The Science Behind Farts
Understanding the biology and chemistry of flatulence.
How Farts are Produced
Farts are produced when bacteria in the intestines break down food, especially carbohydrates, producing gases like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and methane.
The Chemistry of Farts
The distinct smell of farts is primarily due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, which contain sulfur.
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Fun Facts About Farts
- The average person passes gas about 14 to 23 times a day.
- Farts can travel at speeds of up to 10 miles per hour.
- The smell of a fart is caused by the presence of sulfur-containing compounds.