Can You Smell a Molecule? | Viewer Challenge
It may be true that seeing is believing, but molecules are hard to see. Sometimes, however, we can smell them. Broghan and Róisín use their sense of smell to explore the world on the nanoscale and complete the Smelly Balloon Viewer Challenge for the Compact Science episode “My City Smells like Cheerios.”
Scent molecules are so small that they can travel through the balloon’s semipermeable membrane. In fact, they’re so tiny that they’re measured in nanometers (a billionth of a meter)!
Air gradually leaks out of balloon because the molecules inside the balloon move through the pores of the balloon’s skin, in a process known as diffusion. Air always diffuses from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure. An inflated balloon has greater air pressure than the air around it, so the air inside the balloon gradually escapes.
Be sure to watch the Compact Science episode- My City Smells Like Cheerios where Sarajane explores the science behind the sweet smells that waft over Buffalo from the General Mills plant. We learn about the vital role the Maillard reaction plays in the smell, taste and appearance of food. The Maillard Reaction happens every time you heat a mixture of sugars and amino acids, both of which are in Cheerios.
Complete a Compact Science Viewer Challenge for your Chance to Win!
WNED PBS is teaming up with the Buffalo Museum of Science for a "Compact Science" Giveaway. To win a Family Membership to the Museum, please submit a video and/or photos of you (and/or the children in your life) participating in one of our "Compact Science" Viewer Challenges. The more Viewer Challenges completed, the more entries you receive. Learn more at www.org/compact-science/
Check out all out Compact Science Viewer Challenges on our website - www.wned.org /compact-science/ and be sure to share your results.
Funding for Compact Science was provided in part by the Joy Family Foundation and the New York State Education Department. Visit wned.org for more WNED PBS original productions.
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