Chapter U2.46, Problem 8E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Reason for not noticing the odor in a restaurant or a room after some time is to be explained.

Concept Introduction :

Humans can feel different kinds of smells. Our nose is sensitive to many smells but smelling a substance for a prolonged period of time may reduce its effect after some time.

Explanation of Solution

The smell of the molecules that can exist in gaseous form can be easily detected as they can reach the receptor sites of our nose.

When one enters a restaurant or a room that smells, our nose recognizes a new smell and the receptors are sensitive to that smell for some time. After some time the nose gets used to the smell and stops recognizing it. It starts looking for the new smell. That is why the smell cannot be further noticed.

Conclusion

Thus, our nose is sensitive to variety of smells but it stops noticing a smell after some time if one continues smelling that substance.