q_id stringlengths 5 6 | title stringlengths 3 296 | selftext stringlengths 0 34k | document stringclasses 1
value | subreddit stringclasses 1
value | url stringlengths 4 110 | answers dict | title_urls list | selftext_urls list | answers_urls list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1v7jd1 | why do some people bother uploading illegal content for us all to view/download? what do they gain from it? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1v7jd1/eli5_why_do_some_people_bother_uploading_illegal/ | {
"a_id": [
"cepgqqh",
"cephj8z",
"cephss4",
"cepi4xv",
"cepi5ro",
"cepiaqe",
"cepiscu",
"cepkepl",
"cepkhu6",
"cepkmt6",
"cepkpc1",
"cepla3n",
"ceplrt7",
"cepmunb",
"cepoa58",
"ceppmsi",
"cepzul4",
"cepzws7",
"ceq1fg6",
"ceq29vu",
"c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4o0o3e | labor party vs liberal party vs the greens (in australia)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4o0o3e/eli5_labor_party_vs_liberal_party_vs_the_greens/ | {
"a_id": [
"d48lias",
"d48n40s"
],
"score": [
15,
3
],
"text": [
"Remember that when you're voting you need to give a preference to each party and can even decide to Vote 1 for a small party you haven't heard of before (or, if you live in the electorate of Grayndler, Meow-Ludo Disco Gamma... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.abc.net.au/news/federal-election-2016/",
"http://www.abc.net.au/news/federal-election-2016/guide/electorates/",
"http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-25/key-issues-where-the-parties-differ/7421638",
"https://votecompass.abc.net.au/"
],
[]
] | ||
a50k0e | what’s the difference between gas stations, and why might one get their gas at other locations? | I always get my gas at Chevron, but that’s just because that’s where my dad always gets his. Costco gas is really cheap and I want to get it there, but I don’t know what the difference is. There also plenty of places cheaper than Chevron, but I’m not sure how gas quality would affect my car at all.
I want cheap gas, ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a50k0e/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_gas_stations/ | {
"a_id": [
"ebiwu9u",
"ebixy87"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"My understanding is that it comes down to additive package and volume. \n\nFind s station that’s top tier and moves a lot of fuel. \n\nThe top tier means it has more than bare minimum federal mandated additives which is good... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5ahflb | how can there be a lake under a sea? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ahflb/eli5_how_can_there_be_a_lake_under_a_sea/ | {
"a_id": [
"d9ghc0y"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Waters of different densities don't easily blend together, so it's not a lake, but it's segmented layers of waters that may be of different temperatures and salinity. \n\nFor example, when the oceans near the poles freeze, only the water freezes,... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
546zx8 | difference between von neumann architecture and harvard architecture? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/546zx8/eli5_difference_between_von_neumann_architecture/ | {
"a_id": [
"d7zjgzz"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"The Harvard architecture has separate memory stores for instructions and data. The von Neumann architecture has just one. The von Neumann architecture allows instructions to be manipulated as data, which is helpful in more complex systems. A basi... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6c7zdh | why can't you feel it when you're on a commerical flight and the airplane makes a turn that is practically perpendicular to the ground? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6c7zdh/eli5_why_cant_you_feel_it_when_youre_on_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"dht10h5"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"When you're in a turning vehicle, \"centrifugal force\" (*) tends to push you toward the outside of the turn. At the same time, gravity pushes you downward, so the total force on you is down and outward, on a diagonal.\n\nWhen a pilot makes a \"... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
ai22ta | dirty glasses appear clean | So I (relativly) recently got glasses. The one thing that baffles me is how often I take them off and see that they are very dirty, but appear clean when being worn. How is this possible? The light IS passing though the dust, grease, and fingerprints regardless right? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ai22ta/eli5_dirty_glasses_appear_clean/ | {
"a_id": [
"eekcl1n"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Your brain is really good at ignoring parts of your vision where you can't see as well. In fact, there's actually a blind spot in your visual field right now where there are no photoreceptors on your retina. But, you brain edits out this blind sp... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
13mf2e | why we cant just put water on dry skins? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13mf2e/eli5_why_we_cant_just_put_water_on_dry_skins/ | {
"a_id": [
"c757j04",
"c757p8c",
"c758ib5",
"c7590xm",
"c75com2",
"c75fyqu",
"c75g9kb"
],
"score": [
6,
405,
10,
36,
4,
3,
5
],
"text": [
"Water evaporates on the skin, so it wouldn't create any new moisture.\n\nLotions work under one of two actions... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://saveyourself.ca/articles/reality-checks/epsom-salts.php"
],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1hlvns | why doesn't the us just go to sheremetyevo airport and get snowden themselves? | Thanks. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hlvns/eli5_why_doesnt_the_us_just_go_to_sheremetyevo/ | {
"a_id": [
"cavkwuv"
],
"score": [
14
],
"text": [
"Because they have no authority to make arrests on Russian territory. And the entire airport is Russian territory. All that stuff about a transit zone being something other than fully a part of Russia is just a diplomatic convenience. It has n... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1s4dqa | why do some coins have ridged edges and some have smooth edges? | Why do the quarter and dime have ridges, while the penny and nickel have smooth edges? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s4dqa/why_do_some_coins_have_ridged_edges_and_some_have/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdts5kr",
"cdtse1z"
],
"score": [
2,
5
],
"text": [
"As far as I'm aware, they are to help blind people distinguish different value coins when they have similar sizes as others",
"\"Milled\" edges were originally used to deter people from filing or clipping silver off the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4q4y58 | why do cats bring us dead animals? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4q4y58/eli5_why_do_cats_bring_us_dead_animals/ | {
"a_id": [
"d4q6o82",
"d4q6s3i"
],
"score": [
4,
3
],
"text": [
"I read somewhere that it's because they think you're a giant dumb cat that can't feed itself so they're trying to feed/take care of you.",
"Animals teach their young how to hunt and introduce them to the concept. The own... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2uq46e | why is a bad idea to double up on rubber bands for braces? | Sorry for the noon question, but I've had my braces for more than a year and I haven't seen much improvement in terms of bite. I heard somewhere that doubling up on rubber bands speeds up the process, but aside from giving me stark warnings, Google can't explain why. Someone explain? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2uq46e/eli5_why_is_a_bad_idea_to_double_up_on_rubber/ | {
"a_id": [
"coanci1",
