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
bpzlwt
why does nasa have to wait until 2024 to land on the moon?
Why can’t we start that mission today? Don’t we have the knowledge from the Apollo missions to get us there?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bpzlwt/eli5_why_does_nasa_have_to_wait_until_2024_to/
{ "a_id": [ "enzaqhe", "enzbm1f", "enzbwus", "enzd8s2", "eo0vjhu" ], "score": [ 3, 27, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Knowledge, yes. Technologies and methods have potentially changed, though. They will also want to put together studies to be conducted to make it worthwhile ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/20633/exclusive-heres-the-f-22-production-restart-study-the-usaf-has-kept-secret-for-over-a-year" ], [] ]
9ienkh
how are vitamins absorbed into the body?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ienkh/eli5_how_are_vitamins_absorbed_into_the_body/
{ "a_id": [ "e6j4f09", "e6j86ve" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Correct me if I'm wrong because I'm no professional\n\nAfter you eat, the food goes into your stomach and the hydrochloric acid and enzymes break down the vitamins and nutrients. Then the digestive system takes the nutrients...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
70yqum
why do we use ours mouth and tongue to show affection? like in kissing or other sexual acts
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/70yqum/eli5_why_do_we_use_ours_mouth_and_tongue_to_show/
{ "a_id": [ "dn6wzlz" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The act of kissing, at least while human society was still developing, allowed us to trade bacteria and help our mates create resistance to disease and infections, which they would pass on to their children. \n\nAs for sexual acts, they likely de...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
a15b3m
why do people who usually wear glasses look very different without them even though you can see through their glasses?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a15b3m/eli5_why_do_people_who_usually_wear_glasses_look/
{ "a_id": [ "eamsgdc", "eamslko", "eamurlm", "ean6a23" ], "score": [ 14, 5, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "I personally have a fairly strong prescription (I am near-sighted) which makes my eyes look much smaller through the lens. The opposite is true for far-sighted people, their lense...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5dzo81
why does toothpaste induce a stinging sensation on the tongue during the first rinsing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5dzo81/eli5_why_does_toothpaste_induce_a_stinging/
{ "a_id": [ "da90e95" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Operator error? That doesn't seem to happen to me." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2e0nof
why do some plants produce edible parts? wouldn't that be harmful to the plant, by animals eating the plant?
What I mean by being harmful to the plant is animals eating the plant. Why would plants evolve to a point where they produce edible parts (for example, cucumbers) and animals would just eat the plant? Sorry if that is confusing, if I have to elaborate more I will.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2e0nof/eli5_why_do_some_plants_produce_edible_parts/
{ "a_id": [ "cjuwn87", "cjuwohn", "cjux7cn" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Many plants spread their seeds by having an animal eat the fruit (such as cucumbers) and depositing the seed elsewhere, along with a fresh steaming pile of fertilizer.", "Quite a few plants get arou...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
dj58zq
asymmetric cryptography
Hello everyone, I'm currently trying to understand the system behind asymmetric cryptography or public-key cryptography. I know how it basically works, but so far I'm not really understanding it in depth. The metaphor I stumpled mostly upon ist the one with the lock and the key. A sends out his public key - the loc...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dj58zq/eli5_asymmetric_cryptography/
{ "a_id": [ "f41c86n", "f41chfe" ], "score": [ 5, 4 ], "text": [ "The lock analogy is an analogy, that's not how it works (which is actually the case with all analogies).\n\nSome problems in math are easier than others. If I have two numbers A and B, the best algorithm for multiplying the...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5ib0df
why do local american news outlets seem to focus on negative stories?
