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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1acmjh | how do conservatives who want less government ally with religious people who want the government to legislate morality? | I don't ask in the interests of trolling, as I seriously don't understand the conflicting ideas. If anyone could explain to me why they can hold both beliefs I'd be much obliged. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1acmjh/eli5_how_do_conservatives_who_want_less/ | {
"a_id": [
"c8w4ny9",
"c8w5q6p",
"c8w6v20",
"c8w6vl8",
"c8w887e",
"c8wa4az"
],
"score": [
4,
8,
13,
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"I often wonder this myself. People with the Bible in one hand and Atlas Shrugged in the other and don't realize they oppose each other... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4yu6p7 | baltics, eastern europe or northern europe, and why? | Title says it all. I always assumed it to be Eastern Europe, but I've recently found that they are actually considered "Northern Europe". What makes it Northern? Why then isn't Poland Northern Europe or Serbia? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yu6p7/eli5baltics_eastern_europe_or_northern_europe_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6qhnpi"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"The definitions of the regions of Europe are arbitrary. There is no single official, \"correct\" way to define them.\n\nSo perhaps some people consider them Northern Europe rather than Eastern because they feel they have more in common with the o... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
lrt68 | what determines the color of poop? | No I'm not joking. And remember to keep it elementary. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lrt68/eli5_what_determines_the_color_of_poop/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2v3wtm",
"c2v44ox",
"c2v4865",
"c2v4d00",
"c2v4wj8",
"c2v600l",
"c2v3wtm",
"c2v44ox",
"c2v4865",
"c2v4d00",
"c2v4wj8",
"c2v600l"
],
"score": [
9,
5,
40,
2,
7,
2,
9,
5,
40,
2,
7,
2
],
"text": [
"Bi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stercobilin"
],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.onlineschools.org/blog/facts-about-poop/poop.jpg"
],
[],
[],
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stercobilin"
],
[],
[],
[
"http://www.onlineschools.org/blog/facts-about-poop/poop.jpg"
],
[]
] | |
cn4pqs | how do bruises heal themselves? | When you get a bruise, the black and blue spot you observe is a result of burst blood vessels beneath the skin. Where does the blood go as the bruise heals? What happens to it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cn4pqs/eli5_how_do_bruises_heal_themselves/ | {
"a_id": [
"ew6rgq1",
"ew71rjl"
],
"score": [
5,
11
],
"text": [
"Bruises are caused primarily by capillaries being crushed and blood seeping into the skin. A bruise fading is just the blood breaking down or being reabsorbed by the body. \nAt least I think I'm right on that.",
"To kno... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
70jn7q | why is it that people tend to walk around aimlessly while doing tasks that only require hand involvement (such as brushing teeth or being on the phone)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70jn7q/eli5_why_is_it_that_people_tend_to_walk_around/ | {
"a_id": [
"dn3p0sq",
"dn3qx80"
],
"score": [
17,
161
],
"text": [
"The tasks u describe ten to be monotonous and tend to be dull. Walling around breaks up the boring action and serves as a distraction.",
"It's not aimless, people are distracted by the activities mentinoed, so they'r... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
b1fmxf | why are there always a bunch of super long infomercials on tv only at hours when no one would be watching tv? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b1fmxf/eli5_why_are_there_always_a_bunch_of_super_long/ | {
"a_id": [
"eil8wmd",
"eil9db0",
"eil9wrh",
"eilat8k",
"eilbhuh",
"eilkq0q"
],
"score": [
2,
10,
2,
2,
5,
3
],
"text": [
"You think because you're not watching no one is watching? Shift workers, insomniacs, parents up with sick kids, etc. There are *plenty*... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3s2w2e | what goes into mens' cologne that makes them smell "manly". what about these fragrances/chemicals makes them masculine? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3s2w2e/eli5_what_goes_into_mens_cologne_that_makes_them/ | {
"a_id": [
"cwtm4fv",
"cwtmn0m",
"cwtqrst",
"cwtyroy",
"cwu4iyg",
"cwuibpg"
],
"score": [
12,
36,
6,
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"All colognes are solutions made up of a solvent or base (often ethanol) that holds one or more solutes, often but not always plant ess... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
q5p7o | why turkey invaded cyprus in 1974 | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/q5p7o/eli5_why_turkey_invaded_cyprus_in_1974/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3uz1h4",
"c3v0a3y"
],
"score": [
7,
2
],
"text": [
"There were tensions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots ever since the Greek island was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1574. After WWI when Cyprus came under British colonial rule, Turks were given the choice to ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_invasion_of_Cyprus"
],
[]
] | ||
2m5twy | why does the nhl have teams from more than one nation? | This has never made sense to me. If NHL is made up of Canadian and American teams, shouldn't it be the North American Hockey League? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m5twy/eli5_why_does_the_nhl_have_teams_from_more_than/ | {
"a_id": [
"cm17a2y",
"cm17at2"
],
"score": [
8,
3
],
"text": [
"_URL_0_\n\nThe NHL started out as a Canada-only league. They grew, teams moved & other leagues were absorbed but they never decided to change the branding.\n\nWhen logic & tradition go head-to-head in sports, tradition ... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_National_Hockey_League"
],
[]
] | |
5q15mp | aside from signing executive orders, what power does the president actually have to force mexico to pay for a border wall? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5q15mp/eli5_aside_from_signing_executive_orders_what/ | {
"a_id": [
"dcvhblf"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Theoretically you can threaten tarrifs on their goods if they don't pay and offer them trade deals if they do. That's about the only real power short of war. If they don't pay either we build it and pay for it or we don't build it."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1vditb | why does grass still turn brown and die in southern states during the winter, despite it still being warm with plenty of precipitation? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vditb/eli5_why_does_grass_still_turn_brown_and_die_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"cerna9y"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Dormancy in plants is influenced by the amount of daylight moreso than the temperature but they do work together. Though warm, the plants are able to \"sense\" the shortened amount of daylight and go through their dormant period. I keep saying da... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6puk43 | how safe are carnival amusement rides compared to the big corporations like disney and six flags? | I don't trust carnival rides at all, but I see rides at Disney being more safe. Are they equally as dangerous? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6puk43/eli5_how_safe_are_carnival_amusement_rides/ | {
"a_id": [
"dksaoxa",
"dkshz8r"
],
"score": [
24,
2
],
"text": [