"coao51x"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"My ortho told me to double up on bands..but that was years ago, things might have changed. I'd say have a talk with your ortho about how her or she sees your case going and whether or not doubling up (or using stronger bands... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
454wgs | how come some of my subs randomly disappear from my drop down menu? | For example, I subscribe to r/nba, and yet [it's not listed at all in my drop down menu](_URL_0_). I have to search for 'NBA' and then go from there. What's the deal? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/454wgs/eli5how_come_some_of_my_subs_randomly_disappear/ | {
"a_id": [
"czv9ly1"
],
"score": [
11
],
"text": [
"You can only have a certain amount of subscriptions in your drop down at any given time. I believe the limit is 50 but I might be wrong on the exact number. \n\nWhich subs are shown seems to be randomized, and it changes depending on which sub y... | [] | [
"http://i.imgur.com/rzv9ern.png"
] | [
[]
] | |
59kfvd | why does the winter sun seem so harsh? | Once summer ends the sun is killer in both the morning and evening when leaving work. Even on the hottest days of summer the suns not that blinding. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/59kfvd/eli5_why_does_the_winter_sun_seem_so_harsh/ | {
"a_id": [
"d995hqy"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"In the winter the sun spends more time lower in the sky. It's actually less bright since the rays are traveling through more air, but it's in your eyes more than in the summer when it is higher in the sky."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5u5055 | how does a universal remote work? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5u5055/eli5_how_does_a_universal_remote_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"ddregmy",
"ddrel11"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"Each kind of remote has its own special language. \n\nUniversal remotes know all of the languages but you have to tell them which one to use \n\n\nOr it pretends to be what ever remote is needed to do what you want ",
"T... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
bvmhnm | how are some traits heritable? | Why do some traits, like skin tone, seem to be a mix of both parents, where others like eye & hair colour are from a single parent? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bvmhnm/eli5_how_are_some_traits_heritable/ | {
"a_id": [
"epqjh9x",
"epqjtnk"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"So genes are what makes something heritable, you get one set from each parent and for some characteristics there is a single dominant gene and a single recessive one meaning you express only one gene from one parent.\nHoweve... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
46hpz4 | why are conservatives fiscal plans considered to be the best choice when it comes to national economies. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46hpz4/eli5_why_are_conservatives_fiscal_plans/ | {
"a_id": [
"d057pvy",
"d058bfz",
"d05e555"
],
"score": [
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"You are likely paying more attention to conservative-leaning media.\n\nNobody knows *for sure* the best way to fix the economy. It's possible for different people to look at the same set of evidence and... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9v1fca | what's the difference between a dean, director, superintendant, principal or any other word used for the head of school? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9v1fca/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_dean_director/ | {
"a_id": [
"e98m9az"
],
"score": [
10
],
"text": [
"A principal is typically the head of a school, overseeing all the teachers and staff. A superintendent runs a school district, which includes multiple schools. So they are the principal's boss. A dean is typically below a principal and deals wit... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1m4hda | how is it u.s. debt can remain exactly $16,699,396,000,000 ($25 million below legal limit) since may 17? | And the U.S. deficit spends tens or even hundreds of billions every month since. Very strange...
I keep hearing and reading the above, and at first blush it seems as though there is something corrupt or illegal going on. Maybe so, but before I make up my mind, I turn to you guys for some help understanding how this ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1m4hda/eli5_how_is_it_us_debt_can_remain_exactly/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc5obw5"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Which of your sources list the US debt every day since May 17?\n\nThis source summarizes the debt and shows it changing every day:\n\n_URL_0_"
]
} | [] | [
"http://www.cbo.gov/publication/44552",
"http://www.fms.treas.gov/dts/index.html"
] | [
[
"http://www.treasurydirect.gov/NP/debt/search?startMonth=05&startDay=17&startYear=2013&endMonth=09&endDay=10&endYear=2013"
]
] | |
59yf7v | why are baseball teams forced to play so many games compared to other sports? | MLB - 162 Games
NBA - 82 Games
MLS - 34 Games
NFL - 16 Games
Compared to other sports they play almost double of the next closest sport. Why is that?
Edit: 162 games, not 164 (sorry) | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/59yf7v/eli5_why_are_baseball_teams_forced_to_play_so/ | {
"a_id": [
"d9cbgtc",
"d9ccdav",
"d9cchir",
"d9cdgy5",
"d9cedb0",
"d9ckfl9",
"d9cmwec"
],
"score": [
17,
2,
28,
10,
6,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Baseball is 162 games not 164. I would say that baseball is not as physically demanding as the other sports an... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
jbmvc | li5 how can you own a house, but not the land that it's built on? and what exactly are property taxes? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jbmvc/li5_how_can_you_own_a_house_but_not_the_land_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2as0nr",
"c2ase73",
"c2ashm6",
"c2asj3l",
"c2as0nr",
"c2ase73",
"c2ashm6",
"c2asj3l"
],
"score": [
22,
2,
3,
3,
22,
2,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"I can try to help a little. With property tax, you are paying for the space that your 'Pr... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2b5m2w | why is that when i drink water or soda, i feel full after a while, while with beer, there's no stopping me? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b5m2w/eli5_why_is_that_when_i_drink_water_or_soda_i/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj20i4h",
"cj21mhm",
"cj21nyr",
"cj23y4b",
"cj27fog",
"cj2au6m"
],
"score": [
6,
6,
22,
2,
8,
3
],
"text": [
"That's the complete opposite for me..",
"Thats some unusual soda.",
"By the time you have drank enough to feel full [for me it ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3zpl66 | why are human boobs bigger than any other animals? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zpl66/eli5_why_are_human_boobs_bigger_than_any_other/ | {
"a_id": [
"cynycfc",
"cynytt5",
"cyo153g",
"cyo16k1",
"cyo3q5o",
"cyoa7zm",
"cyobo5q",
"cyocdva",
"cyoikyo",
"cyojc1i",
"cyom77h",
"cyoo6gg"
],
"score": [
353,
15,
33,
123,
8,
2,
7,
5,
5,
5,
4,
4
],
"text": [
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.theguardian.com/science/2010/may/06/women-penis-size"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5f6592 | why does an extreme lack of sleep seem to temporarily change an individuals mannerisms and personality? | For example, if I go a very extended length of time without sleeping and I'm at a point where I don't feel tired at all, I've noticed I tend to get a bit "goofy" with how I act. I've also noticed that I have less of a filter and will verbally respond to things much differently than I would otherwise.
