Question 1

Why do flowers smell nice?

Accepted Answer

Flowers have nice smells to attract insects like bees. These insects help flowers by moving pollen from one flower to another, which helps them make seeds and grow.

Question 2

Why does rotten food smell bad?

Accepted Answer

Rotten food smells bad because tiny things called bacteria and mold start breaking down the food. They release smelly gases that tell us the food isn't good to eat anymore.

Question 3

Why does the rain have a fresh smell?

Accepted Answer

When rain hits the ground, it mixes with oils and tiny particles, creating a fresh smell called petrichor. This smell is especially strong after it hasn't rained for a while.

Question 4

How does a skunk make such a strong smell?

Accepted Answer

Skunks have special glands that release a strong, smelly liquid. They use this smell to scare away predators or anyone that might want to harm them.

Question 5

Why does popcorn smell so good when it pops?

Accepted Answer

When popcorn pops, it releases a mix of delicious smells. The heat turns water inside the corn into steam, making it burst and releasing the yummy scent we love.

Question 6

Why do our feet sometimes smell bad?

Accepted Answer

Our feet sweat a lot and sometimes bacteria on our skin mix with sweat, creating a smelly compound. Wearing shoes for a long time makes it worse because the smell gets trapped.

Question 7

Why can the smell of cookies make us feel happy?

Accepted Answer

Smelling cookies can remind us of happy times, like baking with family. Our nose can send these 'happy' messages to our brain, making us feel good.

Question 8

Why does gas have a strong smell?

Accepted Answer

Gasoline and natural gas are mixed with strong-smelling chemicals because it helps us notice if there's a leak. This is important for safety because gas can be dangerous.

Question 9

Why do new cars have a unique smell?

Accepted Answer

New cars have a special smell because of different materials like plastic and fabric inside them. These materials release gases when they're new, creating that one-of-a-kind scent.

Question 10

Why does chocolate smell so good?

Accepted Answer

Chocolate has many special chemicals that create a sweet smell. When chocolate melts in our mouths or hands, the smell becomes stronger, making it even more delightful.

Question 11

Why does bread smell nice when it's baking?

Accepted Answer

Baking bread releases lots of delicious smells due to the ingredients cooking together. The heat makes molecules in the bread change, sending a warm, inviting scent to our noses.

Question 12

Why do people use perfumes?

Accepted Answer

Perfumes are made with nice-smelling oils and ingredients to help people smell good. They can also remind us of certain places or people, making us feel happy or special.

Question 13

What makes a lemon smell sour?

Accepted Answer

Lemons have a special oil in their skin that gives a fresh and sour scent. This smell is a natural way for lemons to protect themselves from pests.

Question 14

Why does smoke smell strong?

Accepted Answer

Smoke from burning wood or other materials contains tiny particles that spread through the air. These particles can make a strong, noticeable smell that we recognize quickly.

Question 15

Why do eyes water when cutting onions?

Accepted Answer

Onions release a gas when they're cut, which can make our eyes sting. Our eyes produce tears to wash away the gas and protect our eyes from the intense smell.

Question 16

Why does a dog's breath sometimes smell bad?

Accepted Answer

Dogs can have bad breath if bacteria grow in their mouths or on their teeth. Just like us, they need to keep their teeth clean to have fresh breath.

Question 17

Why do some people like the smell of gasoline?

Accepted Answer

Gasoline has a unique scent that some people's brains might find interesting. This doesn't mean it's safe, so it's important not to sniff it on purpose.

Question 18

Why do fruits like bananas smell sweet as they ripen?

Accepted Answer

As bananas and other fruits ripen, they release more of their sweet-smelling chemicals. These scents let animals know the fruit is ready to eat, so they can help spread seeds.

Question 19

Why does soap smell good?

Accepted Answer

Soap is made with special fragrances to make it smell nice. This makes washing hands or taking a bath more enjoyable and helps us feel clean.

Question 20

How does our nose smell things?

Accepted Answer

Our nose has tiny cells that can detect different smells in the air. These cells send signals to our brain, which tells us what we're smelling.

The Chemistry of Everyday Smells - 20 FAQs Explained Simply