"Disney rides will be safer, no doubt. They are stationary, so are not being deconstructed and rebuilt regularly. Each time, a misplaced bolt or loose bolt could cause a malfunction in the ride. Disney have more money to spe... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-3109943/Alton-Towers-crash-wipes-100m-owner-s-value-looks-set-lose-millions-lost-bookings.html"
],
[]
] | |
3ca33a | why does muscle grow back bigger after being broken down, and why do we suffer injury after prolonged use instead of massive growth to compensate? | I've lifted for years and have a basic understanding of what happens after a workout, but I'm not sure I really understand why it happens, or what prevents it from over-happening. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ca33a/eli5_why_does_muscle_grow_back_bigger_after_being/ | {
"a_id": [
"cstnbxk"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Injury and growth are different. When you work out or even just when you use your muscles, they tear like when you stretch fabric or something. Your body does its best to develop and avoid future injury or pain, so the muscle grows back a little ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
aiwhln | why does warm/hot air feel thick and colder air feel thin and breezy? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aiwhln/elif_why_does_warmhot_air_feel_thick_and_colder/ | {
"a_id": [
"eer12rc",
"eer8rha"
],
"score": [
18,
2
],
"text": [
"Warm air can hold a lot more moisture that cold air. The excess humidity can impede the evaporation of sweat and thus result in stuffy, claustrophobic feeling. \n\nI'm always shocked at the feel of getting off a cool, air c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.weatherdudes.com/facts_display.php?fact_id=51"
]
] | ||
8184sv | how do websites like whitepages acquire my information? | Also, as a younger person with a limited online presence, how do I retain my online anonymity? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8184sv/eli5_how_do_websites_like_whitepages_acquire_my/ | {
"a_id": [
"dv16rpo"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Generally by buying or data mining it from a large variety of other sources.\n\nThat said honestly you can't really maintain total anonymity (or rather the amount of effort to do so is so immense for the vast majority of people it isn't worth it)... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
4iwxow | why hasn't nasa sent cyanobacteria or antarctic lichen to mars yet? | _URL_0_
Cyanobacteria and the lichen were put into a simulation of martian soil and thrived! Why hasn't NASA actually tried this for real? I understand that it would take a while and a lot of it, but didn't Cyanobacteria pump enough Oxygen into the Precambrian Earth air to create the oxygen abundant atmosphere we have... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4iwxow/eli5_why_hasnt_nasa_sent_cyanobacteria_or/ | {
"a_id": [
"d31sb2s",
"d31sdyn",
"d31sgbw"
],
"score": [
9,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The worry is contamination. NASA spends a great deal of time preparing their spacecraft, even unmanned ones, to be sterile. The concern is that should these spacecraft land or collide with something, th... | [] | [
"http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/20120515-earth-life-survive-mars.html"
] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
169n3l | why sharing too much information on sites like facebook, twitter, etc. is said to be so dangerous | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/169n3l/eli5_why_sharing_too_much_information_on_sites/ | {
"a_id": [
"c7tztx1",
"c7u27et"
],
"score": [
8,
5
],
"text": [
"Because of identity theft. If I have enough information about you, I can pretend to be you, get a credit card in your name, and buy a whole bunch of crap that I don't have to pay for but guess what - you will still get the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
cv91qc | why are small bugs not afraid to fly directly up to humans/other animals that are much larger? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cv91qc/eli5_why_are_small_bugs_not_afraid_to_fly/ | {
"a_id": [
"ey2m2q7",
"ey2mae3",
"ey2mkjm",
"ey2ms25",
"ey2msap",
"ey38zdw"
],
"score": [
4,
24,
4,
16,
212,
2
],
"text": [
"Unless it's required for their survival (mosquitoes) then it's simply because they can't possibly know any better.",
"Bugs do no... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
7668t7 | if trade is good for the national economy, why do some countries adopt protectionism? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7668t7/eli5_if_trade_is_good_for_the_national_economy/ | {
"a_id": [
"dobktmy"
],
"score": [
8
],
"text": [
"While free trade helps the country *as as whole,* certain specific groups of people may be terribly hurt. Protectionism is a way of defending those groups (say, people who make cloth) even though it comes at a cost to everyone else.\n\nIt's not e... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
63d9q6 | during the paleocene eocene how did animals survive in the polar regions? | I understand that the paleocene eocene was very warm and there were hippos, plants and large mammals living in arctic regions. But how did the animals and plants cope with the darkness in winter? Did they hibernate or migrate? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/63d9q6/eli5_during_the_paleocene_eocene_how_did_animals/ | {
"a_id": [
"dfu0c52"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"There's two aspects to this. Primarily, Plants were Adapted for the particular growing season (at least where they grew) and the light present during the summer would have been enough for them to do all of their growth and reproduction. \nAs for ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
336z91 | why is superman and other heroes wearing their underwear outside their pants? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/336z91/eli5_why_is_superman_and_other_heroes_wearing/ | {
"a_id": [
"cqi4fut",
"cqi4lsb"
],
"score": [
3,
4
],
"text": [
"Having briefs that are a different color than the suit itself is a way to break up the solid color of the suit. There's no actual reason for Superman to choose to wear briefs on the outside of his costume, it's just a decisi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5z82d4 | why do materials like glass and ceramic shatter, and is it possible to cut them without them shattering? | This question is more about ceramics than glass, since I know glass can be cut but I don't think I've ever seen someone cut say, a ceramic pot in half. What is it that makes pottery unable to be cut after its been hardened, and is it the same reason as glass? If so can you cut ceramic in the same method as glass? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5z82d4/eli5_why_do_materials_like_glass_and_ceramic/ | {
"a_id": [
"dew0cp9",
"dew165v"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Yes ceramic tiles are cut all the time. They make special power saws to cut them. The blades are diamond coated and they have a stream of water that covers the blade so it stays cool. ",
"Ceramics and glass are both cons... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
fxogur | what is a miscarriage is and how does happen? | i understand its when a premature child embryo passes inside the womb, but how does it get out? what do they do with it? im confused about those things. a couple family members of mine have had miscarriages, so i dont intend to offend anyone its a genuine question | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fxogur/eli5_what_is_a_miscarriage_is_and_how_does_happen/ | {
"a_id": [
"fmvjz4s",
"fmvphht",
"fmvppyo"
],
"score": [
2,
8,
3
],
"text": [
