Chapter U2.41, Problem 8E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether some smells are faster than other must be explained.

Concept introduction:

How fast a smell will be obtained depends on how fast the molecule can reach to the nose and bind with nasal receptor.

Answer to Problem 8E

Some smells are faster as those molecules can bind faster with nasal receptors as compared to other molecules.

Explanation of Solution

Rate of diffusion of molecules depends on the size. Small molecules can diffuse faster as compared to large molecules. Again some molecules have shapes which fit with the nasal receptors. So these molecules can easily bind with nasal receptors and can give the sense of smell.

Conclusion

All molecules don’t have same speed of diffusion and all molecules can’t bind faster with nasal receptors. So some smells are faster than the other.