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4burnj
why do officials test urine instead of blood for drugs in professional sports?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4burnj/eli5why_do_officials_test_urine_instead_of_blood/
{ "a_id": [ "d1clezg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They actually do test blood under some conditions in sports. However, urine tests are very non-invasive, easy, and reliable. Blood testing is more reliable, but more invasive and people don't like that too much, and urine tests are good enough ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
52yc9g
what is the scientific reasoning behind feeling peaceful during a near death experience?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52yc9g/eli5what_is_the_scientific_reasoning_behind/
{ "a_id": [ "d7oppv0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Full disclosure: I'm not an expert. However, from what I have learned there is a chemical in your brain which is released both at birth and death/during near death experiences. DMT - as I know it (there may be other, or more technical terms) - ca...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6vdt86
if the human throat has two pipes, one for breathing and one for swallowing, why do we choke when something gets stuck in our throat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6vdt86/eli5_if_the_human_throat_has_two_pipes_one_for/
{ "a_id": [ "dlzg6up", "dlzgc0y", "dlzgfvp" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "You choke for one simple reason. I shall explain. We choke because the food gets stuck in your breathing pipe, which cuts off air.", "when you're swallowing normally, there's a flap that covers your...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5qnnix
if your accent has changed since you were a kid, why is it that after a few drinks you revert back to the old accent?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5qnnix/eli5_if_your_accent_has_changed_since_you_were_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dd0onqz", "dd0oxrn", "dd0rm9g", "dd0skwc", "dd0st74", "dd0uns1" ], "score": [ 36, 19, 17, 12, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "It takes effort (unconscious effort after some length of time) to maintain a different accent than your first; when you're drinking ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://bodyodd.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/07/18827543-hey-yall-why-yous-guys-accents-come-back-when-youre-drinking" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
67oo0c
what was it about the russian winter that deliberated the german army and gave the russians the edge to push forward and make it through?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/67oo0c/eli5_what_was_it_about_the_russian_winter_that/
{ "a_id": [ "dgs0cpw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The German army were not prepared to fight a war in winter. When designing the equipment there are a lot of things to take into consideration. A uniform that is pleasant to use during summer might not offer a lot of warmth during the winter. Simi...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aizlyq
what happens in the brain when someone experiences claustrophobia?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aizlyq/eli5_what_happens_in_the_brain_when_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "eeru92r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Fears are not easy to describe, although it is commonly a logical pathway. \n\nClaustraphobia is likely less about small spaces and more about lack of freedom or lack of escape routes. So when you are in a small space you could freak out by think...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
21w34r
if we don't actually touch anything and all we feel is the molecules pushing against each other, why do we get sticky after touching something like a lollipop
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21w34r/eli5_if_we_dont_actually_touch_anything_and_all/
{ "a_id": [ "cgh1y90", "cgh57px" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the molecules from the lollipop are attracted to the molecules of our skin...", "The people who say that are splitting hairs. Yes, atoms are mostly empty space, so you're not really \"touching\" things in the int...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8ic2rt
how does a hose work with an attachment? how does it not explode off? does the water pressure stop?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ic2rt/eli5_how_does_a_hose_work_with_an_attachment_how/
{ "a_id": [ "dyqljqf", "dyqmej1", "dyqr1fv", "dyquddf" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the attachment is either crimped or clamped onto the hose in such a way that it can withstand the pressure of the water. ", " > Does the water pressure stop?\n\nPressu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
48bo0l
how do people with birthdays on february 29th get their age calculated with things like drivers licenses and passports?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/48bo0l/eli5_how_do_people_with_birthdays_on_february/
{ "a_id": [ "d0ibwyd", "d0ibznt" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Just like everyone else. Just because the exact day of your birth doesn't appear that year doesn't mean you don't age that year. On non leap years, they legally turn a year older on March 1st.", "Your mileage may vary ba...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5hzn20
how does a "secure" website connection actually work?
I understand that the data we exchange with the target server is encrypted, so that's what makes it secure against an ISP trying to spy on your info. BUT for either party to decrypt the data, they would need like the key or password to do so right? So this key/password needs to be transmitted between the two parties.....
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5hzn20/eli5_how_does_a_secure_website_connection/
{ "a_id": [ "db4747y", "db47tuu" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "This is a great question. The short answer is that no, unless there's a known bug or vulnerability, the ISP can't decrypt these messages.\n\nThe magic is called \"secure key exchange\", and it's basically a way for both the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6ocnhg
why did the term/joke "ethiopian food" have to be specifically ethiopia, don't countries like sudan/zimbabwe have bigger starvation problems?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ocnhg/eli5_why_did_the_termjoke_ethiopian_food_have_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dkgcvng", "dkgcyci" ], "score": [ 7, 5 ], "text": [ "The 1983–85 famine in Ethiopia affected around eight million people, resulting in one million dead. There were a number of telethons, fund raisers, and news reports specifically about Ethiopia. Sally Struthers rammed the im...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cci9lj
why is there so much concern about humans overusing antibiotics, but so little with regard to animal feed and cafos?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cci9lj/eli5_why_is_there_so_much_concern_about_humans/
{ "a_id": [ "etn20wb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There is concern in agriculture. It's to the point that antibiotic-free meat is used as a marketing point. I've been in a bunch of restaurants (even chains like subway and Chipotle) where the menu and/or big signs in the windows advertise antibio...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4p48gu
how would thermoregulation in humans be maintained if half of the body was exposed to extremely cold temperatures and the other half to extremely warm?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4p48gu/eli5_how_would_thermoregulation_in_humans_be/
{ "a_id": [ "d4i8x3e" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Essentially, you're circulatory systems would keep your organs at a fairly neutral temperature, but your extremities would likely suffer. Especially the skin. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
12bndj
why roast beef turns green
as a subway worker I get hassled each day by customers and I really need an explanation.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/12bndj/eli5_why_roast_beef_turns_green/
{ "a_id": [ "c6tpz5x", "c6tq02f" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Reflectivity and luminosity in the cellular structure of beef produces green light (555nm.) You can’t see this color when the meat is fresh because hemoglobin produces the color red and humans cannot see both red and green ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
jjg30
how rainbow tables work
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jjg30/eli5_how_rainbow_tables_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c2cmbxs", "c2cmpx4", "c2cp5jy", "c2cmbxs", "c2cmpx4", "c2cp5jy" ], "score": [ 12, 2, 2, 12, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "\"If done well\" website don't store your actually password as password. They convert the password to what's called a Hash. A Hash is ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Md5" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Md5" ] ]
1vhusf
why the way people interact while driving and on the internet are so similar despite the interactions taking place on different mediums with different consequences.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vhusf/eli5_why_the_way_people_interact_while_driving/
{ "a_id": [ "ceself6" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "We feel safe from retribution." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9neae0
why is it more efficient to produce energy by fusion instead of nuclear power?
