Which concept describes the lowest detectable concentration of a compound by smell?

The concept that describes the lowest detectable concentration of a compound by smell is known as the odor threshold. This term refers to the minimum amount of a substance that can be perceived by the human olfactory system. When the concentration of a volatile compound reaches this threshold, it becomes detectable as a scent. Understanding odor thresholds is crucial in fields like perfumery, food science, and environmental monitoring, as it determines how sensitive we are to various smells.

In contrast, volume sensitivity typically refers to the perception of loudness or intensity in auditory stimuli, not olfactory perception. Scent intensity relates to how strong or overpowering a scent can be once detected, but it does not define the minimum concentration needed for detection. Aroma range implies a spectrum of scents that can be identified but does not focus on the lowest level at which a scent can be perceived. Thus, the correct term that encompasses the concept of the lowest detectable scent concentration is odor threshold.