& nbsp;
Very ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5f6592/eli5_why_does_an_extreme_lack_of_sleep_seem_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"dahpzrg",
"dahrmmt",
"dahvxds",
"dahxm35",
"dai39nd",
"dai52mw",
"dai554l",
"dai5xc8",
"dai66pv",
"dai73f1",
"dai7bz1",
"dai7l4i",
"dai8kms",
"daibwge",
"daibwz3",
"daichdb",
"daifha1",
"daigk9j",
"daigtfq",
"daih6ho",
"d... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://science.sciencemag.org/content/342/6156/373**"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5en948 | why are humans more or less shades of tan and brown instead of blues, greens, etc.? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5en948/eli5_why_are_humans_more_or_less_shades_of_tan/ | {
"a_id": [
"dadq5tv"
],
"score": [
21
],
"text": [
"Short Answer : Melanin.\n\nAnswering your question involves a mix of understanding biology and a little physics.\n\nMelanin is a pigment that is naturally produced by your body, from the metabolism of an amino acid called tyrosine. This pigment ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1mkrr4 | spontaneous combustion | How? Why do people spontaneously combustion? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mkrr4/eli5_spontaneous_combustion/ | {
"a_id": [
"cca54qe",
"cca9bgj",
"ccaaq6g"
],
"score": [
11,
4,
10
],
"text": [
"Nobody really knows for sure, due to its weird nature. However, it is accepted that two things are needed: fuel and ignition.\n\nFuel is either methane produced from digested foods (farts) being excre... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_combustion"
],
[]
] | |
35fg2z | why do i always see empty cars on the side of the highway with rags/plastic bags out the window? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35fg2z/eli5why_do_i_always_see_empty_cars_on_the_side_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"cr3wq8z"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"those are broken down/out of gas cars and the bag is supposed to indicate that the car isn't abandoned and someone will be coming back for it"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4tugfx | does the maestro or conductor of an orchestra really make a difference by standing there waving their wand? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4tugfx/eli5_does_the_maestro_or_conductor_of_an/ | {
"a_id": [
"d5kdc4e",
"d5kdtb1",
"d5kgb93",
"d5kl9n1"
],
"score": [
4,
14,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"Yes! So the sheet music is basically a guideline to follow. The conductor will change things as they go, making the music flow with what they feel is right. Conductors actually do... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
8gkxf3 | why does florida have so many sinkholes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8gkxf3/eli5_why_does_florida_have_so_many_sinkholes/ | {
"a_id": [
"dycijse",
"dycka29"
],
"score": [
10,
2
],
"text": [
"Florida used to be largely under the ocean, because the water was higher and it's a flat state. Much of the state now is on top of the Florida Aquifer, which is sort of like a big limestone sponge filled with water and cave... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLn_ARzBRhQ"
]
] | ||
6ijjgs | why aren't you supposed to put car batteries on the ground? | I have a small understanding of how batteries work through an Electric Engineering class in college but I still don't know why I shouldn't. I have heard the saying of "grounding the battery" but wouldn't the case around protect it from that? Would charging it afterwards not fix it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ijjgs/eli5_why_arent_you_supposed_to_put_car_batteries/ | {
"a_id": [
"dj6rj6t",
"dj6rkuu",
"dj6rldf",
"dj6rmm2"
],
"score": [
3,
8,
5,
4
],
"text": [
"Yeah, there is no issue on setting a car battery on the ground. The issue comes in turning a battery sideways or upside down. Sometimes a battery can become unsealed and leak causi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.homepower.com/articles/solar-electricity/equipment-products/ask-experts-batteries-concrete"
]
] | |
6ow7wd | with a few exceptions, the most popular vocalists throughout history are ones with high vocal ranges, not low. why do humans enjoy high pitched singing so much? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ow7wd/eli5_with_a_few_exceptions_the_most_popular/ | {
"a_id": [
"dkktis1"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"In classical music, it is typical for the melody to be played on a high-pitched instrument, such as flute, trumpet, or especially violin. This is because those instruments, in a higher register, are easier to hear over the rest of the orchestra.... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
15v2wc | why do computers with ssd's need ram? | Since SSD's are basically the same flash memory as RAM, why do computers that have SSD's need RAM? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/15v2wc/why_do_computers_with_ssds_need_ram/ | {
"a_id": [
"c7q2022",
"c7q3y9r",
"c7q54t6"
],
"score": [
10,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"RAM is not the same as flash memory. While flash memory is faster than hard drives, they're still about 100 times slower than RAM.",
"Imagine your computer's memory like modes of transportation, an... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4hg7sc | what are the rules of evidence law and what are they there for? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hg7sc/eli5_what_are_the_rules_of_evidence_law_and_what/ | {
"a_id": [
"d2pilu8"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"That's not really something you can answer in the form that a five year old can digest but I'll try. \n\nWhen you argue without rules there is no end to the argument. You can see this in the classic case of \"he started it mom v did not you did\"... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
16zl83 | eli15: where does google get the satellite footage for their services from? (google earth, etc) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16zl83/eli15_where_does_google_get_the_satellite_footage/ | {
"a_id": [
"c80vft8"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I've looked into buying satellite imagery for my research, which would require getting in touch with a company that has a private satellite (KokorHekkus mentioned Rapid Eye, but just a quick search turns up [Ikonos](_URL_4_), [Digital Globe](_URL... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/",
"http://www.geoeye.com/CorpSite/",
"http://imgur.com/WfFaghw",
"http://www.digitalglobe.com/",
"http://www.satimagingcorp.com/gallery-ikonos.html"
]
] | ||
2af57c | how does dog the bounty hunter work? | Im trapped at home after hernia surgery and watching abc. I roughly understand bonds. But is he sanctioned by the government or local authorities because theh seem very paramilitary. Thanks :) sorry if this isnt clear im on a ton of painkillers D: | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2af57c/eli5_how_does_dog_the_bounty_hunter_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"ciuf14q"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Bail bondsmen are not affiliated with law enforcement "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2osmcs | why do some people love and crave the feeling from roller coasters or waterslides, while it makes others feel ill? is it pure emotion, or are they actually having physiologically different experiences? | For context, I went to a water park with my SO and his son this weekend. They went on every slide multiple times and couldn't get enough. I went on two, and both made me feel nauseous, messed up my equilibrium for a long while after, and were generally not fun, though I wanted them to be.