i once read an article where it says fusion is like one million times more efficient to gain power then a power plant (hope you get the point, english isn't my first language) Edit: i mean fission vs fusion
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9neae0/eli5_why_is_it_more_efficient_to_produce_energy/
{ "a_id": [ "e7lmigi", "e7lmvm9", "e7ln6o7", "e7ltl3z", "e7p7i63" ], "score": [ 5, 57, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Fusion is nuclear power, just a different type.\n\nIf you fuse together elements lighter than iron they release energy, if you split atoms (fission) heavier ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
4nqk0r
why are many of the threads regarding the shooting closed today?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4nqk0r/eli5_why_are_many_of_the_threads_regarding_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d460uj5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Been posted here 3 or 4 times. Mods remove it as its not complex enough of a question. Yet none of the have an answer." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5o06sb
why do department stores put small clothing sizes on the top shelves and xl on the bottom?
I just came from a Target store, and like many places they rack undergarments (in the men's section) so that the small sizes are up high, and the larger stuff is at the bottom. Do they get a kick out of seeing short guys jump and big guys bend over to look at underwear? I don't get it.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5o06sb/eli5_why_do_department_stores_put_small_clothing/
{ "a_id": [ "dcfkh9z", "dcfo6ns", "dcfp5im" ], "score": [ 9, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "You don't stack something bigger on top of something smaller it doesn't look good and falls over. Didn't you ever play with blocks as a kid?", "Because the most visually appealing clothing are small...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1w0id7
what's stopping anyone from forming their own isp and providing faster data rates? i'm sure investors would jump over it and you would lure a lot of the market.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1w0id7/eli5_whats_stopping_anyone_from_forming_their_own/
{ "a_id": [ "cexjfo3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You would need hundreds of millions of dollars for the equipment you would need to hook everyone up together. I don't really think investors want to go that way. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5w9lb8
what is an ip address and what role does it play in tracing online activities back to you?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5w9lb8/eli5_what_is_an_ip_address_and_what_role_does_it/
{ "a_id": [ "de8d1is", "de8gdgu", "de8gfvz", "de8gjhd", "de8j4v2", "de8puth" ], "score": [ 3, 34, 3, 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "An IP address is actually an address. It's a number that uniquely identifies anything that connects directly to the internet.\n\nAs for...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "wee.reddit.com", "www.reddit.com" ], [], [] ]
3fes1e
why can't we just do the reverse reaction of rust to remove it?
Isnt rusting just oxidizing a metal, for example 2Fe + O2 -- > 2FeO. Why cant we just reverse this reaction? How would we reverse it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fes1e/eli5_why_cant_we_just_do_the_reverse_reaction_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ctnxz94", "cto96rh" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "That would require energy, one could...but cost. It's easier to have the oxygen react with something else, such as a cleaning agent.", "The oxidation of iron releases a lot of energy. So much so, in fact, that it can [cu...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blast_furnace", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI5whCBV0bk" ] ]
2c8qyu
why are some teeth whiter than others (in the same mouth)?
For instance, my incisors are whiter than my canine teeth.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c8qyu/eli5_why_are_some_teeth_whiter_than_others_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cjd3law" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "That \"in the same mouth\" clarification killed me!" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
20jakr
why do humans still insist on dividing ourselves up into arbitrary nations?
It just seems to me that we could achieve so much more if we just stopped fighting and competing among ourselves all the time. Why can't we take away the borders and nations and live as one species, live as Earthians? We would save so much just on military expenditure alone. Look at China and the recent "Jade Rabbit" ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20jakr/eli5_why_do_humans_still_insist_on_dividing/
{ "a_id": [ "cg3seai" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "All animals are territorial & for good reason. let's say you have found a good hunting ground & someone comes along & either takes it away from you or takes so much that there's not much left for you. That's what happened to the indians. \n...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
arm7ro
why does the water behind a boat become incredibly smooth for a period after the boat passes?
Water behid boats is incredibly smooth after a boat passes evem though swell is still rolling through, why does it happen and how does it last so long?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/arm7ro/eli5_why_does_the_water_behind_a_boat_become/
{ "a_id": [ "ego3zjg" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It displaces the water it’s moving through, as the waves move in behind it to fill back up the open space they’re equidistant and when they collide they cancel each other out until the tide naturally takes over again." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2spz3y
why are video games still being refused classification in australia despite the introduction of an r18+ rating back in 2013?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2spz3y/eli5_why_are_video_games_still_being_refused/
{ "a_id": [ "cnry5tk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is understandable why this may be confusing. The existence of an R18+ rating may suggest to most people that they should be able to sell/buy whatever game they like. \n\nA few quick facts:\n\n- Games must have a classification to be legally so...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012L01934" ] ]
a1xwq2
what are the alphanumeric codes associated with colors on computer paint programs? like #ff8365 etc.
How are they used?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a1xwq2/eli5_what_are_the_alphanumeric_codes_associated/
{ "a_id": [ "eatmh6x", "eatmvwx", "eatnhcl" ], "score": [ 14, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you look closely at a computer screen, you will see that each pixel is actually made of [three components](_URL_0_) - a red, a green, and a blue. Each of these smaller lights can be activated to var...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Pixel_geometry_01_Pengo.jpg" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexadecimal" ], [ "https://www.color-hex.com/color/ff8365" ] ]
9rydil
what happens if you lose a court case that requires you to pay a huge settlement but you can't afford to pay?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9rydil/eli5_what_happens_if_you_lose_a_court_case_that/
{ "a_id": [ "e8kl496", "e8kl5d3" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Most likely the government will garnish your wages. Which is just a nice way of saying they take the money straight from your future paychecks.", "You go to court and basically get put on a payment plan where a percenta...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
42ym0g
why do wet compact things catch on fire? (like hay/straw bales)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42ym0g/eli5_why_do_wet_compact_things_catch_on_fire_like/
{ "a_id": [ "cze944n" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Hay and straw bales are full of different bacteria, bacteria which begin to digest and break down the straw as it decomposes. Once the moisture level gets to a certain point, the environment becomes perfect for extremely rapid bacteria reproduct...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
25sze5
why can't a tornado become a super tornado? like over an ef5?
