How does the odor from a dead skunk linger for so long after you drive passed it?

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I passed a dead skunk on the curb this morning and the smell lingered almost until I got to work like five minutes later. How exactly does that odor manage to stay around for so long? You’d think after a few seconds you’d drive out of the affected area.
If I was wearing infrared goggles or something would there just be a mushroom cloud of stank taking up full city blocks?

I just don’t get it!

In: Chemistry

3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Some smells are more lingering than others due to their chemical components. Some substances particles literally clings to your nose’s hair thus you keep smelling them even if other people around you would not. I guess that’s the case with skunks too.

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