Watching the news last night, it was 10 minutes of who they are looking for in robberies, who shot who, etc. Towards the end of the broadcast they have a "feeling better" segment about kids donating to homeless. If you did not inundate my head with all these crime stories I would not need the "feeling better" segment.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ib0df/eli5_why_do_local_american_news_outlets_seem_to/
{ "a_id": [ "db6puge", "db6pxjr", "db6t4am", "db7b98e" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "There is a statement about journalism- \"blood sells\", and quite honestly American eat it up. Think about what type of TV programs that are usually in the top 10, and you will see...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
c5o4ru
how does talent work? like, why is someone good at singing while someone else is good at drawing?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c5o4ru/eli5_how_does_talent_work_like_why_is_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "es2xhbe", "es30x3i", "es34vow", "es35a8z" ], "score": [ 12, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "People do have different genetic abilities that aren't hard coded skills. Someone who is good at music in general probably has slightly better hearing than normal which helps the...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.nateliason.com/notes/peak-anders-ericsson-robert-pool" ], [], [] ]
8cqghu
how is bios installed on a motherboard?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8cqghu/eli5_how_is_bios_installed_on_a_motherboard/
{ "a_id": [ "dxgy7rc", "dxgybt0", "dxhdg5c" ], "score": [ 4, 33, 3 ], "text": [ "There is a chip that contains the BIOS, similar to a ROM. It is connected to the board. Sometimes a board can contain more than one BIOS.", "There are special memory chips on the motherboard that c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4bsnco
why can't we eliminate political parties?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bsnco/eli5_why_cant_we_eliminate_political_parties/
{ "a_id": [ "d1c0wv1", "d1c1wgu", "d1c1xj5", "d1cf8ea" ], "score": [ 4, 37, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "You certainly can, depending on your country of origin. In the United States people are generally guaranteed the right to free association. You'd have to overturn that first, whic...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duverger%27s_law" ], [], [] ]
4hq38k
how come some ftm trans grow full beards yet some men cannot? wouldn't a male body be more likely to grow a beard than a female body with hormones?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hq38k/eli5_how_come_some_ftm_trans_grow_full_beards_yet/
{ "a_id": [ "d2rhz6w", "d2rihqy", "d2rk02t" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "It's not a \"female body with hormones\". The hormones MAKE it a male body, which allows it to grow a beard. I suggest reading up on just how HRT works.", "There are 2 main things that determine you...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5wjr3r
how can an ultrasound tech confirm the sex of a female fetus?
Me and my wife just learned the sex of our unborn child and we were told it's a girl. I understand that a tech can confirm a male by the confirmation of a penis, but what can they see to confirm a female? Is it based on the fact that they didn't see a penis? And if so, how often are they wrong about that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5wjr3r/eli5_how_can_an_ultrasound_tech_confirm_the_sex/
{ "a_id": [ "deam1s4", "deanab8" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I looked it up. They do not just look for absence of a penis they look for the labia to confirm a baby girl ", "They look for a \"3-line sign\" that would indicate a labia, but this is only possible if the fetus is in th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
e8a0uy
why do some women have a bloated stomach post-pregnancy? like the baby got out, isn't it supposed to flatten?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e8a0uy/eli5_why_do_some_women_have_a_bloated_stomach/
{ "a_id": [ "faa0qam", "faa1cb2", "faa2arv" ], "score": [ 17, 11, 5 ], "text": [ "Women also put on fat in their bellies to help protect the baby during pregnancy. It takes a little bit of time for that weight loss to occur. You also have the fact that it takes time for the abdomin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2cwww0
how the eye converts light into an electrical signal to the brain.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cwww0/eli5_how_the_eye_converts_light_into_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cjjux7u" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Light enters your eye and strikes your retina. Your retina is covered in a number of photoreceptor cells. Inside these photoreceptor cells are proteins, which absorb photons that strike them. These proteins are susceptible to differing wavelength...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1z73h0
how come when i add butter to a hot pan it melts, but when i add pancake batter, it solidifies?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z73h0/eli5_how_come_when_i_add_butter_to_a_hot_pan_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cfr37fm" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Butter is mostly fat, and fat melts. Pancake batter contains egg, which has protein. When you heat protein it denatures and forms a solid." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cfo3fy
why do pigeons not get dizzy when shaking their head.
You always see them shaking their head when walking, how come they don't get dizzy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cfo3fy/eli5_why_do_pigeons_not_get_dizzy_when_shaking/
{ "a_id": [ "eubajsb" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "They're actually keeping their heads still while they're bobbing!\n\nIf you focus on their heads, between the bobs, their head and thus eyes are fixed in the same position while their body moves. When they move too far, they have to bob their hea...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
304hqh
how come we haven't found a way to get rid of hair follicles and not have to shave ever again?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/304hqh/eli5_how_come_we_havent_found_a_way_to_get_rid_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cpp04t3", "cpp0cef", "cpp0us7", "cpp18g0", "cpp1mud", "cppds3w" ], "score": [ 113, 44, 13, 5, 13, 3 ], "text": [ "I thought we did? Laser hair treatment?", "There isn't really any efficient way to do it yet. At least none that are safe. La...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3ngcya
what creates that "crunchy" effect on your clothes when you hang them outside to dry?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ngcya/eli5_what_creates_that_crunchy_effect_on_your/
{ "a_id": [ "cvntlg8", "cvnwxil", "cvo03ar", "cvo0htk", "cvo1jr7", "cvo22dq", "cvo28jl", "cvo36hh", "cvo4odr", "cvo8fs4", "cvol9jf" ], "score": [ 1765, 102, 10, 13, 27, 5, 3, 76, 2, 311, 2 ], "text": [ "When you take c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3kiwrv
why is mars' core not molten anymore?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kiwrv/eli5why_is_mars_core_not_molten_anymore/
{ "a_id": [ "cuxs76h" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because it is small.\n\nIt did have a molten core, even a magnetosphere but because it's small it lost heat faster. Small things have a larger surface area in relation to their mass than big things, hence when they cool down quicker." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1yjo5i
what happens to objects that you breathe into your lungs?