" > but how does it get out?\n\nThat depends how late it is into the pregnancy. If it's early enough then it will be dissolved back into the body or ejected. If it's later then it has to be surgically r... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1khe5o | when i get an x-ray, why does everyone else have to wear some kind of protection or leave the room but i'm all good? | I was just at the dentist and curious. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1khe5o/eli5_when_i_get_an_xray_why_does_everyone_else/ | {
"a_id": [
"cboxuwz"
],
"score": [
15
],
"text": [
"The risks of things like x-rays are cumulative - the risk of receiving 1 x-ray is negligible, but if you had 20 of the things per day, over your entire career, the risks would multiply.\n\nSo it is safe for you, because you are only having one. ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
7v7g2x | how are radioactive rocks formed? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7v7g2x/eli5_how_are_radioactive_rocks_formed/ | {
"a_id": [
"dtq2zm3",
"dtq7ozx"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Do you mean the kind of rocks that we can determine an absolute age for using radiometric dating methods? They naturally contain certain isotopes (isotopes are the name given to atoms of the same element that differ in mass ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
6mp5sc | why do fleeing bugs choose to jump on people's faces instead of somewhere actually safe? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6mp5sc/eli5_why_do_fleeing_bugs_choose_to_jump_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"dk3fwfd",
"dk3hrx1",
"dk44a22"
],
"score": [
5,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"It's warm and sweaty. But that's not much of a reason for lots of bugs.\n\nConfirmation bias may also play a part in this. There might just be bugs *all over the place*, but you only notice the ones tha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2vcqco | charcoal is made from wood, and wood is a renewable resource, so why can't we burn charcoal for energy instead of regual coal? | edit: *regular | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vcqco/eli5charcoal_is_made_from_wood_and_wood_is_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"coggdl6",
"coggdpv",
"cogggxr"
],
"score": [
9,
4,
4
],
"text": [
"It's extremely inefficient in terms of energy in to energy out ratio. It's not impossible or anything, just not a really good idea on a large scale. ",
"Its a very dirty way to make fuel. Anthracit... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
xwkn6 | please explain death by exhaustion. | i was watching some documentary about over exercising and they showed a few people who died of exhaustion, some of them were over weight some of them werent. wouldn't they just pass out first and use the energy from the fat stored in their bodies before they die? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/xwkn6/please_explain_death_by_exhaustion/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5q7kef",
"c5q89gv"
],
"score": [
3,
5
],
"text": [
"In short; hydration.\n\nYou work you sweat. You work in the sun, you sweat more. You need water to replenish the fluid you lost through sweat (or urine). Water is around 50% of your blood. You lose enough of it, your blood b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4wy9zl | what is procedural generating in the game no mans sky? how does it work and does it allow for the sheer amount of unique animals and planets to be created within the game? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wy9zl/eli5_what_is_procedural_generating_in_the_game_no/ | {
"a_id": [
"d6axd6p"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"The key word is procedural, as opposed to random. They've got equations that generate a heightmap for a planet, probably with various further procedures to simulate weathering, tectonics, and the like (If X section of surface is next to a river,... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
a4eo5r | what are the senses that people have besides the obvious five? | What senses do people have besides taste, touch, smell, hearing, and sight? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a4eo5r/eli5_what_are_the_senses_that_people_have_besides/ | {
"a_id": [
"ebdrgmc",
"ebdrino",
"ebdt4vk"
],
"score": [
3,
30,
4
],
"text": [
"Proprioception is a pretty cool one - being able to sense the positions of your limbs. Balance/acceleration would be another very distinct example.",
"One of the most obvious yet often overlooked i... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
14hn6t | how we measure the measurements themselves | How do we know exactly how much a kilogram weighs or how long a metre is? What do we define them against? Also, bonus points, how were they defined before modern science? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/14hn6t/eli5_how_we_measure_the_measurements_themselves/ | {
"a_id": [
"c7d4v8b",
"c7d5pee"
],
"score": [
4,
4
],
"text": [
"First keep in mind that units are arbitrary - they don't have any impact on the results of experiments. Units are just a way to put a number to \"that far\" or \"this long\" or \"this much.\"\n\nWith that being said, units:\... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
a7jyeg | why is sleep such a great hunger suppressant? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a7jyeg/eli5_why_is_sleep_such_a_great_hunger_suppressant/ | {
"a_id": [
"ec3kq0e",
"ec3orfe"
],
"score": [
3,
5
],
"text": [
"Im not an expert, and do not claim to be one. But my personal experience is that if Im super hungry and go to bed, I wake up the next day not feeling hungry at all and am able to carry on without food for a long period of ti... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4j48v4 | what is the function of the "net" under the basket (basketball)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4j48v4/eli5_what_is_the_function_of_the_net_under_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"d33jsx9",
"d33k2jp",
"d33kdgs",
"d33qrlw",
"d33tafe",
"d33wgtz"
],
"score": [
63,
362,
48,
22,
30,
5
],
"text": [
"It also makes it easier to tell whether ball went through rim or not. If you've ever played with no net, sometimes a swish going C... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4iwqi6 | how did words such as "like" become fillers in speech? are there other words in other languages that do the same, and how did they come to be? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4iwqi6/eli5_how_did_words_such_as_like_become_fillers_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"d31sszu",
"d31t4eo",
"d31t4qz",
"d31tb3n"
],
"score": [
5,
22,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"Linguistic fillers are present in every language. [Here](_URL_0_) is a list of fillers from different languages. What words become those fillers is the surrounding environment (tr... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filler_%28linguistics%29"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2fqvu1 | why do british roads have wiggly lines? | like this one:_URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fqvu1/eli5why_do_british_roads_have_wiggly_lines/ | {
"a_id": [
"ckbv6ve",
"ckbwx6r"
],
"score": [
14,
4
],
"text": [
"There's a nearby pedestrian crossing. It both indicates you should slow down and that you shouldn't park there (since it obstructs pedestrian vision).",
"White zig-zag lines indicate the approach to a pedestrian crossin... | [] | [
"http://i.imgur.com/RiiOhV4.jpg"
] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9cz0gf | how does a home central ac work? does it use any water? | The more I google about how a central air conditioner works, the more confused I get.
