:05 · answer #6 · answered by ANON 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. on the molecular level, you are breathing in part of the mass. Think about that next time someone forgets to light a match in the bathroom.
2006-11-28 00:36:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
IT SURE DOES.. A SMELL IS A MOLECULE OF SOMETHING THAT THE PERSON GIVES OFF...
2006-11-28 00:37:02 · answer #8 · answered by wizard 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are you asking if you lose weight when you fart? Interesting concept....
2006-11-28 01:31:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a good question.
2006-11-28 00:37:08 · answer #10 · answered by jonas_tripps_79 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