This has been the case since... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2osmcs/eli5_why_do_some_people_love_and_crave_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmqd13y"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"There is a slight difference between adrenaline junkies(i.e thrill seekers) and non-junkies. Basically, adrenaline junkies have less sensitive adrenaline receptors, and there need more adrenaline to feel the rush. On the ther hand, non-junkies ge... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6pti1k | how does smelling something work? i saw a post today that a small test tube of a particular substance could make a half mile radius smell, does this mean particles of this are strewn that far? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6pti1k/eli5_how_does_smelling_something_work_i_saw_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"dks2uka"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"That's exactly what is means.\n\nAir molecules travel at a few hundred miles per hour, but you don't feel it because they are so small an all going in different directions. By the time they get too far away from the source, they are usually too ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1xhp5y | how does r/imgoingtohellforthis have 300 million+ subscribers when a subreddit such as r/pics only has ~5 million? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xhp5y/eli5_how_does_rimgoingtohellforthis_have_300/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfbfdsn"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"They have 300,000 subscribers. The 666 at the end is a joke."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
46h2z9 | why does thoroughly washing frequently not prevent acne? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46h2z9/eli5_why_does_thoroughly_washing_frequently_not/ | {
"a_id": [
"d05179o",
"d0517u0",
"d0519fl",
"d053wd5",
"d054wd6"
],
"score": [
4,
6,
3,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"You can't really wash under the surface of the skin now can you? ",
"Acne can also be caused by diet, and sometimes washing too frequently can irritate yo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
f01hgb | how can there be a margin of error for something that is counted? you see this being said all the time during election season when votes are being reported. votes are counted right? it seems like this is the most simple type of math that should not have any error associated with it. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f01hgb/eli5_how_can_there_be_a_margin_of_error_for/ | {
"a_id": [
"fgqxkb9",
"fgqz1g3",
"fgqwg9o"
],
"score": [
10,
2,
4
],
"text": [
"You mostly see margins of error in polls. The pollster calls 1000 people and extrapolates to the population of California. That's a statistical sampling activity, and there is always uncertainty.\n\n... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1r0rb9 | why can we predict solar bodies' movements and eclipses a thousand years from now, but we have trouble predicting the weather tomorrow? | The weather is here in our atmosphere and space is so far away. And yet we can predict space much more accurately. Why? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r0rb9/eli5_why_can_we_predict_solar_bodies_movements/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdieg7k",
"cdient1"
],
"score": [
5,
3
],
"text": [
"Because the motions of planets etc. are very steady and regular. Things happen almost like clockwork, unless you start talking about the small stuff like comets. \n \nWeather, on the other hand, is a very complex, inter... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1lf0ww | the european union. what was the point, and what are the perceived outcomes of this economic alliance? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lf0ww/eli5_the_european_union_what_was_the_point_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbyktfb"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"It was founded in the 50s as a Coal and Steal trade partnership. Parts of the reasons for the First World War and thus WWII, were that there is a inherent inequality between European countries as far as natural resources are concerned. Back then,... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1sudp7 | what causes things in the universe to just move on their own? | I get inertia and gravity has something to do with it but I'm still pretty confused.
Edit: when I say "universe" I mean space. The galaxies and such are moving away from each other at a very fast rate. What causes this? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sudp7/eli5_what_causes_things_in_the_universe_to_just/ | {
"a_id": [
"ce1bk2e"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"What do you mean? Move how? "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2ll23e | identical vs. fraternal twins/triplets/etc. which parent contributes to/causes which? | I understand the basics of the biology behind twins:
Identical siblings = the mother released one egg from the ovaries, which split into 2+ embryos after the sperm fertilizes the egg
Fraternal siblings = the mother releases multiple eggs from her ovaries, which are each fertilized by the sperm
I assume (but please c... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ll23e/eli5_identical_vs_fraternal_twinstripletsetc/ | {
"a_id": [
"clvtso2"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Identical twins do not run in families, but fraternal twins do. It appears that there is a gene that either a mother or father can pass on to their daughter that causes hyperovulation (meaning these women are more likely to release multiple eggs ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-genes-influence-whethe/",
"http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/02/health/02real.html?_r=0"
]
] | |
x2tz3 | how people are tracked on the computer | For Example:
the 4chan burger king incident, how to the person find the OP? is it some sort of program they have, or... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/x2tz3/eli5_how_people_are_tracked_on_the_computer/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5iobap",
"c5iocj5"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"There are lots of ways to track people on the internet, it all depends on what position you are in. All web servers keep a log of everybody who visits the site, page, datetime, ip address and similar variables unless the web... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
849929 | why does sugar-free chewing gum not stick to braces like bubble gum? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/849929/eli5_why_does_sugarfree_chewing_gum_not_stick_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"dvo8idr"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Sugar is sticky. Sugary gum is sticky. Sugar-free gum is not sticky. Ergo lack of sugar may be the answer."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8fohjw | can someone explain how charging by induction works? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8fohjw/eli5_can_someone_explain_how_charging_by/ | {
"a_id": [
"dy56m74"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Any time you have a conductive material with relative motion in a magnetic field, you get induced voltage and possibly the flow of electricity through that conductor. \n\nCharging by induction just places the conductive material within a moving e... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
86s328 | i read that scientists managed to bring back an animal called the quagga. could they do the same with the northern white rhino? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/86s328/eli5_i_read_that_scientists_managed_to_bring_back/ | {
"a_id": [
"dw7ex5l",
"dw7exnd",
"dw7f62p",
"dw7g7v8",
"dw7js9o"
],
"score": [
8,
24,
11,
11,
3
],
"text": [
"They are using selective breeding to bring back something like the quagga.\n\nWith the white rhino, which is one of two subspecies in the area that are qui... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heck_cattle"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
1f6b50 | medical records and doctor/patient confidentiality. | I've noticed that when I go to a new doctor they sometimes already know a few things about my health which I assume they are getting from my medical records. How exactly does this work?