I read that legionella bacteria is a concern with big air conditioning units, but only ACs that use a humidifier or cooling tower. I think just any ACs that use water can harbor the bacteria. I read that it’s a concern especially in ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9cz0gf/eli5_how_does_a_home_central_ac_work_does_it_use/ | {
"a_id": [
"e5e7pa2",
"e5e9qrf",
"e5ege7k",
"e5el0fj"
],
"score": [
3,
34,
2,
2
],
"text": [
" > I read that legionella bacteria is a concern with big air conditioning units, but only ACs that use a humidifier or cooling tower.\n\nThe idea here is that if the bacteria are... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3un3ui | would transferring your consciousness and memories to a new body even work, or would it just create a second you? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3un3ui/eli5would_transferring_your_consciousness_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cxg5q8v",
"cxgbd2q",
"cxgblsd"
],
"score": [
8,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Sci-Fi loves this stuff. So do philosophers - I think Derek Parfit is a good guy to read on this one; but his work builds on stuff by earlier thinkers like John Locke.\n\nIt's usually labelled 'continui... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1k7g37 | can i have electricity going through my body, and not feel it? | I just did a Mcgyver and repaired my laptops charging device (notice my expertise in the terms.) And it works! but i am afraid that my computer is filled with electricity and as i'm writing this i have electricity in my body. Is it possible that i have it without feeling it?
Can a wrongly repaired cable instead transm... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k7g37/eli5_can_i_have_electricity_going_through_my_body/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbm4bhw",
"cbm4cwl"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"While it might be possible, it isn't hazardous. You would feel the sensation if anything were exposed. \n\nGenerally if you have a frayed or damaged power adapter, you're more likely to cause sparks/etc. where the adapter pl... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2kkg2t | how do magnetic forces affect everyday life and the universe as a whole? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kkg2t/eli5_how_do_magnetic_forces_affect_everyday_life/ | {
"a_id": [
"clm4zju"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Well, I don't want to attempt to be exhaustive, but let's just list a couple of examples:\n\nNatural:\n\n* solar wind (charged particles) are steered away from populous areas and directed toward the poles by the Earth's magnetic field. This spare... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8efvva | why do forehead pimples disappear faster than cheek pimples | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8efvva/eli5_why_do_forehead_pimples_disappear_faster/ | {
"a_id": [
"dxv62v8"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"I'm not a professional but I believe it's because your cheeks are a much more traveled place for your hands and food, thus comes into contact with more oil. There's also more fat in your cheeks than your forehead, giving the pimple more room to h... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1w35tr | how was pi discovered? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1w35tr/eli5how_was_pi_discovered/ | {
"a_id": [
"cey9x57",
"ceya3jd",
"ceyaamg",
"ceygx8x",
"ceygykq",
"ceyh2uq",
"ceyichb",
"ceyj733"
],
"score": [
3,
91,
75,
10,
3,
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Pi goes way back. The constructions of the Egyptians indicate an understanding of Pi. Arc... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://betterexplained.com/articles/prehistoric-calculus-discovering-pi/"
],
[],
[],
[
"http://tauday.com/"
],
[
"http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IQv72qpnILwC&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=alexs+adventures+in+numberland+pi&source=bl&ots=9Gk3zLVipL&sig=nAhvu5... | ||
5j9wh9 | how did dubai make so much money in such a short period of time? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5j9wh9/eli5_how_did_dubai_make_so_much_money_in_such_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"dbevw7c",
"dbf1swu"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Two things: Dubai opened up its economy to foreign investment, in a region that was mostly either insecure or closed off. \n\nSecond thing: despite the recession dealing a blow to the economy in 2008 onwards, they had alrea... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
6adq5c | the nba draft lottery | I understand it's the 14 teams that didn't make the playoffs but I don't understand how it's really only the top 3 through the lottery. Also I don't get the 4 combination thing to devide the top 3 | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6adq5c/eli5_the_nba_draft_lottery/ | {
"a_id": [
"dhdqnih"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"The NBA (and NHL) use a lottery system to determine the order of the draft to discourage teams from \"tanking\", or intentionally losing games once they know that they won't qualify for the playoffs. Otherwise, teams may even be willing to tank a... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1txlwj | why are fiscal conservatism & social liberalism mutually exclusive? | I've read articles stating that most Americans lean towards a conservative economic policy, and it's obvious that the country as whole is generally becoming more open socially (eg gay rights). It would seem that a political platform combining both would have mass appeal, yet I've seen no such stance from any party that... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1txlwj/eli5_why_are_fiscal_conservatism_social/ | {
"a_id": [
"cecgosz",
"cech11c",
"ceck3qz"
],
"score": [
10,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"They're not. Libertarian Socialism or Left Libertarianism exist. And there are several very small parties that have a platform with that type of ideology or close to it. \n\nI'm currently most interest... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Whig_Party"
],
[
"http://www.theadvocates.org/",
"http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz/quiz.php",
"http://www.lp.org/platform"
],
[]
] | |
c72mw4 | why are human eyes so bad with sunlight that we need sunglasses to operate normally? bright sunlight doesn't seem like a new phenomenon for humans to deal with. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c72mw4/eli5_why_are_human_eyes_so_bad_with_sunlight_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"esclq6h"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Your eyes adapt to the light around you. 10,000 years ago people spent most of their day walking in the sun, so their eyes had plenty of time to adapt. \nNow we spend lots of time indoors where it's darker. Your eyes need time to adapt again to t... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
606eaw | does a bullet reach its maximum speed as soon as the gunpowder explodes behind the slug? when is it at maximum speed, and how long is it accelerating for? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/606eaw/eli5_does_a_bullet_reach_its_maximum_speed_as/ | {
"a_id": [
"df3sqzd",
"df3sr8h"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Maximum speed is at the muzzle, also known as muzzle velocity. After it leaves the muzzle, there is no more force to accelerate the bullet and the bullet will drop and slow down due to gravity and air resistance, respectivel... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4eoazj | 1+1=2 took 162 pages to prove in the principia mathematica. why? what did betrand russell need to prove first? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4eoazj/eli5112_took_162_pages_to_prove_in_the_principia/ | {
"a_id": [
"d21uz46",
"d21wlqp",
"d21y8s7",
"d223tv8",
"d22cutc",
"d22cwuz",
"d22h2wm"
],
"score": [
213,
55,
41,
30,
13,
3,
7
],
"text": [
"First you have to define '1,' '+,' \"=,\" and \"2.\" That's where the difficulty lies, in defining the conce... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peano_axioms"
],
[],
[],
[
"https://archive.org/details/PrincipiaMathematicaVolumeI"
],
[
"http://us.metamath.org/mpeuni/pm5.41.html",
"http://us.metamath.org/mpeuni/pm110.643.html",
"http://us.metamath.org/mpeuni/exmid.html",
"http://... | ||
