WONDER #54: Why Do Onions Make You Cry?

Question 1 of 3

According to this WONDER, emotional, basal, and reflexive are what?

1. Types of onion.
2. Types of tears.
3. Types of cell membranes.
4. None of the above.

Question 2 of 3

How does chopping onions cause our eyes to water, according to this WONDER?

1. The onions cells rupture, releasing a gas that irritates the eye
2. The liquid contents of cells spray up into our eyes.
3. Only a few people react to onions with watering eyes.
4. None of the above.

Question 3 of 3

How might you keep your eyes from watering while chopping onions?

1. Chop the onion under running water or submerged in a tub.
2. Make sure your onion is cold--put it in the refrigerator or freezer for a bit before slicing.
3. Cut the onion from the top.
4. All of the above.

Check your answers online at https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/Why-Do-Onions-Make-You-Cry.