Body & Senses
Why can people experience the same smell differently?
One scent, two different impressions: Puschel and Flauschi compare their ideas.
The short answer
The nose detects scent substances in the air and sends signals to the brain. Experiences affect whether we like a smell. So the same scent can feel pleasant to one person and unpleasant to another.
An imagined Wusel scene
Puschel and Flauschi investigate
At the woodland bench, a familiar bar of soap reminds Puschel of home. Flauschi does not like its smell. He is surprised, then asks her about it.
They put the soap aside: neither has to like a scent just because the other does.
Try explaining it
Two people feel differently about the same scent. What can contribute?
Choose a), b) or c), then explain your choice.
- a)The smell must be equally pleasant if both smell the same amount.
- b)A different rating proves one of the noses does not work.
- c)Their different experiences.
Show the explanation
Correct: c): Their different experiences.
The nose detects scent substances in the air and sends signals to the brain. Experiences affect whether we like a smell. So the same scent can feel pleasant to one person and unpleasant to another.
Word help
- cell
- A tiny living unit. Living things are made of cells.
- molecule
- A small group of connected atoms, tiny building blocks of matter.
Explore in more detail
Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.
Understand step by step
How it works – simply explained
Scent molecules arrive
Tiny substances carried by air enter the nose. Smell cells respond. A scent has a physical trigger; it is not only an idea.
The brain connects messages
It processes smell signals and may connect them with memories. A familiar kitchen smell might remind someone of a happy visit.
Same smell, different impression
Someone else may associate it differently or detect it less strongly. Pleasantness is not fixed for everyone. Never sniff unknown substances as a test.
The key points again
Discovery 1
Odour molecules reach the smell-sensitive lining inside the nose.
Discovery 2
Sensory cells send signals to the brain. Experiences can influence how we judge a smell.
Discovery 3
People can find smells stronger or more pleasant than others do. Neither opinion has to be wrong.