10hnbl | why do people bother charging, say, $6.99 when they might as well charge $7? | Why the 1c discrepancy? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10hnbl/eli5_why_do_people_bother_charging_say_699_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"c6djrcj",
"c6dkpvj",
"c6dkv85",
"c6dl05q",
"c6dlxw8",
"c6dm351",
"c6dmi35",
"c6dudnb"
],
"score": [
66,
8,
10,
15,
2,
25,
6,
2
],
"text": [
"It's a psychological phenomenon that can be called \"price attractiveness\".\n\nEssentia... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
fjmmhf | how come the body doesn’t see the ink from a tattoo as a foreign object and try to attack/get rid of it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fjmmhf/eli5_how_come_the_body_doesnt_see_the_ink_from_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"fknrskc",
"fkoe8ai",
"fkoi87f"
],
"score": [
22,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The body does recognize the pigments in the ink as a foreign object and does try to get rid of it. This is why tatoos fade. The problem is that some of the pigments are physically too large to be trans... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1sx0s1 | what's the deal with the narwhal bacon thing? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sx0s1/eli5_whats_the_deal_with_the_narwhal_bacon_thing/ | {
"a_id": [
"ce225t5"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"[Here](_URL_1_)\n\nand [here](_URL_0_)\n\n"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"http://imgur.com/DsxvJJv",
"http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/98mm8/hey_reddit_im_redditing_from_the_denver/c0bt710"
]
] | ||
c2woh8 | in an action film, the hero climbed on top of a fast moving train, then jumped forwards from one carriage to the next to get to the front of the train. is it possible in real life, and whats the physics behind it? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c2woh8/eli5_in_an_action_film_the_hero_climbed_on_top_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"ern3uv0"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Yes it's possible. The only thing making it difficult would be the rushing air pushing you back."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
c0v37f | iuds... i understand what they’re used for, that there are two kinds, but i want to know how/why they work. what is the mechanism behind them and how do they act as a contraceptive? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c0v37f/eli5_iuds_i_understand_what_theyre_used_for_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"er7u2sk",
"er7uc4o"
],
"score": [
8,
3
],
"text": [
"**Hormonal IUD:** These work by messing with your hormones just enough so that your ovaries don't release eggs when it's time to ovulate. Depending on IUD, it may not prevent the ovaries from ovulating. Another way, then, is... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2g2s7h | what is polyester? | Every clothing item, bedding, basically everything is made out of polyester...but it all feels different. What is polyester? On google it says that it's made out of esters...what is an ester? How come polyester materials all feel different? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2g2s7h/eli5what_is_polyester/ | {
"a_id": [
"ckf3rqn"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"An ester is a molecule with a specific small chunk of it in a certain configuration. Most \"life\" molecules have a set of atoms that largely includes carbon (C), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H) in them, plus some other elements. Certain configurati... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5tzqgd | why are americans so upset over russia influencing the election when they influence elections around the world all the time? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5tzqgd/eli5_why_are_americans_so_upset_over_russia/ | {
"a_id": [
"ddq7sh7"
],
"score": [
13
],
"text": [
"Same reason a mobster is mad one of his crew gets killed when they kill people all the time."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8rtpz1 | why does a plastic straw rise out of diet, no ice, but stays put with ice in the drink? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8rtpz1/eli5_why_does_a_plastic_straw_rise_out_of_diet_no/ | {
"a_id": [
"e0u7pfp"
],
"score": [
10
],
"text": [
"The straws act as nucleation points for the formation of bubbles. These growing bubbles sticking to the sides of the straw from surface tension add their buoyancy to the straw which can lift it some out of the drink. The presence of ice can pres... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
37wjie | how is hiring private military contractors cheaper then using the regular forces yet everyone in a pmc makes three times the money as a soldier? | ELI5: How is hiring private military contractors cheaper then using the regular forces yet everyone in a PMC makes three times the money as a soldier? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37wjie/eli5_how_is_hiring_private_military_contractors/ | {
"a_id": [
"crqcuwt",
"crqkvkj",
"crqlrmw",
"crqmip5",
"crqpil0"
],
"score": [
163,
27,
10,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"When you have a full-time employee, you're on the hook for the long term. In the case of the military, they hire people for 3-4 year contracts. They hav... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1mev25 | the satisfaction some (including myself) get from picking a scab, peeling a sunburn, etc. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mev25/eli5_the_satisfaction_some_including_myself_get/ | {
"a_id": [
"cc8jz4m"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Grooming instinct, .Removing something you feel should not be there."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
9ng2gj | why do humans roll around in pain? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ng2gj/eli5_why_do_humans_roll_around_in_pain/ | {
"a_id": [
"e7m1n4j"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Rolling around generates a multitude of neutral sensations.\n\nIt is better that your brain should be filled with more sensations than solely agony."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5drtxu | 5: can someone help me understand the concepts of bytes and bits? how are they related to each other, and why is 255 such an important number? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5drtxu/elif5_can_someone_help_me_understand_the_concepts/ | {
"a_id": [
"da6tl6g",
"da6tn2f",
"da6tnv1",
"da6tzkn",
"da7meot",
"da7nsvu"
],
"score": [
6,
3,
7,
3,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"A bit is the absolute smallest piece of information that we can deal with in a digital system - it's either a 1 or a 0, it can't be anyt... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
7mwb60 | when photons hit objects and then come back to our eyes, do they kind of just "bounce" off the object, or are they always absorbed and re-emitted by its atoms? | I was reading about the photoelectric effect, where photons are absorbed by atoms and then re-emitted. But I couldn't really find any information on when exactly this happens. Is that what happens every time light hits something and then reaches our eyes? Or do the photons with improper wavelengths not "fit" and get "r... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7mwb60/eli5_when_photons_hit_objects_and_then_come_back/ | {
"a_id": [
"drx7jab",
"drxhh53"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"You can picture the process as an absorption and emission, but things in the quantum realm work in ways we cannot easily imagine. Here's a simple depiction.\n\n\n\nPhotons are little pieces of energy: sometimes it looks like... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
bhqslh | what causes iridescence? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bhqslh/eli5_what_causes_iridescence/ | {
"a_id": [
"elv4h6v"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"A couple of ways. One is thin film interference like soap bubbles or oil film on water. The other is due to microscopic structures which act as diffraction gratings. Examples are some birds/insects, the green in sliced cooked beef or ham, and the... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
7ut5j3 | how did they combine many old screens into one giant tv-wall back in the day? | Like you see some films, and you'd have an evil lair or some imposing cold-war bunker. And you'd have like 50 TV's hanging on a wall, most of the time they did their own thing, but in some cases all fifty TV's were connected to display one signal, extended across all the TV's in one big impressive image.