Why can't tornados be say 15 miles wide?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25sze5/eli5_why_cant_a_tornado_become_a_super_tornado/
{ "a_id": [ "chkfnq6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Notably in physics, there are depreciating returns on energy based on size: a tornado with twice the radius needs far, far more than twice the power. Similar effects also cap the size of plants and animals.\n\nThere's nothing explicitly forbiddin...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3vs8w1
how can the universe be infinite in size if we have measured the distance between the earth and the edge of the universe to be 46 billion light years?
Additionally, if it is expanding at a certain rate, its size should be calculable and hence, finite!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vs8w1/eli5_how_can_the_universe_be_infinite_in_size_if/
{ "a_id": [ "cxq6v8g", "cxqgy4b" ], "score": [ 11, 2 ], "text": [ "The edge you speak of is the edge of the *observable* universe, the universe we can see because light from those areas has had time to reach us. As time goes on, light from older and older objects will finally reach our loc...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
favyvh
why do airlines seem to overbook flights so often, especially when they end up having to pay extra in rewards to passengers who give up their seats?
It just seems like it happens so often, and airlines will sometimes offer you three times the price of the ticket just to stay a few extra hours. Seems like it’d be easy to just...stop selling tickets once the plane is full??
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/favyvh/eli5_why_do_airlines_seem_to_overbook_flights_so/
{ "a_id": [ "fj2xdml", "fj3w5nf", "fj0ktqz", "fj0kvg3", "fj0l5yg", "fj0l8qq", "fj0m71x", "fj0plw2", "fj0tptx", "fj0ukgx", "fj0yfic", "fj145nt", "fj1bq93", "fj1sy4p", "fj1trhf", "fj1vael" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 621, 36, 8, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
d4lrye
why must we flip clothes inside out when putting in the wash, but needn't worry about button up shirts?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d4lrye/eli5_why_must_we_flip_clothes_inside_out_when/
{ "a_id": [ "f0dz523", "f0dz5rp", "f0dzf1b", "f0e47zr", "f0e489f", "f0e7idl", "f0eb6ma" ], "score": [ 58, 28, 3, 4, 14, 5, 6 ], "text": [ "Wait... I was supposed to be flipping my clothes inside out...? All these years? Ou man.", "We have to what...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2ev6rd
what is the significance of the letter in the title of vitamins e.g. vitamin a?
Also, why are there so many different vitamin B's?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ev6rd/eli5_what_is_the_significance_of_the_letter_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ck3a8nv", "ck3a92l", "ck3ae5k" ], "score": [ 3, 26, 3 ], "text": [ "Good summary here _URL_0_", "Vitamins were named alphabetically according to which ones were discovered first. There are so many different vitamin Bs because at first all of the different types wer...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://nz.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070105231449AAtUgDM" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin" ] ]
74f5wu
can lsd desensitize the receptors it binds to, thus causing biologically based mental problems, either tempory or permanent?
I have read that any agonist being administered repetitively to a receptor can desensitize them and since the desensitization of some receptors is sometimes linked to mental health problems such as depression and such, that's why I am asking edit: typo
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/74f5wu/eli5_can_lsd_desensitize_the_receptors_it_binds/
{ "a_id": [ "dnxsann", "dnxtu27" ], "score": [ 7, 18 ], "text": [ "With my very precursory knowledge of LSD, I do not believe it does. It doesn't bind to receptors like an opiate, the tolerance you build from a dose only lasts a few days. Shouldn't be any long term effects unless you exper...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1vgcwy
why are both lack of government intervention in an economy and fascism considered 'right wing'?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vgcwy/eli5why_are_both_lack_of_government_intervention/
{ "a_id": [ "ceryvmg" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Mostly because that's not true - or rather, it isn't true that a lack of government intervention is *strictly* right wing.\n\n[Anarchism](_URL_5_), for example, is about as far left wing as you can get.\n\nThe distinction between left and right w...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_socialism", "http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/economics/proudhon/property/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitalism", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_socialism", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anar...
8raxvj
why when you have a cold, if you walk around or eat food your nose clears up, but as soon as you sit back down again it blocks back up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8raxvj/eli5_why_when_you_have_a_cold_if_you_walk_around/
{ "a_id": [ "e0q24pl", "e0q2tqi", "e0q3f1h", "e0q8q7i", "e0q8vdm", "e0q8x7v", "e0qa28o", "e0qao6p", "e0qapba", "e0qcd9j" ], "score": [ 670, 37, 12, 74, 14, 4, 4, 5, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "The blocking of your nose is essentially c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
7ks9bn
how did the tulip market during the tulip fever work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ks9bn/eli5how_did_the_tulip_market_during_the_tulip/
{ "a_id": [ "drgro6n" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "It worked much like modern-day stock markets do: tulip bulbs were only available a few months of the year, but by purchasing future options for tulips, you could keep trade going all year round. An option means that you enter into an agreement wi...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
b6hb63
if being dehydrated gives you a headache, why don’t we always wake up with a headache after 8 hours without water?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b6hb63/eli5_if_being_dehydrated_gives_you_a_headache_why/
{ "a_id": [ "ejkbm6c", "ejkewha", "ejkgdm0", "ejkjl0r", "ejkkyvh", "ejklbpu", "ejkn9c5", "ejkneyh", "ejkoy9n" ], "score": [ 61, 8, 454, 103, 24, 2, 17, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Being dehydrated CAN give you a headache, but not 100% of the t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9n9b57
when the police gets a call for crime being done from the particular place why do they come with their sirens on? doesn't that makes the criminals alert and gives them a chance to run off? exclude the hot pursuits.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9n9b57/eli5_when_the_police_gets_a_call_for_crime_being/
{ "a_id": [ "e7kig6r", "e7kjxzk" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The sirens are to protect the policemen and other people in traffic (imagine having a traffic accident or near-miss with every travel to crime scene). It might tip off the criminals but that's less serious than whatever dama...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8d1q7h
watching movies and tv shows we've already seen
I'm not sure if there's a scientific explanation but what makes us able to watch shows like Golden Girls or Charmed or movies like Clueless or The Wizard of Oz and not get bored/tired of it? Is it bc it's familiar? Bc we like/love them? What keeps us coming back to them time and time again?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8d1q7h/eli5_watching_movies_and_tv_shows_weve_already/
{ "a_id": [ "dxjk8x7", "dxjk9h1", "dxjkoha", "dxju1rn" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Humans find security in the familiar, would be a simple answer. It could also be that when we see a movie we saw (for example) during a happy time in our life, that movie reminds ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2deuah
how does a polygraph not result in inaccuracies depending on how nervous, healthy, happy, angry, etc the subject is/becomes
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2deuah/eli5how_does_a_polygraph_not_result_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cjotnet", "cjotogm", "cjotoqc", "cjou7cd", "cjouonf", "cjovcl7" ], "score": [ 11, 2, 9, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It does. Polygraph tests are wildly inaccurate methods of determining whether the subject is lying. ", "Before the official questio...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1r0x6e
the current government in russia
I have heard many call it a "dictatorship". I know its officially a democracy with Putin as president, but does he have more power than Obama, or is it a lot more complicated?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r0x6e/eli5_the_current_government_in_russia/
{ "a_id": [ "cdihc4f" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Russia has one ruling party that de-facto holds all power with Putin in charge. Every election is \"adjusted\" towards \"desired\" result. It comes to ridiculous things like \"146% of population came to vote\" in some regions. \n\nUS has 2 partie...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
khm8s
how lasers are used to measure temperature and speed.