What all information would those records contain and how are they being accessed? Is there a special program or something that only l... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1f6b50/eli5_medical_records_and_doctorpatient/ | {
"a_id": [
"ca77nqh",
"ca7c0j1"
],
"score": [
2,
6
],
"text": [
"They usually can't get your records unless you sign a release for them to do so. An exception would be electronic records, or even your paper chart, that another doctor has access to. ",
"So it is a bit of a complicated... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
3bvsa6 | how do we continue growing seedless watermelon? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bvsa6/eli5how_do_we_continue_growing_seedless_watermelon/ | {
"a_id": [
"cspyhz3"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"From seedless watermelon seeds. \n\n\nSeedless watermelons are basically a sterile hybrid. You take two different watermelon plants that are perfectly capable of forming seeds on their own and cross pollinate them. The plants that grow form the ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
ksptm | what's happening in côte d'ivoire? | It would be really appreciated if someone could explain the historical context of what's happening in the civil war also :) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ksptm/eli5_whats_happening_in_côte_divoire/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2mxwzu",
"c2mxwzu"
],
"score": [
4,
4
],
"text": [
"***HISTORICAL BACKGROUND***\n\nAround 1890 or so, the French established a colony in Ivory Coast, and proceeded to exploit it for its natural resources without preparing the natives for any kind of self-government. After Wo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9jmgxp | why are some tumors are cancer and some are not? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9jmgxp/eli5_why_are_some_tumors_are_cancer_and_some_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"e6sk756",
"e6swflv"
],
"score": [
5,
3
],
"text": [
"So a tumor is any unregulated growth, basically. Your body is supposed to keep your organs and blood vessels at a certain size, as some cells of the organs die and are replaced by others. \n\nA tumor, however, is when that g... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5kxuzh | how did news travel across the atlantic so fast during the late 18th century? | Just read that word reached the United States of the French Revolution four days after it began. How is that possible when ships crossing the Atlantic usually took two months to make the journey? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5kxuzh/eli5how_did_news_travel_across_the_atlantic_so/ | {
"a_id": [
"dbreewc",
"dbrgcfm",
"dbrihsy"
],
"score": [
5,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"It really didn't travel that fast. News was delayed for as long as it took to take it across on ships. They couldn't even get news moved reliably on land. During the War of 1812, the famous Battle of Ne... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transatlantic_telegraph_cable"
]
] | |
4lxmah | why is newspaper so different from regular paper? | If I take a load of recycling to my recycling center, they have separate bins for "paper" and "newspaper". What's up with that? Obviously they're made differently, but what is that key difference? Why is newspaper made the way it is? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lxmah/eli5_why_is_newspaper_so_different_from_regular/ | {
"a_id": [
"d3qx1w1",
"d3qx7ct",
"d3qx8hv"
],
"score": [
4,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Newspaper is cheap thin paper made from generally shorter pieces of fibre, in addition it has a large amount of printing ink per volume of paper. All these factors add up to paper which isn't really wor... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
364scr | how exactly does adding your phone number secure your account? | Is it just so that if you forget your password, they can text it to you? Because that's stupid. I don't want Facebook knowing **that** much information about me. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/364scr/eli5_how_exactly_does_adding_your_phone_number/ | {
"a_id": [
"craq7iy"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"The other answers have missed out on one of the big points of this. If your phone number is added, you can use their \"one time password\" feature, if you're in a place like a hotel or coffee shop where the network may not be secure or any time y... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
a5ftye | why are bulls so angry? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a5ftye/eli5_why_are_bulls_so_angry/ | {
"a_id": [
"ebm92ov",
"ebm9nu8"
],
"score": [
15,
6
],
"text": [
"In my experience they typically aren't. Even if they fight/butt heads, it's to establish a hierarchy not out of anger. Even around humans they are very calm.\n\nI'm assuming you're asking after seeing something like the run... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5x4vlj | do we digest liquid foods such as soup or yogurt through urine or feces? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5x4vlj/eli5_do_we_digest_liquid_foods_such_as_soup_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"def8v2j"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"When you eat food, it goes into your stomach where you start digesting it. The food then moves into the small intestine where it continues to get digested. What's leftover finally moves into the large intestine where your body gets the last nutri... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3ofvoo | why are different franchises allowed to use tolkien's lore (elves, orcs, etc)? | This was a two part question but I found the answer to the first part here (thanks to the tooltip on submit button). So if Tolkien "invented" the elves/orcs/goblins/dwarves why do so many movies/games/books use them?
If I wanted to shoot a movie with about spiderman in mass effect setting I'd get shot down quickly. I... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ofvoo/eli5_why_are_different_franchises_allowed_to_use/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvwtin4",
"cvwtizk",
"cvwtky8",
"cvwtliv",
"cvwtm1b",
"cvwtm4b",
"cvwtmd7",
"cvwtz7o"
],
"score": [
11,
4,
5,
2,
2,
5,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Tolkien didn't invent elves, goblins and dwarves. They already existed in Scandinavian myth... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5coaql | why is a keyboard space bar so large? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5coaql/eli5why_is_a_keyboard_space_bar_so_large/ | {
"a_id": [
"d9y1rxw",
"d9y4nys"
],
"score": [
5,
3
],
"text": [
"It makes it easier for your thumbs, they meet up in one place and that takes up more space than the tip of any other finger when in traditional typing \"finger stance\" (idk what to call it)",
"Not only is it the only ke... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
autst2 | how do medical professionals determine whether cancer is terminal or not? how are the stages broken down? how does “normal” cancer and terminal differ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/autst2/eli5_how_do_medical_professionals_determine/ | {
"a_id": [
"ehajmhk",
"ehammqr",
"ehamrfd",
"ehaw7eb",
"ehb6d3x",
"ehb749o",
"ehbedh0",
"ehbeqsf",
"ehbf6ey",
"ehbgpxy",
"ehbjd53",
"ehbkh49",
"ehc9qua",
"ehceidh"
],
"score": [
23,
3,
48,
9006,
3,
2,
4,
3,
3,
4,
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Tumour_heterogeneity_linear_vs_branched.pdf/page1-1280px-Tumour_heterogeneity_linear_vs_branched.pdf.jpg"
],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://cancerstaging.org/references-tools/deskreferences/D... | ||
2pt8vi | what are nootropics, and is there any evidence that they really work? | On a basic level, I know that nootropics are chemicals and supplements that alter your mind in some desirable way, but can anyone offer a better or more informed description? Is there any scientific or clinical evidence that suggests nootropics actually work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pt8vi/eli5what_are_nootropics_and_is_there_any_evidence/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmztrh6",
"cmztrqp"
],
"score": [
3,
5
],
"text": [
"Nootropics are a type of drug that is purported to improve mental functions and increase overall mood. They can be drugs, vitamins, superfoods, or supplements. Some are legal, but not FDA-approved.",
"Nootropics are a cl... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1y44o7 | why do trucks and buses use air brakes instead of hydraulic brakes? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1y44o7/why_do_trucks_and_buses_use_air_brakes_instead_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfh73h1",
"cfh7rbz",
"cfhjcw1"
],
"score": [
13,
7,
2
],
"text": [
"It's a fail-safe system. Hydraulic brakes are fail-deadly, if they fail, the car is likely to crash, it loses its ability to brake. Air brakes actually use springs to clamp the brakes, the air pressure... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_brake#Special_considerations",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_brake_%28road_vehicle%29#Advantages"
],
[]
] | ||
1lncgz | when we take a step back and look at the sun and the planets, how do we know which way is up and which way is down? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lncgz/eli5_when_we_take_a_step_back_and_look_at_the_sun/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc0wou9",
"cc0wp1r",
"cc0wsl8"
],
"score": [
5,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"We don't. In space up and down are relative directions, like left and right. \n\nUp is towards your head and down towards your feet. \n\nYou are free to orient yourself however you like. \n\n\"The ene... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3prii6 | legally, if we have the right to bear arms, why can't we own bazookas, machine guns, anti aircraft guns etc? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3prii6/eli5_legally_if_we_have_the_right_to_bear_arms/ | {
"a_id": [
"cw8qs49",
"cw8r56k",
"cw8r6vt"
],
"score": [
6,
38,
2
],
"text": [
"Some of those things ARE legal to own depending on where you live. \n\nBut in general, you're referring to a passage from the US constitution's 2nd Amendment, which reads as follows:\n\n > A well regu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2oaaxx | why can't we figure out the sex of a fetus at conception? | This is my first post on reddit ever, might as well make it unique, right?