Nowadays with... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ut5j3/eli5_how_did_they_combine_many_old_screens_into/ | {
"a_id": [
"dtmz8kd",
"dtmzlo8",
"dto034h",
"dto0ga3"
],
"score": [
2,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Support for a multi-monitor setup is either achieved by installing multiple graphics cards into one computer or by special display controllers, that have the ability to feed multip... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-monitor?wprov=sfla1"
],
[],
[],
[
"https://blooloop.com/features/audiovisual-technology-a-short-history-of-the-videowall/"
]
] | |
g1vvwl | what is the electric potential? i checked wikipedia but didn't quite understood... | I mean, i pictured like the top of a waterfall and the base of It, the top has potential of letting the water(the elctricity) flow down, instead the base has none, or less than the top. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g1vvwl/eli5_what_is_the_electric_potential_i_checked/ | {
"a_id": [
"fni1fzz"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"It's electrical gravity!\n\nIf you've got a waterwheel, you can generate energy by letting high elevation water fall down to a lower elevation\n\nThe high elevation water has \"potential energy\", or the energy associated with its position. \n\nA... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
43y7x7 | why does the united states have such a weak mental health care system and a general stigma against it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43y7x7/eli5_why_does_the_united_states_have_such_a_weak/ | {
"a_id": [
"czlxfjc",
"czlxopj",
"czlyaoz",
"czm1ubl",
"czm2ljh",
"czma8b5",
"czmbi93",
"czmheo6",
"czmhqpb",
"czmkg92",
"czmmtq0",
"czmqocz"
],
"score": [
242,
10,
32,
10,
2,
23,
5,
2,
8,
2,
4,
2
],
"text": [
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4cype5 | where were the federal regulators in the years leading up to the financial crisis? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cype5/eli5_where_were_the_federal_regulators_in_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"d1mebia"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"They just weren't there. Someone will come along with a better answer, but this is my understanding. \n\nObviously these agencies existed, but they just weren't doing anything. Nobody was was doing the necessary checks for mortgages and all that.... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3660om | i'm stoned and have to know immediately- why is bubble wrap made of plastic bubbles that pop, rather than non-poppable plastic? | I understand HOW they pop - i.e. it's a buildup of pressure that the plastic isn't strong enough to withstand, so it bursts. But why not make it un-poppable so it was reusable? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3660om/eli5_im_stoned_and_have_to_know_immediately_why/ | {
"a_id": [
"crb0v5m"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"To make it unpopable you could remove the air inside them or make the material much more elastic. \n\nRemoving the air isn't really bubble wrap anymore and doesn't protect your stuff with. A cushion. \n\nMaking the plastic able to move enough... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
9mucth | why do the numbers mean on an automatic gearbox? (ex. 4, 3, 2, 2l) | My Lexus GX470 has D, which is normal driving, but it also has 4, 3, 2, and 2L. Now some places I have looked say it for capping the RPMs, some say it’s for Engine-breaking, and some say it’s for if you want to have some fun with a manual-like experience without having to use a clutch. What do the numbers mean? Which s... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9mucth/eli5_why_do_the_numbers_mean_on_an_automatic/ | {
"a_id": [
"e7hej57",
"e7hfwul",
"e7hgag4",
"e7hwp6j",
"e7j8ukv"
],
"score": [
3,
15,
3,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"The numbers correspond to the gear. Automatic gearboxes have gears just like manual gearboxes. So slipping the gear shift from D to 4 would be down shifting ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
65xa06 | how did recording on wax cylinders in the early phonograph days work? | I can't seem to find a reliable source online that explains how someone at home, with a phonograph and a blank wax cylinder, was able to record themselves. I'm preparing for a brief presentation on the topic, and would like to be able to explain how this works in a simple way that makes sense to all.
| explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/65xa06/eli5how_did_recording_on_wax_cylinders_in_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"dgdvqt5"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Recording on wax cylinders required a two needle machine, not the single needle player that most people had at home. The recording mechanism had a clockwork system to move the stylus along the cylinder in a long spiral. This could be played or u... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
a4h2vx | what patterns am i supposed to hope for on slot machines? | I know from movies that seeing three 7's means "You're a winner!!!" But random patterns seem to give small returns randomly as well. Are there basic patterns across slot machines that signify a win? Or is it just madness and flashing lights. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a4h2vx/eli5_what_patterns_am_i_supposed_to_hope_for_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"ebedbc2",
"ebee2on"
],
"score": [
3,
4
],
"text": [
"There are keys to winnings on slots nowadays. And if you play 2 or 3 coins at a time you can win on diagonal combinations.\n\nThe whole point is to be flashy and fun though. ",
"Each slot machine will have a different pa... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
259ivf | why do we use the nielsen rating system, it seems like it wouldn't be very accurate | it just seems like its a flawed system i even found out that only about 20,000 people even have a nielsen box, that cant be an accurate representation of what 300 million people are watching | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/259ivf/eli5why_do_we_use_the_nielsen_rating_system_it/ | {
"a_id": [
"chf0z6s"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Statistics are weird like that. It seems like you would need to ask way more people, but you actually really don't. A general rule of thumb is that if you want to sample a population of size X, you only really need to ask sqrt(X) people to get an... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
bdrj8t | why is the notre dame so important? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bdrj8t/eli5_why_is_the_notre_dame_so_important/ | {
"a_id": [
"el098un",
"el0cpha",
"el0cspr",
"el0d5wg",
"el0jzhz"
],
"score": [
29,
8,
4,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"One of the most historically important cathedrals of the Christian world and an architecturally significant structure for Paris. The cathedral is considered ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3m7gtt | how does glock come up with the model numbers for their pistols? | Is there some kind of system behind it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3m7gtt/eli5_how_does_glock_come_up_with_the_model/ | {
"a_id": [
"cvcmuyl"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Their first pistol was the Model 17, named because it was the company's 17th patent (Glock had patents for 16 non-pistol items prior to the model 17). I believe the rest are numbered in order of introduction (with the select fire 18 being unavai... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
cvr4ex | how do small landlocked countries have different languages? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cvr4ex/eli5_how_do_small_landlocked_countries_have/ | {
"a_id": [
"ey5ty5a",
"ey5u40r",
"ey5vo35"
],
"score": [
3,
15,
7
],
"text": [
"Historically, transport was terrible. If you lived between two mountain ranges, you likely spent your whole life without ever leaving your area.",