Those laser thermometers always amazed me, I have not even the slightest clue how they work. Also curious about laser speed detection.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/khm8s/eli5_how_lasers_are_used_to_measure_temperature/
{ "a_id": [ "c2kb7ql", "c2kb7ql" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Laser thermometers exploit something called Thermal radiation. Any object that has any temperature at all emits radiation of various types. Some of this radiation is light your eye can see and, this is why for example the su...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5i650t
why is writing zeros (or 1s or random characters) one time not sufficient for formatting hard drives?
So, it is common when disposing of a computer or hard drive to wipe the data so it can't be recovered, I do this as part of my daily job often. Most hard drive wiping applications (DBAN, etc.) have several options such as the number of passes and what type of data to write to the drive (1s, 0s, random, etc.). What I do...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5i650t/eli5_why_is_writing_zeros_or_1s_or_random/
{ "a_id": [ "db5okau", "db5ud6m", "db60bkd" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Magnetic media has data stored on it in binary, but magnetic particles are similar to that in analog audio tape: the magnetic particle can be aligned in a variety of positions.\n\nSo, as an analogy, le...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.howtogeek.com/115573/htg-explains-why-you-only-have-to-wipe-a-disk-once-to-erase-it/" ], [], [] ]
jogp6
why everyone hates michelle bachman
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jogp6/eli5_why_everyone_hates_michelle_bachman/
{ "a_id": [ "c2dspga", "c2dss32", "c2dswyh", "c2dt3ry", "c2dt88q", "c2dtlbd", "c2dus06", "c2dvhkj", "c2dspga", "c2dss32", "c2dswyh", "c2dt3ry", "c2dt88q", "c2dtlbd", "c2dus06", "c2dvhkj" ], "score": [ 12, 7, 18, 3, 4, 2, 5...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://considermeacynic.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-michelle-bachmann-is-worthless.html" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://considermeacynic.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-michelle-bachmann-is-worthless.html" ], [], [], [], [] ]
co89sv
- where are education funds spent?
I always seem to see posts on social media this time of year decrying the fact that "94% of teachers have to spend their own money for classroom supplies." The numbers vary by post, but they are always in the hundreds of dollars. But the US spends an average of $12,201 per year per student, according to the Census Bure...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/co89sv/eli5_where_are_education_funds_spent/
{ "a_id": [ "ewgkua1", "ewgxya1", "ewh7puv", "ewia9t8" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Average class size is in the low 20s, so it's closer to 250k per year.\n\nSubtract the average teacher's salary, then add a prorated amount for everyone who isn't a classroom teach...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/teacher-pay/index.html", "https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED543118.pdf", "https://smartasset.com/retirement/why-your-retirement-age-matters" ], [] ]
1a82a3
what happens when you remove a brain tumour? what grows in its place, if anything?
I started thinking about tumours and realised I have no idea what happens to the body when you remove them, especially somewhere like the brain.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1a82a3/eli5_what_happens_when_you_remove_a_brain_tumour/
{ "a_id": [ "c8uxkjr", "c8v0gg6", "c8v15yx" ], "score": [ 11, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Well two things are possible...\n\nOne, you removed all the tumor cells (harder than you think). Nothing grows there. The brain of an adult doesn't grow under normal conditions. \n\nTwo, you didn't get...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://imgur.com/wq5aI" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestibular_schwannoma" ] ]
aqzizw
why is it that when you get paint at the hardware store, they mix so many colors to get the desired color rather than say yellow and blue for green?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aqzizw/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_you_get_paint_at_the/
{ "a_id": [ "egjowc6", "egjp3vj", "egjp45p", "egjpjf5" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Mixing pure yellow and pure blue in equal amounts will give you exactly one shade of green. If you use less yellow/more blue, you get a bluer looking green. If you use less blue/mo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
eh9nv4
how does a stuffed nose affect your voice so much so that it creates a deeper pitch and affects one's ability to hit higher notes when singing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eh9nv4/eli5_how_does_a_stuffed_nose_affect_your_voice_so/
{ "a_id": [ "fckirh9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "That deeper sound doesn't come from what's happening in your nose. It comes from the same thing, but happening in your throat. \n\nNasal congestion involves a swelling of nasal membranes. There are also membranes in your throat that you call v...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1v3a05
what is/is there, a maximum capacity to the human brain? and if so how is this measured?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1v3a05/eli5_what_isis_there_a_maximum_capacity_to_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ceoc96b" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Yes, the theoretical upper limit is the [Bekenstein bound](_URL_1_). In reality memory capacity is obviously significantly less than that, [estimated at something like 2.5 petabytes](_URL_0_).\n\nThe thing is, we still have a very poor idea of ho...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=what-is-the-memory-capacity", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bekenstein_bound", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRL-8-53" ] ]
2v0qak
how can we have the technology to complete safe assisted suicides but lack the technology for 'safe' lethal injections?