I've actually had this question in my head for a long time, and when I saw this sub, I couldn't resist asking.
Alright, I know a bit of biology, so you can use some more complicated terms if you'd like. The biological sex of a fetus is determi... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oaaxx/eli5_why_cant_we_figure_out_the_sex_of_a_fetus_at/ | {
"a_id": [
"cml73cs",
"cml769v",
"cml7ddu"
],
"score": [
4,
5,
2
],
"text": [
"I believe, and my biology is rusty, that we all start out as female and there is a point where the Y gene gets activated, which is when we turn male. So then a simple blood test wouldn't work. Plus, whe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2bccz7 | what is credit and why is it necessary? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bccz7/eli5_what_is_credit_and_why_is_it_necessary/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj3whdq"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"* I'd say yes but the better answer is it can be, because people with bad credit will be able to get (very high interest) options that people with no credit might not be able to.\n\n* You build credit by getting credit. You have to get a first ca... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
4yb54f | why is poker the game that confers the largest advantage to experienced players in the casino? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yb54f/eli5_why_is_poker_the_game_that_confers_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6mdw1l",
"d6meao0"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Players play against each each other in poker. The house takes a cut but the game is completely fair.\r\rEvery other game is designed so that the odds are in the house's favor.",
"You dont play against the house in Poker... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2y5sae | what would happen to the population number if there were no births for an entire year? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2y5sae/eli5_what_would_happen_to_the_population_number/ | {
"a_id": [
"cp6hmqk",
"cp6hn60"
],
"score": [
3,
6
],
"text": [
"In the U.S., there would be 3,952,841 fewer people around. (That's how many were born in 2012, the last full year data is available). ",
"I'm not sure what the number is but statistically speaking you would just need to ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
9qqkyv | i know i shouldn’t do it at all, but why does q-tipping my ears feel so damn goooood? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9qqkyv/eli5_i_know_i_shouldnt_do_it_at_all_but_why_does/ | {
"a_id": [
"e8b4ba7",
"e8b5cof",
"e8b5i6t"
],
"score": [
3,
3,
4
],
"text": [
"We call them Eargasams in our house. Feels so good because it’s difficult to scratch otherwise?",
"Haha I am so glad it’s not just me. The whole time I am in the shower, I think about those glorious... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
60kakl | why does harmony, especially harmony by multiple human voices, sound so pleasurable to our ears? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60kakl/eli5_why_does_harmony_especially_harmony_by/ | {
"a_id": [
"df7akqn"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Harmonies are created when multiple notes are played together and blend to make a sound. Certain notes blend better together due to differences in frequencies. There is a mathematical method to finding those notes. Notes that blend well together ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
37nhtt | gymnastics question. how come men don't compete on the balance beam and uneven bars and women don't compete on the still rings, parallel bars and high bar? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37nhtt/eli5_gymnastics_question_how_come_men_dont/ | {
"a_id": [
"cro7r27",
"crod55x",
"croffyo"
],
"score": [
144,
49,
3
],
"text": [
"Gymnastics has been around for a long time and goes back to the days when women and men had different roles in society and different appreciations of their athleticism. So the gymnastic sports that w... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKa6OA6I-X0"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
19dqtz | what is a philosophical zombie? | I really want to know but the concept is really hard for me to grasp. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19dqtz/elif_what_is_a_philosophical_zombie/ | {
"a_id": [
"c8n5e2s"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"Imagine someone who's like a person in every single way. They talk about their hopes and dreams, they laugh at jokes, they eat and sleep and poo, and their insides all work the same as ours. There's only one difference; this someone isn't *consci... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2mbn2n | my rights, or lack thereof, when encountering the tsa in an american airport. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mbn2n/eli5_my_rights_or_lack_thereof_when_encountering/ | {
"a_id": [
"cm2ptg3"
],
"score": [
11
],
"text": [
"You are required by law to comply with legal orders of border control agents, the TSA, and police.\n\nYou are not obligated to incriminate yourself. So you do not have to answer any questions they ask you.\n\nIf you have entered a border contro... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3sfrh0 | how is my high school able to block cellular service in the school. | As soon as you step into my High School, all cell service goes down. It is not just Verizon, it is ALL cell service on all phones. Anywhere you walk in the school there is either one bar or no service. They are somehow blocking the cell service, because as soon as you walk a 15-20 foot radius away from the school, the ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3sfrh0/eli5_how_is_my_high_school_able_to_block_cellular/ | {
"a_id": [
"cwwtaug",
"cwwwsro"
],
"score": [
13,
4
],
"text": [
"Lots of building have a facade on them that is made from, among other things, a layer of wire mesh. While not intended for this purpose, the wire mesh acts as what's called a [Faraday cage](_URL_0_). This will severely inte... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage"
],
[]
] | |
7axkse | how does speaker phone calls avoid feedback? | Whether it's on our cell phones or at work - speaker phones, how do the calls work so well without feedback? I realize that the quality is lower when using the hands-free or speaker phone but I still don't understand how it works at all. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7axkse/eli5_how_does_speaker_phone_calls_avoid_feedback/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpdrbvn",
"dpenn7z"
],
"score": [
4,
5
],
"text": [
"When the phone plays loud audio from the other side, it lowers microphone sensitivity in order to prevent it from being picked back up again. Sometimes it isn't enough and the other end still hears an echo of themselves.",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
238z8z | excise tax | tax season and what not | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/238z8z/eli5_excise_tax/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgunpen"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Excise taxes (short for exercise taxes) are taxes paid when purchases are made on a specific good, such as gasoline. These are taxes the government puts in place to encourage its citizens to use other forms of transportation, like riding a bike o... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2xcrz9 | why are ancient but still clearly real and historical people considered 'mythical'? | E.g. [Romulus and Remus](_URL_0_) from the foundation myth of Rome. There's ample historical support that these were real people even if much of what we know about them is subject to speculation, embellishments, and tall tales meant to enhance their stature. Or are they considered mythical because the exact details/sto... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xcrz9/eli5why_are_ancient_but_still_clearly_real_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"coyxuxy",
"coyy56z",
"coyzgs1",
"coz0wh1",
"coz5hao",
"coz9vif",
"cozatig"
],
"score": [
42,
4,
3,
19,
2,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"Romulous and Remus may have been real people, but most of the stories about them are almost certainly myths. (Su... | [] | [
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romulus_and_Remus"
] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.google.com/shopping/product/3289162438398637478?safe=off&biw=1153&bih=683&q=remus++rome+book&oq=remus++rome+book&prds=paur:ClkAsKraX_1zgyL50gOp6DGjaxOhNbQnihnn-7DvoA4DUt2CzFkUZQrhgGe0BUOOjty9L1eh3uBpGjKVZtLnMffu_0Rc92_hwUuR7Wk2R3E5JYy-gnDstJ... | |
3w1lou | what is a phonics sound or word fragment common to all languages? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3w1lou/eli5_what_is_a_phonics_sound_or_word_fragment/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxskun5",
"cxsl4yy",
"cxsl9zu"
],
"score": [
5,
3,
6
],
"text": [
"The words for mother and father are pretty similar around the globe because they tend to be the first sounds a baby is likely to make. \n\n\nEx: 妈妈 (māma) and 爸爸 (bàba)",
"Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!\n\nBecau... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.smithsonianmag.com/ist/?next=/science-nature/everybody-almost-every-language-says-huh-huh-180949822/",
"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/09/arts/that-syllable-everyone-recognizes.html?_r=0"
]
] | ||
4qm0qv | how do physicists use complex equations to explain black holes, etc. and understand their inner workings? | In watching various science shows or documentaries, at a certain point you might see a physicist working through a complex equation on a chalkboard. What are they doing? How is this equation telling them something about the universe or black holes and what's going on inside of them?