"Because there are plenty of geological barriers t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1vuuag | what is happening in a babies mouth when they are cutting teeth? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vuuag/eli5_what_is_happening_in_a_babies_mouth_when/ | {
"a_id": [
"cevzcxp"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"The teeth are pushing up through the gums. It's rather irritating to the baby, so they often will put things in their mouth in an attempt to alleviate the irritation."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2b0hfg | i currently have a cold, and have a runny nose. why is it that when i snort really hard and my nasal cavity seems to get "tight" that i feel that release of air shortly after? | It's hard to describe but if any of you are scuba divers it's similar to equalizing your ears | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b0hfg/eli5_i_currently_have_a_cold_and_have_a_runny/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj0n7zq"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I know exactly what you're talking about, like your nose pressurises then slowly deflates. \n\nWaiting for a good answer :)"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6weifs | what are hadley cells and what role, if any, do they play in atmospheric/weather changes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6weifs/eli5_what_are_hadley_cells_and_what_role_if_any/ | {
"a_id": [
"dm7ges2"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"They're large scale atmospheric circulations that go from the equator to the mid latitude areas for both the north and south hemispheres. They're what drive the weather in the tropics and subtropics. For example, they cause the trade winds that... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6a6er4 | why do university professors make tests impossibly hard and then curve the grades? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6a6er4/eli5_why_do_university_professors_make_tests/ | {
"a_id": [
"dhc16sp",
"dhc1b5d",
"dhc24wn",
"dhcc5te",
"dhciwtj"
],
"score": [
63,
18,
2,
3,
15
],
"text": [
"Doing that is the only way to differentiate between the top students. If the test is easy, and 5 people get 100%, then the professor has no way of knowing ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
29v26s | how do people train themselves to sleep with their eyes open? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29v26s/eli5_how_do_people_train_themselves_to_sleep_with/ | {
"a_id": [
"cior90i"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"[Like this]( _URL_0_ )"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Po34UUIHeAA/UTIvvrbJwdI/AAAAAAAABZA/E9kg5O5HypY/s1600/mr+bean's+toothpicks.JPG"
]
] | ||
57k9a8 | why is it impossible to generate truly random numbers with a computer? what is the closest humans have come to a true rng? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/57k9a8/eli5_why_is_it_impossible_to_generate_truly/ | {
"a_id": [
"d8sojf5",
"d8sou4d",
"d8souuq",
"d8sovmz",
"d8sowmu",
"d8sp46r",
"d8sq4y1",
"d8sqe19",
"d8sqq02",
"d8srg59",
"d8srlr3",
"d8st2qm",
"d8st4fe",
"d8st8ig",
"d8stf4p",
"d8stnnl",
"d8stt68",
"d8suw6i",
"d8suw9r",
"d8svswh",
"d... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.random.org/",
"https://www.random.org/analysis/",
"random.org",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolmogorov_complexity#Definition"
],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RdRand"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?... | ||
1jyzvq | i know some diseases take more than one shot, but many don't. why can't we clump all the vaccines we have a vaccine for into a single supershot? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jyzvq/eli5_i_know_some_diseases_take_more_than_one_shot/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbjo4e3",
"cbjowr5"
],
"score": [
2,
4
],
"text": [
"Vaccines are like carefully cooked up dishes. Icecream sandwich and fries taste great individually but together they would probably suck. Likewise, when two vaccines mix they won't be as effective as they are individually.\n... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1ccfv6 | why did nobody attack vatican city and ww2? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ccfv6/eli5_why_did_nobody_attack_vatican_city_and_ww2/ | {
"a_id": [
"c9f5vka",
"c9f76xt"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Vatican City, to this day, is an independent nation \"of the church.\" It was neutral in WW2, as it has been for many conflicts.\n\nAlso, since Catholicism is so wide spread, any nation that went to war with Vatican City wou... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
bl15b0 | do computers files weigh anything ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bl15b0/eli5_do_computers_files_weigh_anything/ | {
"a_id": [
"emkrhvq",
"emkw231"
],
"score": [
5,
3
],
"text": [
"Short answer: Digital files do not weigh anything.\nLong answer: storage devices have weight, and since they have a finite storage limit, more and larger files require more storage devices and therefore more weight, but the ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
7x0a1g | what exactly sparked the culture of the stereotypical "wild west"? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7x0a1g/eli5_what_exactly_sparked_the_culture_of_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"du4hu2m",
"du4l5ep",
"du4telf"
],
"score": [
8,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"It probably originated with *The Virginian*, a novel published in 1902 authored Owen Wister set in Wyoming.",
"Travelers were disappointed when traveling west and not seeing the old west. The town o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dime_Western"
]
] | ||
39u3p3 | do 'battery saver/extender' apps really work on mobile devices (phones/tablets)? | Does the rate at which a battery is charged affect performance? If so, why are these types of applications unavailable in the Apple ecosystem... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39u3p3/eli5_do_battery_saverextender_apps_really_work_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"cs6fy0g"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Depends on the app and how it's designed to work. Remember that no app can increase the charge capacity of your battery, nor can it harvest energy to put into the battery. So usually these apps work on reducing CPU load and terminating background... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
7mp4xx | what is it about the chemical structure of gasoline, kerosine, and lighter fluid that makes them so instantly combustible? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7mp4xx/eli5_what_is_it_about_the_chemical_structure_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"drvlfwy",
"drvpfyd"
],
"score": [
4,
4
],
"text": [
"They are hydrocarbon chain molecules. The hydrogen atoms are not very strongly bonded to the carbon atoms. As a result at a relatively low temperature the mixture can burn by regrouping with oxygen in the air to make H2O a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
6lzz1y | how will elon musk's battery fix south australias energy problem if it can only power 30k homes? | How will it force prices down as the premier claims? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6lzz1y/eli5_how_will_elon_musks_battery_fix_south/ | {
"a_id": [
"djxw15d"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"It won't 'fix' everything on it's own, it's when you combine it with all their other power stations it provides (in theory) enough extra power to make up for current shortfalls.\n\nIt needs to be noted also that it won't only be connected to just... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
1ub02c | why do some people seem to be naturally nocturnal! | I've always felt more comfortable sleeping through the day than I have during the night. I often wake up at about 8pm and go to bed just before noon.