In what way is killing by lethal injection medically different from killing by assisted suicide?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2v0qak/eli5_how_can_we_have_the_technology_to_complete/
{ "a_id": [ "codel3d", "codeu9q", "codfd8u", "codnr3u" ], "score": [ 14, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We have the technology for both, but the manufacturer of the drugs used in lethal injections won't allow it to be sold for use in lethal injections.", "The medical establishme...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/code-medical-ethics/opinion206.page" ], [], [] ]
cnwuvd
- what is the physiological process that creates the cold/hollow feeling you get when you receive bad news or are really really sad
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cnwuvd/eli5_what_is_the_physiological_process_that/
{ "a_id": [ "ewev2wj", "ewexo57", "ewexsr5", "ewg7ok1", "ewgino0" ], "score": [ 193, 5, 29, 15, 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nI’m assuming this is akin to what you’re referring to. Basically it’s a defense mechanism. When the news is bad enough and you can’t process it...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-emotional-intensity/201810/depersonalisation-why-do-i-feel-empty-and-numb%3famp" ], [], [], [], [] ]
39wa1y
why do countries need a gold reserve? for instance, america seems to have 8k tons of gold. when would they ever need to use it? also, do they gradually buy and sell it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39wa1y/eli5_why_do_countries_need_a_gold_reserve_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cs71kso", "cs71ntl", "cs72v9q", "cs735rp", "cs7mvxl" ], "score": [ 94, 21, 5, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "They no longer need gold reserves. Countries having them was a hold over from when countries used the gold Standard to back their currency. No country curre...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
6yz8fl
why does my body's capacity limit and threshold for pee seem to change?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6yz8fl/eli5_why_does_my_bodys_capacity_limit_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dmrd6xq", "dmre3wa", "dmre7dh" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It may be that you have low grade urinary tract infection (UTI). When it flares up, your bladder becomes irritable, and you feel the frequent need to pee even though the bladder isn't full. Other times ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
r7o2b
how do boosting antenna for wi-fi routers boost the signal output? do they?
I found [this explanation](_URL_0_), but I'm quite lost because of the liberal use of jargon.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/r7o2b/eli5_how_do_boosting_antenna_for_wifi_routers/
{ "a_id": [ "c43kd7k" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Short answer: they don't boost signal output, they just direct it better.\n\nAn antenna can only put out so much signal and the standard router antennas spread it out evenly in literally all directions; imagine the signal as a perfect sphere. No...
[]
[ "http://www.amazon.com/review/R31PHMN4JXDM5U/ref=cm_cr_dp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B000SEQGT2&nodeID=172282&tag=&linkCode=" ]
[ [] ]
3kmqoz
why does house not receive as much electricity at night during the summer?
For the past month or so whenever I try to game on my PC at night my computer will shutdown after a few minutes of running most any game. When I plug my phone in to charge nothing happens, the phone just dies as if it's not even plugged in. After about 6 AM my phone will begin to charge again and my computer wont shut ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kmqoz/eli5_why_does_house_not_receive_as_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cuypwb0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "um... it's not. is your utility provider shutting down your service during those times or something? or is something else time managed in your house?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2hfbsk
if having good eyesight is an evolutionary advantage, how come so many people these days have to wear glasses? surely natural selection would have favoured those with good eyesight?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hfbsk/eli5_if_having_good_eyesight_is_an_evolutionary/
{ "a_id": [ "cks3s2u", "cks3soi", "cks459d", "cks4csy", "cks5v32", "cks8ej0" ], "score": [ 20, 4, 2, 3, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Natural selection cares about one thing: Being good enough to survive until you can reproduce.\n\nIt's not trying to create the best cr...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
yz6zh
what are the best and easiest options for an american to move to another english-speaking first-world country?
Say an American gets sick of the US and decides to move to another first-world country. What are his best options? What would require the least amount of hassle and red tape, what would be his best bet for getting a legal residence or citizenship, and just what would he have to do to actually go about getting himself s...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yz6zh/eli5_what_are_the_best_and_easiest_options_for_an/
{ "a_id": [ "c603mxu", "c603qod" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "R/iwantout might be able to help", "Be a well-educated person with marketable skills who has ties to the other country. It's not a plausible option for the average American citizen; other countries don't really need or w...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
fh765e
if the theory of entropy states that the universe continuously tends towards disorder, then how did humans (and other organisms) develop to become more complex from the earliest single cell organisms?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fh765e/eli5_if_the_theory_of_entropy_states_that_the/
{ "a_id": [ "fk9aju4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The entropy in an isolated system will always increase. This mean that there is no energy or matter added to the system. Earth is not an isolated system because a huge amount of energy is received from the sun all the time. \n\nSo for live stuff ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
121u4p
what makes cigarette tobacco taste different, compared to to a pipe or a cigar when not inhaled?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/121u4p/what_makes_cigarette_tobacco_taste_different/
{ "a_id": [ "c6rf45h", "c6rfde2", "c6rgxdp" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Please don't say volatile nicotine.", "Different tobaccos have differerent flavours. Different treatments generate different flavours as well. Take a leaf of fine Virginia tobacco, cure it, and you'...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3v0mmm
i often hear that top u.s. banking officials should be thrown in jail for their actions leading to the 2008 collapse. what exactly caused the collapse and what did the bankers do?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3v0mmm/eli5_i_often_hear_that_top_us_banking_officials/
{ "a_id": [ "cxjee0e" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Read u/iStillHavetoGoPee explanation on the housing market details. Adding my piece to ELI5 it.\n\nBasically, U.S. banking officials sold loans to the American public to purchase houses that they (the American public) couldn't possibly pay back. ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1z2qf8
how does career progression in criminal gangs work?