Edit: Whoa, I really appreciate all... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4qm0qv/eli5how_do_physicists_use_complex_equations_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"d4u0z8k",
"d4u1gbi",
"d4u3ysr",
"d4u7y1s",
"d4ul21k"
],
"score": [
14,
1979,
13,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"While physicists *do* use chalk boards, most serious research is done on computers. Using computers allows for faster calculation, easier sharing of info... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4k2847 | how can aircraft dissapear from radars? | We are getting a lot of duplicates of this question in the past hour so I'm putting up a sticky to consolidate all the questions and explanations here.
For those out of the loop, this is regarding the missing EgyptAir flight today. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4k2847/eli5_how_can_aircraft_dissapear_from_radars/ | {
"a_id": [
"d3bi2kd",
"d3biso2",
"d3bj0d4",
"d3bl76v",
"d3bv740",
"d3cpfwr"
],
"score": [
94,
2,
15,
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Because we don't use \"Primary Radar\" all the time.\n\nPrimary radar sends out a signal, bounces off an object and comes back to the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_position-indicating_radiobeacon_station"
]
] | |
e9gw95 | how would a spacecraft just bounce off the atmosphere into space? | In movies at least, astronauts in desperate times have mentioned that unless they get to a certain angle or re-entry window, they would bounce off the atmosphere into space. What’s the science behind that? What conditions have to be perfect for re-entry and why? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e9gw95/eli5_how_would_a_spacecraft_just_bounce_off_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"faisewz",
"faiw1j0",
"faixwcp"
],
"score": [
2,
4,
9
],
"text": [
"you don't normally think of bouncing off water, but if you throw a rock at the right angle and velocity it bounces of the surface of the water. Air and water behave the same in this regard, it just req... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
8cq7rq | what is a major key and a minor key? | My musical background is required elementary school recorder-playing music class.
I can read basic sheet music ("Every Good Boy Does Fine" and "FACE") and know quarter, half and whole notes. And what a treble and bass clef are and that the treble clef indicates that C is the baseline...and that's about it.
What is a ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8cq7rq/eli5_what_is_a_major_key_and_a_minor_key/ | {
"a_id": [
"dxgwps8",
"dxgwzeg",
"dxgx1pt",
"dxh7kqm",
"dxhbz31",
"dxhcvb9",
"dxhgmr9",
"dxhkn9d"
],
"score": [
3,
94,
15,
122,
8,
24,
7,
7
],
"text": [
"The major and minor differ in a couple ways. It is defined by the 3rd note of a scale. ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1la2t5 | why do many people believe they've got nothing to hide? doesn't everyone have secrets? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1la2t5/eli5_why_do_many_people_believe_theyve_got/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbx6e6c",
"cbx79ba",
"cbxb240",
"cbxdpfn"
],
"score": [
5,
4,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"I assume this is in relation to NSA type monitoring?\n\nEveryone has secrets but generally only on the personal life/gossip level, rather than the national security or illegal acti... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2upizp | if the united states wanted to join the british commonwealth would it be permitted to? | I'm referring to the [Commonwealth of Nations](_URL_0_) , *not* a Commonwealth Realm.
