2007-12-19 01:37:03 · 6 answers · asked by Brian H 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Not in the same way sound and light do.
Smell is transmitted by particles which move through the air by diffusion and/or convection. So it all depends on the fluid speed (eg wind), and the diffusivity of the particles in the medium.
The smell depends on the concentration of particles around your nose. Obviously as you go further from the source, the concentration levels off and the intensity of the smell decreases.
2007-12-19 01:44:34 · answer #1 · answered by Dr D 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Smell is a sensation due to the olfactory sensors present in your nose detecting small particles. When you smell something, it's small particles of what you're smelling reaching your nose.
Since the particles travel through air with random motion, of course they have an average (or maybe we should use root mean square, to be more statistically accurate) velocity. I recall reading somewhere that it's around 400 m/s typically...
2007-12-19 01:45:03 · answer #2 · answered by Deep B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is why we have the speed of smell JK
smell is actually caused by particles, may vary because of the wind.
2007-12-19 01:46:06 · answer #3 · answered by Quixoni D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't be surprised if someone has published (or will soon publish) a book on the theology of smells. Bad smells are caused by "demons" who hasten to convey it from their Bad Smell Labs to the noses of sinners. If you are righteous, then you can't smell any bad smells. To test someone for guiltiness, place him inside a dirty porta-potty on a hot day and see if he reacts to any olfactory demons.
2007-12-19 02:37:18 · answer #4 · answered by elohimself 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-12-19 01:44:05 · answer #5 · answered by Rana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im sure it does. i cant find it anywhere. i guess it would be however fast it took your nose to process the scent to your brain. really, really, really, fast.
2007-12-19 01:42:49 · answer #6 · answered by Mariah B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