I'd assume it's done based on when more senior people die/are arrested, but then how is it decided who moves up the ranks? I'm guessing it depends on the type of gangs as well, but the more regimented typically seem to be the more family-orientated, which you wouldn't expect to be the most efficient way of making sure ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z2qf8/eli5_how_does_career_progression_in_criminal/
{ "a_id": [ "cfpzfll", "cfq0j89", "cfq13s7", "cfq14m4", "cfq15ip", "cfq3oj9", "cfq4r29", "cfq5f1r", "cfq85p1" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 7, 19, 9, 23, 5, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The Mafia system maybe? Soldato - Capo - Underboss - Boss\n\nMaybe t...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1HUlTKvDUI" ], [ "www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UGC2nLnaes" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2jqgwe
how all computer software basically boils down to zeros and ones. i can't fathom the number of zeros and ones to reproduce a movie digitally. how does this work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jqgwe/eli5_how_all_computer_software_basically_boils/
{ "a_id": [ "cle4wf0", "cle5jww", "cle5sa4" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, it takes a lot of ones and zeroes. That's why movies can be tens of gigabytes in file size, despite the fact that a single number takes up very little space. \n\nBasically every color has a number ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5hmvuq
why do spinning things often look like they are spinning a different way than how they are actually spinning?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5hmvuq/eli5_why_do_spinning_things_often_look_like_they/
{ "a_id": [ "db1cng6" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "This is called the [wagon-wheel effect](_URL_0_).\n\nIt happens when the rotational rate of the spinning object exceeds what our brains can pick up (our internal refresh rate). The object eventually spins fast enough that your brain is only able ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagon-wheel_effect" ] ]
ai9mie
how did the modern guitar come to be? why aren't there any guitars with strings designated for each note?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ai9mie/eli5_how_did_the_modern_guitar_come_to_be_why/
{ "a_id": [ "eem2yly", "eem37j1", "eem391q" ], "score": [ 19, 2, 23 ], "text": [ "There are guitar like instruments with strings designated for each note. For example the harp. There have been guitar like instruments for as long as there are written history. They have varied in siz...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7nou9i
how does it cost the american people tens of millions of dollars for their president to play golf?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7nou9i/eli5_how_does_it_cost_the_american_people_tens_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ds3d1xq", "ds3d820", "ds3de03" ], "score": [ 11, 7, 4 ], "text": [ "Air Force One alone costs nearly $180,000 per hour of flight as of 2012, so just taking that into account, along with the cost of security, staff, etc, you can easily see why the costs add up.", "M...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
qhrh9
the u.s.'s strong desire to make iran the bad guy.
As far as I know all reports indicate Iran isn't actively pursuing nuclear weapons and it seems as though the U.S. accuses Iran of some really outlandish things. What do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qhrh9/eli5_the_uss_strong_desire_to_make_iran_the_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "c3xpcia", "c3xpe9l", "c3xpxax", "c3xq7lh" ], "score": [ 3, 13, 10, 3 ], "text": [ "Iran wants to develop nuclear power (and arguably (and most notably) nuclear weapons). They have facilities that are nearly 100m underground and so, naturally, it seems suspicio...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
7ffnja
how is it so easy to open a refrigerator from the outside, but so difficult or nearly impossible to open from the inside?
Getting trapped inside a refrigerator was a real danger that we were repeatedly warned about as kids. I never tried it myself, but the warnings made you at least curious. If I'm strong enough to pull open a fridge with my arm, why wouldn't I be strong enough to push it open with my legs or arm from the inside?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ffnja/eli5_how_is_it_so_easy_to_open_a_refrigerator/
{ "a_id": [ "dqbgjof", "dqbgjpp", "dqbgjzr", "dqbn9tb", "dqbny1x", "dqbt0gg" ], "score": [ 18, 7, 8, 5, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Old refrigerators had latches to keep them closed. New ones don’t. So you are fine in a new fridge, but not an old old one from which t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6u6wgd
what is the process of a lethal injection?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6u6wgd/eli5_what_is_the_process_of_a_lethal_injection/
{ "a_id": [ "dlqfc70", "dlqshov" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I presume you refer to the execution, correct?\n\nThere are 3 stages for this execution, at least traditionally. The drugs involved have been, as of late, harder to acquire as the companies who make them are refusing to sell...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5n4wzd
why are animals not always in heat?
By this I mean, why is it that animals can't recproduce constantly. Because to assure more offspring, would it not be more logical to be constantly in heat to reproduce more often?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5n4wzd/eli5_why_are_animals_not_always_in_heat/
{ "a_id": [ "dc8ni16" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "I can't explain it in detail but its because they reproduce in times when reproductive success is higher, ie during times of high seasonal food supply or better weather. Humans don't have these selective pressures so we don't have breeding seaso...
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[]
[ [] ]
1wb9hl
what steps a computer takes to connect to a webpage
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wb9hl/eli5_what_steps_a_computer_takes_to_connect_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cf0czxd", "cf0d6qi", "cf0dqcq" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "When you write \"http://_URL_0_/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wb9hl/eli5_what_steps_a_computer_takes_to_connect_to_a/\" in the browser address box, the following happens:\n\n1. The browser asks a DNS se...
[]
[]
[ [ "www.reddit.com", "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wb9hl/eli5_what_steps_a_computer_takes_to_connect_to_a/" ], [ "www.google.gr" ], [ "google.com", "Google.com" ] ]
3whcxu
(nsfw?) if childbirth is so painful and has resulted in so many deaths over time, why haven't we evolved to, for example, dilate more? (or something along those lines)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3whcxu/eli5_nsfw_if_childbirth_is_so_painful_and_has/
{ "a_id": [ "cxw8aj8" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "We have. But we've _also_ evolved to have much, much bigger heads, which is why human childbirth is so exceptionally dangerous relative to other species'." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
beqe2u
why are bank vault doors round and not rectangular like normal doors?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/beqe2u/eli5_why_are_bank_vault_doors_round_and_not/
{ "a_id": [ "el7v282" ], "score": [ 27 ], "text": [ "Traditionally, they work by pushing big rods into holes in the door frame. This is easiest if the rods are all the same length, which is what a circular door gets you. The circle shape also means you can't make use of stress concentrations at th...
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[]
[ [] ]
25uila
how exactly does funding for state-funded universities work in the us? how do governments decide how much money each school gets?
