This odor is created when at least 30 odorants of equal intensity that span olfactory physiochemical and psychological (perceptual) space are mixed. The resultant odor percept is the same as every other mixture of 30 odorants meeting the span and equivalent intensity criteria, even though the various mixtures do not share any common odorants.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Olfactory white is the term used to describe the phenomenon where a mixture of various odorants (at least 30), none of which share a common scent, can produce a consistent and recognizable odor when they cover a broad range of olfactory space and are of equal intensity. This concept is analogous to white noise in acoustics, where a mix of frequencies at a constant intensity is perceived as a steady, uniform sound.

This Odor Is Created When at Least 30 Odorants of Equal