I know that a key principle to the US government is disassociation with the idea of monarchy. However, knowing that they are historically connected and that they share language, culture, and democracy would the US even stand a chance... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2upizp/eli5_if_the_united_states_wanted_to_join_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"coahetq",
"coahf23",
"coajwr5"
],
"score": [
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Yes it would. It used to be under British administration and it wouldn't have to adopt the Queen as the head of state anyway. That isn't required for membership. It would also have to agree with the Har... | [] | [
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Nations"
] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Nations_membership_criteria"
],
[]
] | |
c0ya1x | how and why does music sound good? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c0ya1x/eli5_how_and_why_does_music_sound_good/ | {
"a_id": [
"er8w51d",
"er925xo",
"er96er1"
],
"score": [
44,
2,
7
],
"text": [
"Short answer: Because you have been programmed with expectations that you enjoy being either fulfilled or subverted.\n\nLong answer: the only universal element in music is the perfect fifth, which is a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
epqwur | how is there such a large supply of aged cheeses? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/epqwur/eli5_how_is_there_such_a_large_supply_of_aged/ | {
"a_id": [
"fel5a0y"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Many 'aged' cheeses only need 12-18 months to be considered 'aged'. It's not hard for a manufacturer to just 'put away' a fixed amount of their production each year, and then only make it available for sale the following year. If we assume produc... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
38avjr | why do gallon jugs of drinking water cost $0.99, while bottled water costs $1.29 for a quart? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38avjr/eli5_why_do_gallon_jugs_of_drinking_water_cost/ | {
"a_id": [
"crtna52",
"crtnac0",
"crtncya"
],
"score": [
6,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"The short answer, you're willing to pay for it.\n\nTap water is a few pennies a gallon. Fancy bottled water is more, because it's fancy bottled water. It's marketed differently, packaged in a nice bottl... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
586j1c | cell division & growth | More specifically the actual growth of the cell, when the cells are growing, it is just smaller building blocks being added onto another. After you get down to an atom, how can something smaller be added? More specifically is it possible that there is something smaller than an atom? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/586j1c/eli5cell_division_growth/ | {
"a_id": [
"d8xuq80"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"There are things smaller than atoms. Subatomic particles. It gets a bit hairy down there. Nuons and gluons, and some other stuff that rhymes.\n\nBut they don't usually come in to play when discussing cell growth and division. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1u1yjb | how is recording things to your dvr not piracy? | You are completely allowed to record television shows and movies to a DVR supplied by you cable companies, to watch them whenever you want. But if you download the same television shows and movies onto your computer to watch whenever you want, and its piracy. Whats the difference? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1u1yjb/how_is_recording_things_to_your_dvr_not_piracy/ | {
"a_id": [
"cedplcs",
"cedplle",
"cedqdaw",
"cedqgvg"
],
"score": [
2,
7,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"This isn't new to DVRs.\n\nThe problem existed as soon as home VCRs were invented. In 1984, [Universal took Sony to court](_URL_0_) and argued exactly this point.\n\nCopyright law ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/01/the-court-case-that-almost-made-it-illegal-to-tape-tv-shows/251107/"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
53znxz | why is colin kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem such a big deal? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53znxz/eli5_why_is_colin_kaepernick_taking_a_knee_during/ | {
"a_id": [
"d7xm0jx",
"d7xmauc",
"d7xmeck",
"d7xn3ke",
"d7xnfou"
],
"score": [
9,
21,
4,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Some people think that if you don't stand up for the national anthem you're unpatriotic and shitting on the US and veterans. These people are upset that he i... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.google.com/amp/www.nydailynews.com/amp/sports/garcia-time-put-national-anthem-sporting-events-article-1.2647068%3f0p19G=e?client=safari"
],
[]
] | ||
2edxlp | why do chargers, such as my macbook charger, get scalding hot while charging? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2edxlp/eli5_why_do_chargers_such_as_my_macbook_charger/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjyjbm4"
],
"score": [
26
],
"text": [
"Because they are converting Alternating current to Direct Current, and also changing the voltage. These can't be done perfectly efficiently, and so the \"waste\" is given off as heat. Part of the reason for the inefficiency is that when electric... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVf2JssdYWg"
]
] | ||
1qdzjo | why is graphene not the highest priority in every country's budget ? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qdzjo/why_is_graphene_not_the_highest_priority_in_every/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdbuj65"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Great research in one area doesn't matter in the slightest if you aren't paying the bills to maintain your society. \n\nEven if you factor out the day-to-day sort of costs like infrastructure maintenance? Well two things: A lot of research is don... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
99r9sm | what exactly happens to my thumbprint while working out that makes touch id not work? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/99r9sm/eli5_what_exactly_happens_to_my_thumbprint_while/ | {
"a_id": [
"e4pvexx"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Apple's Touch ID works by comparing a high resolution picture of your current finger to a stored version that you set up earlier. It compares whorls, ridges, and bumps, just like a finger print examiner might.\n\nThat being said, it faces the sam... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2uvj6i | how is the dollar "backed by oil"? what exactly does this even mean. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2uvj6i/eli5_how_is_the_dollar_backed_by_oil_what_exactly/ | {
"a_id": [
"coc1c81",
"coc1i97"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The USD isn't \"backed by oil\" any more than its \"backed by gold.\" That's a statement by someone who doesn't understand how world politics and international economics.",
"The idea of currency being backed by something... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
etzohe | how does topographical prominence work? | I’ve read multiple times on how a mountain can have a certain prominence in relation to nearby peaks, but can’t fully understand the math that determines this. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/etzohe/eli5_how_does_topographical_prominence_work/ | {
"a_id": [
"ffk7zzn"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Imagine you are standing on a mountaintop and the sea level starts rising. Eventually, the mountain will become an island, and at the moment, the topological prominence will be the distance from the mountaintop to the water.\n\nIn more technical... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2wrj7h | why is there after every http in a link ://? | So a link usually starts with http:// and I know what http stands for but what's with the ://? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wrj7h/eli5_why_is_there_after_every_http_in_a_link/ | {
"a_id": [
"cotg72b",
"coth1bk"
],
"score": [
3,
4
],
"text": [
"A URL is a specific kind of URI. A URI is a way to identify the location of a specific resource in a network (such as a webpage). Different types of URIs have different formats, but they all share the same basic structure:\n... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"ftp.dlink.ru/pub/"
]
] | |
2rrbhr | how did i just get an electric shock from touching a carrot? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rrbhr/eli5_how_did_i_just_get_an_electric_shock_from/ | {
"a_id": [
"cniicf4",
"cnij6i2",
"cnijarb"
],
"score": [
2,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"I'd assume it's like when you get a shock from another person, static electricity.\nOr sorcery.",
"[This was the closest explanation I could find from a quick Google search.](_URL_0_)",
"The car... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/673654/673654,1288902933,8/stock-photo-electric-carrot-64399771.jpg"
],
[]
] | ||
4cw3dp | how do vr headsets that use the phone screen within close proximity to the eyes not damage peoples' vision? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cw3dp/eli5_how_do_vr_headsets_that_use_the_phone_screen/ | {
"a_id": [
"d1lujk9",
"d1lumpx",
"d1lvntt",
"d1m0e7t"
],
"score": [
2,
63,
17,
13
],
"text": [
"Vision isn't damaged by proximity it's damaged by over exposure to incredibly bright light. As long as you have the brightness set to a reasonable level you'll be fine.",
"F... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
41czoi | why didn't space travel get cheaper and easier after roughly 50 years from apollo 11? | A relative of mine doubts the moon landing happened, and he asked me that question. Whats the answer? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41czoi/eli5_why_didnt_space_travel_get_cheaper_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cz1eqg7",
"cz1ese7"
],
"score": [
12,
8
],
"text": [
"It has - it's now commonplace (for a small selected group of people) and so cheap that we can have over 2,000 satellites currently in space.\n\nEDIT tyop.",
"Space travel is significantly cheaper and easier today than i... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29341850"
]
] | |
d4mi6c | how did chemists in the past discover and collect gaseous elements such as helium? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d4mi6c/eli5_how_did_chemists_in_the_past_discover_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"f0ebzjm",
"f0efohl"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Helium was discoed by observing light from the sun the name is from Helios the Greek word for the sun.\n\nSpectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. Different atoms and molecu... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium#/media/File:Helium_spectrum.jpg"
],
[]
] |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.