SDSU: 31,899 students, $158.4 million endowment, $721.3 million budget UCLA: 42,163 students, $2.8 billion endowment, $4.65 billion budget EDIT: Added numbers.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25uila/eli5_how_exactly_does_funding_for_statefunded/
{ "a_id": [ "chkvoe3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Let's look at research techniques.\n\nStarting with [SDSU's wikipedia page](_URL_1_) we see:\n\n > Budget\t$721.3 million (2013)^[2]\n\nThat [2] is a footnote - there's a link there that runs to a source providing more information. In this case...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.thedailyaztec.com/2014/02/explaining-sdsus-budget-part-1/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_State_University" ] ]
u4yj7
the c programming languages
I've read the wonderful ELI5 on the differences of other programming languages, but what about C, C++, and C#? I have no idea what they are in the first place and why they have similar names if they're different. I would like to learn more about programming as a hobby and an explanation of these would be much appreciat...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/u4yj7/eli5_the_c_programming_languages/
{ "a_id": [ "c4sd6zl" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "A common bit of confusion is that C, C++ and C# are all different dialects of the same language. This is not the case. They are each their own different, complete language. That said, C and C++ are much more closely related to each other than the...
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3omw84
before the equal pay act of 1963, were women highly sought after by employers as a means of cheaper labor?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3omw84/eli5_before_the_equal_pay_act_of_1963_were_women/
{ "a_id": [ "cvyls2r", "cvymomv" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "My granny told me about this!\n\nWomen were typically sought after for \"woman jobs\" like clothing production, cleaning lady services and others.\n\nHowever, for \"man jobs\" such as office work, men were perceived to be mo...
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[ [], [] ]
1e6b83
american patriotism
With George Bernard Shore in mind "Patriotism is the belief that your country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it", i'm trying to examine American patriotism. (Note: this is not for an exam or report, purely for my interests). As a Brit, I look onto America and see that they are (in my mind)...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1e6b83/eli5_american_patriotism/
{ "a_id": [ "c9x7dvi", "c9x7hdk", "c9xa9hu" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "This isn't the best answer, but hopefully it's helpful.\n\nWe're told we're the most powerful country in the world -- and we are. Our GDP is about [as much as numbers 2 and 3 combined](_URL_4_). *Our GD...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_research_and_development_spending", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_military_expenditures", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_states_with_nuclear_weapons", ...
8dn5a9
how did ancient human survive not going extinct thousands of years ago if we didn't have any advance weapon
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dn5a9/eli5_how_did_ancient_human_survive_not_going/
{ "a_id": [ "dxoe35i", "dxoeat8", "dxofhgk", "dxop51g" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I know this is going to be removed for not being explaining enough but by using primitive tools... they worked just fine for basic needs such as a basic bow and arrow and a hatchet...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
4nalr7
why do objects stick to each other after a while? i.e. a textbook and a desk.
It is not a powerful bond, just enough to be noticeable upon moving the objects. A textbook will make a "click" sound when picking it up off a desk after it has been there a while.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4nalr7/eli5_why_do_objects_stick_to_each_other_after_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d429qgo" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Weak chemical bonding, air pressure, and other explanations, found here:\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/40acj8/why_do_small_objects_stick_to_our_fingers_when_we/" ] ]
8lboqf
why do companies have a fiduciary duty to be endlessly increasing profits?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8lboqf/eli5_why_do_companies_have_a_fiduciary_duty_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "dzea60c", "dzea6f9", "dzeadqe", "dzealh9", "dzefw7w", "dzehtpc", "dzej7ih" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 5, 2, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ " > It sounds greedy and short-sighted to me\n\nIt is, but there's no incentive to being less greedy and long viewe...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/13-354.html" ], [] ]
4hmwcu
has anything actually changed since the edward snowden leaks of 2013?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hmwcu/eli5_has_anything_actually_changed_since_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d2qxbb8", "d2qxmtu", "d2qylcn", "d2qz7tr", "d2qzh55", "d2r1b26", "d2r1edv", "d2r1rqd", "d2r1t9r", "d2r1ub8", "d2r2443", "d2r28w9", "d2r2f56", "d2r2wls", "d2r3bq5", "d2r3h9w", "d2r40rq", "d2r4q55", "d2r4qne", "d2r4unt", "d...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [ "SSLLabs.com", "http://www.computerworld.com/article/2473792/encryption/perfect-forward-secrecy-can-block-the-nsa-from-secure-web-pages--but-no-one-uses-it.html", "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forward_secrecy" ], [ "https://ostel.co/", "https://blog.whatsapp.com/100006...
2p2345
how does remortgaging your home give you liquid capital?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p2345/eli5_how_does_remortgaging_your_home_give_you/
{ "a_id": [ "cmsmrvw", "cmsn6vt", "cmspqim" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "You can take a second mortgage against the entire value of your house. After you pay off the remaining value of your first mortgage, any money left over is yours to do with as you wish.\n\nUsing it for...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1imfb6
how physicists, astronomers etc gain a better understanding of nature and our universe using "math"
All those crazy mathematical equations on the chalk board must mean something... Right? Please explain, like I'm five.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1imfb6/eli5_how_physicists_astronomers_etc_gain_a_better/
{ "a_id": [ "cb5w9nn", "cb5xlg2" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Math is an internally consistent system which is based upon simple, observable principles which we observe in the world. One object is distinct from another and we can consider them both, therefore \"1 + 1 = 2\". Notice that...
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[ [], [] ]
2fzomq
why is there such a thing as canadian english and american english? what are the differences?
I was just checking in on the available languages on my phone and found CanEnglish and US-English separately.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fzomq/eli5_why_is_there_such_a_thing_as_canadian/
{ "a_id": [ "cke8pof", "cke8t5b" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Canadians use slightly more British spellings. AFAIK they are closer to American English in other ways. Like the word truck instead of lorrie and cookie instead of biscuit. ", "Canada and the US have slightly different s...
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3154c6
what is happening when the lights flicker for a second durring a lightening storm?