A few other people in my family have similar sleep patterns, but none of us are able to figure out why. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ub02c/eli5_why_do_some_people_seem_to_be_naturally/ | {
"a_id": [
"ceg8k6r"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. Its a pita to get an official diagnosis."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
25b85a | why is college education in the united states so focused on career acquisition/progression rather than the pursuit of knowledge? has it always been this way or is it a "recent" development? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25b85a/eli5_why_is_college_education_in_the_united/ | {
"a_id": [
"chfgyvi",
"chfhs1g",
"chfkewa",
"chflgl3",
"chflj3w",
"chfm29o",
"chfo998",
"chfpayo",
"chfpn22",
"chfpsw3",
"chfq3l5",
"chfqpzc",
"chfqxr4",
"chfr3ft",
"chfsoav"
],
"score": [
2,
89,
18,
8,
14,
3,
8,
6,
8... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/EWD/transcriptions/EWD12xx/EWD1209.html"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
7x6exg | why does water bother our eyes so much? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7x6exg/eli5_why_does_water_bother_our_eyes_so_much/ | {
"a_id": [
"du5uyiw"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"This is dependent on the source obviously, but most water is not \"clean\", meaning it has particles of other things in it. Water in outdoor environments can have contaminants from farm runoff, dirt, algae, etc. Pool water can have chlorine, brom... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5xok9g | what's to stop someone from broadcasting a radio frequency that is already taken by a local station? | For example: if a local top hits station uses 92.5 FM, what's to stop Joe-Shmo from broadcasting on the same frequency and disrupting the local stations radio? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xok9g/eli5_whats_to_stop_someone_from_broadcasting_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"dejn6s7",
"dejn9kw",
"dejntku",
"dejohg0",
"dejoib0",
"dejol4b",
"dejor0t",
"dejp7v2",
"dejqs8d",
"dejqugp",
"dejrxus",
"dejubku",
"dejypr0",
"dejyspn",
"dejz9bs",
"dek1hc0",
"dek5388",
"dekg0ln",
"deknoz4"
],
"score": [
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump_Up_the_Volume_(film)"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4a7s5w | why can't doctors simply cut blood clots out of blood vessels before they reach vital organs? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4a7s5w/eli5_why_cant_doctors_simply_cut_blood_clots_out/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0y3buz"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"A) blood flows quickly in larger blood vessels, 40cm/seconds in major arteries like the aorta, 15cm/sec vena cavae, so its hard to catch a clot\n\nB) every time you open a blood vessel, you risk rapturing it, also you have to clamp it, the larger... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8iyogv | lotteries, who funds them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8iyogv/eli5_lotteries_who_funds_them/ | {
"a_id": [
"dyvksf3",
"dyvkufx"
],
"score": [
15,
2
],
"text": [
"They're funded by ticket sales. If they give away $2 million in prizes, it's because people bought $3 million worth of tickets. ",
"The players find them. You pay to play and be amounts paid out are less than what is co... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
45xkkr | why does google release different features for their android and ios apps? | Google maps is a good example. It has "your timeline" feature that iphones dont. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45xkkr/eli5_why_does_google_release_different_features/ | {
"a_id": [
"d00uikz"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"One reason may be that Mac has very specific style guidelines for its apps, to make everything look seamless and iPhone-like. Another reason might be that they simple have not implemented the feature yet as you often have to rewrite an app basica... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3pric3 | what is pump and dump scam? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pric3/eli5_what_is_pump_and_dump_scam/ | {
"a_id": [
"cw8qtwh",
"cw8rwno"
],
"score": [
3,
18
],
"text": [
"Do you remember back early in this century, half the spam you recieved was stock \"tips\".\n\nThe objective of those emails was to get people to buy into a stock to rise it's price (pump) and then the spammers could sell th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2dc2l9 | why is getting custody of children so complicated? | An expert would be nice, but I am just curious | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dc2l9/eli5_why_is_getting_custody_of_children_so/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjo1m9f",
"cjo2hgd"
],
"score": [
3,
3
],
"text": [
"Well in order for you to get custody, the other parent has to lose custody. You need to prove to a court that the other parent is so incapable of caring for the child that they shouldn't be given any time alone with it.",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2gglte | college football divisions/conferences. | SEC, PAC-12, Mountain West, Big 10... what are the differences? How are they formed? What are their reputations? Basically, if I'm trying to get into college football, which ones should I know, and what should I know about them? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gglte/eli5college_football_divisionsconferences/ | {
"a_id": [
"ckixz20"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"First, let's discuss the divisions. \n\nCurrently there is Division I, II, and III for the major divisions. They are divided mostly by the number of scholarships they can award to players, which is based on factors like enrollment and funding. ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3d9x5h | how do personality tests know if people are lying? | This is honestly one thing I do a lot. You have to take some online personality test when applying for jobs, and you of course give the "correct" answers, that you know they want to hear.
How do these tests, or the people interpreting them, know if you're full of shit? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d9x5h/eli5_how_do_personality_tests_know_if_people_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"ct34l33",
"ct34lzh",
"ct34ru5"
],
"score": [
6,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"One way they detect lying is by asking the same question in different words several times and seeing if you give the same answer. For example \"Do you usually find yourself the life of the party?\" \"Ar... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Multiphasic_Personality_Inventory"
]
] | |
awcv67 | in a nuclear bomb detonation, how long does the fission/fusion last? what causes and makes up the mushroom cloud? | To clarify the second part, what *is* the mushroom cloud? I think it has to do with air pressures, but what is the cause of it in the first place? Does the fission occur in it as well, or is it just a mass of heat from the fission? Why is it still "on fire" for a while after the bomb drops? Is there actually fire (fuel... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/awcv67/eli5_in_a_nuclear_bomb_detonation_how_long_does/ | {
"a_id": [
"ehlo1s8",
"ehlob8p",
"ehlp8e4"
],
"score": [
9,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"The fusion/fission itself takes a fraction of a second generally.\n\nThis itself does not produce an explosion. It just releases a lot of energy in the form of heat and light\n\nIn physics/chemistry you... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3daujb | why do so many european countrys have such a small military? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3daujb/eli5_why_do_so_many_european_countrys_have_such_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"ct3e5tg"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"Mostly because after WWII the US formed NATO which allowed those European countries to be secure under the umbrella of the American military with only a minimal contribution from their own domestic military. Basically, NATO spread the responsibil... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4phfdg | how are the olympics still going forward with all the issues they're facing? is an almost certain outbreak of zika not enough to put a halt to them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4phfdg/eli5_how_are_the_olympics_still_going_forward/ | {
"a_id": [
"d4kxbrb",
"d4kxk7k",
"d4ky5ls"
],
"score": [
2,
10,
6
],
"text": [
"There's too much money at stake for the event to be cancelled or even delayed. You have people who have bought tickets in advanced and already set up travel plans which are not easy to change if at all... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.