When there is a lightening storm and the lights go out for just a second and then comes back on is it lightening hitting a power line and the electricity surging before it grounds out or what?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3154c6/eli5_what_is_happening_when_the_lights_flicker/
{ "a_id": [ "cpygwf7", "cpyi1ir", "cpyj4bl" ], "score": [ 4, 39, 10 ], "text": [ "Wind has blown down a power line or lightning has disrupted one. It takes a moment for the system to switch over to a different route for your power, which briefly stops during the switch.", "I'm ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1q34ja
why are there two "nubs" just on the inside of my mouth? not everyone has them, but a good amount of people i know do.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q34ja/eli5_why_are_there_two_nubs_just_on_the_inside_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cd8salb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Do you mean like just on either side of your mouth? I have those too, always thought they were from biting the inside of my mouth!" ] }
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c8nuq5
why does christian rock have such a distinct identifying sound to it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c8nuq5/eli5_why_does_christian_rock_have_such_a_distinct/
{ "a_id": [ "eso4rpd" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Someone once said to me that rock comes from a place of angst and hate and Christian rock always comes from love. Sounds legit." ] }
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epd2m8
if i had my child a couple years ago or even a week before he was conceived, would they still look the same?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/epd2m8/eli5_if_i_had_my_child_a_couple_years_ago_or_even/
{ "a_id": [ "feiois7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "No. Different egg. Different sperm. Different genes. That's why siblings all look different." ] }
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51v77b
how does a computer translate binary into images?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51v77b/eli5_how_does_a_computer_translate_binary_into/
{ "a_id": [ "d7f5dh3", "d7fbpl3" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It depends on the file type.\n\nTypically, the first few numbers are reserved for header info, like the size of the image, is it grayscale etc.\n\nThen the bits are decoded in blocks.\n\nExample, each block of 8bits can repr...
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[ [], [] ]
3hhz13
can someone explain current sex/political scandals in britain?
I seem to hear a lot about sex scandals involving elites or politicians in Britain, but I have not heard any in depth reporting on them. What is going on over there? Are people being prosecuted, or protected? How big of a deal are current scandals in Britain?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hhz13/eli5_can_someone_explain_current_sexpolitical/
{ "a_id": [ "cu7jx33" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Reddit hears once piece of news about a country and it becomes the only thing they think is happening in that country.\n\nEssentially, in previous decades in Britain, victims of sexual harassment, rape or abuse, frequently by celebrities and alle...
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j4b3o
if you're moving at the speed of light and point a flashlight forward, how can that light move at the speed of light from "your vision"?
Wouldn't that make the flashlight's light move at the speed of light x2 from an observer's point of view?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j4b3o/eli5_if_youre_moving_at_the_speed_of_light_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c290ry2", "c290uhk", "c290z3g", "c291ucn" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It is impossible to move at the speed of light so this situation cannot arise.", "You can't move at the speed of light, but let's say you're going 99% the speed of light.\n\nYo...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
4xtoyx
why do many asian countries use the latin alphabet on their street signs and/or money?
I've noticed that some foreign countries- particularly from Asian countries- use the Latin alphabet on many of their road signs and currency. For example, see the reverse of the Chinese 2 and 5 yuan notes, or streets signs in Seoul, South Korea. Why do they include English instead of using the native alphabet exclusive...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xtoyx/eli5_why_do_many_asian_countries_use_the_latin/
{ "a_id": [ "d6iaok5" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Cause they want to cater to international commerce. There's millions of foreign visitors and businessmen. And it shows the local people that we are now an international commerce power, albeit with horrible Engrish skills" ] }
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2ra6h6
what is the difference between a simulation and a simulacra? what are some example of these?
I have read the definition of each but I am still do not know where these would appear in real life.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ra6h6/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_a_simulation/
{ "a_id": [ "cndxadn" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Simulacra are copies that depict things that either had no reality to begin with, or that no longer have an original. Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time.\n\nSo, Simulacra = depiction of a cond...
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b3edo9
why do things look smaller when they are farther away? and is there a mathematical equation to calculate how small something will look based on how far it is?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b3edo9/eli5_why_do_things_look_smaller_when_they_are/
{ "a_id": [ "eiyyczu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's angles. Imagine a triangle with a corner on your eye and a side on the thing you're looking at -The angle of the corner on your eye is how much of your field of vision it takes up, and the bigger the angle the bigger the object appears.\n\nS...
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3n5zkp
why can an object in a vacuum not constantly accelerate if there is no resistance? why do you cap out at light speed?
Apologies if this has been asked before. I saw another topic that asked "why is light speed the universal speed limit" but it was asking, specifically, why light speed is used as the benchmark and not, like I'm trying to ask, why it is logically possible for there to even BE a "universal speed limit."
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n5zkp/eli5_why_can_an_object_in_a_vacuum_not_constantly/
{ "a_id": [ "cvl4lw6" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "You live in a 4 dimensional universe. Three dimensions are spacial and one is temporal. The speed of light (C) is the ratio of the distance in the temporal one, the one we call time, to the distance in the spacial ones, which we call distance. Ev...
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2h1wb3
as someone who is new to having health insurance, how do i figure out what my charges will be before i have procedures done?
I understand the way insurance itself works (deductibles, in-network, out-of-network, etc). My question is regarding the various procedures and costs themselves. It seems as though the insured has no way of knowing *exactly* what they should expect to pay for various procedures PRIOR to having them done. As far as I ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h1wb3/eli5_as_someone_who_is_new_to_having_health/
{ "a_id": [ "ckol5c4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's hard to know what a \"given procedure\" entails. Even if you go to a \"simple\" doctor's visit (often a flat co-pay), they won't know until they've started looking at you if they need to do any lab work (eg - blood tests) or which ones they...
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23xq64
how was the taliban formed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23xq64/eli5_how_was_the_taliban_formed/
{ "a_id": [ "ch1lflm" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "As you can see from the comments so far, you might get a more adult answer at r/askhistory." ] }
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2uuqxz
why aren't spacecrafts constantly missing their marks when planets like mars are basically infinitesimally small, moving targets that are speeding through outer space?
Especially with missions that are further away like the fly by past Pluto that needed to be planned years ahead.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2uuqxz/eli5_why_arent_spacecrafts_constantly_missing/
{ "a_id": [ "cobuu8g", "cobv60t", "cobwoys", "cobz7ph", "cocec6k" ], "score": [ 13, 2, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the orbits of planets are observed for a long period of time, their future position is really well predictable. With a lot of math, a high precision ...
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[ [], [], [ "http://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Videos/2013/10/Rosetta_s_twelve-year_journey_in_space" ], [], [] ]
7av3e2
how (if at all) does the external environment affect what "baby sounds" a child will make before their first words?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7av3e2/eli5_how_if_at_all_does_the_external_environment/
{ "a_id": [ "dpd3x5r", "dpd4i2n" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "The babies can hear while they are in the womb, like if your in the bath while watching Netflix and submerge your head in the water, you can still hear the characters on the show talking.", "Babies come out able to make ...
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[ [], [] ]