If you were to breathe in like a bug while running outside, debris, or accidentally inhale some piece of food does it just chill in your lungs or do your lungs (digest?) it after a while?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yjo5i/eli5_what_happens_to_objects_that_you_breathe/
{ "a_id": [ "cfl3fqw", "cfl6az6", "cfl7k4q" ], "score": [ 11, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Most particles get trapped in the mucus of the respiratory system. Small moving \"hairs\" called cilia move somewhat like oars on a rowing boat transporting the mucus and anything trapped in it upwards...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
alsq3u
why are you not hungry after performing excercise
This question is a mystery to me. Whenever I go for a jog or go to soccer practice I’m never that hungry. My intuition tells me that because you have used energy exercising, the body would require more food. My experience is that this is not the case. How can this be. Explain it like I’m 5
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/alsq3u/eli5_why_are_you_not_hungry_after_performing/
{ "a_id": [ "efgqu8j", "efgr0to", "efhk4l4" ], "score": [ 3, 19, 6 ], "text": [ "The short answer is that your body turns off the release of the hormone responsible for feelings of hunger following intense exercise.\n\nCould be an evolutionary response in the sense that you can't a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
jcsrz
what is fanniemae and freddiemac, and how are they related?
Their names are really similar and they are in the same industry. Are they the same company? What do they do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jcsrz/eli5_what_is_fanniemae_and_freddiemac_and_how_are/
{ "a_id": [ "c2b2hfr", "c2b2hfr" ], "score": [ 9, 9 ], "text": [ "They are companies that are privately owned, but sponsored by the government. They purchase mortgages from lenders. \n\nSay you get a mortgage on your home through Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo has limitations on how much money i...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2y7iiy
why can drinking too much water make your muscles cramp when exercising?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2y7iiy/eli5_why_can_drinking_too_much_water_make_your/
{ "a_id": [ "cp6yu6c", "cp6zd2z" ], "score": [ 5, 10 ], "text": [ "I'm kind of guessing based off of a limited understanding, but your body not only needs water it needs electrolytes. If you drink too much water you can flush electrolytes out. If you don't replace those electrolytes then y...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3i0y42
where the superstition of walking under a ladder being bad luck come from?
Edit: *Where did the....
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i0y42/eli5where_the_superstition_of_walking_under_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cuccqs9" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "It's dangerous for both you and the person who may be at the top of the ladder. Something could be dropped on your head or you could possibly knock over the ladder. Don't walk under ladders." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3ou7aw
how do banks refund fraudulent purchases on your credit card?
Aren't the items unrecoverable once they've been purchased?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ou7aw/eli5_how_do_banks_refund_fraudulent_purchases_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cw0hafn", "cw0hd8d", "cw0jirx", "cw0khoh" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Correct, but most banks/credit card companies decide it's better in the long run to simply forgive (pay back) the fraudulent charge and maintain you as a customer than insist the d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3y2c10
why was the cold war so immediate and unavoidable between former allies after ww2?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3y2c10/eli5_why_was_the_cold_war_so_immediate_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cy9vwxf", "cy9wgmn", "cy9x04q" ], "score": [ 15, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "We weren't allies, really. We had a common enemy. That's it. After that enemy was eliminated, we went right back to being enemies, only with bigger weapons.\n\nRemember, Russia was on the side of th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
73aves
how does a typical u.s. senate session work.
I have been watching C-span lately and I know what the senate can do, but each time i tune in they are not really voting on anything. Once a senator was just praising a local baseball league champion. Other times a senator was giving his weekly "global Warming exists speech". They don't tend to debate anything and yet ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/73aves/eli5how_does_a_typical_us_senate_session_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dnoxmg6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Most of the Senate's work is done in committees, with a smaller and more manageable number of Senators. By the time something comes to a debate or vote on the main floor, 99% of the work has been done. So you're really watching a boring procedura...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aidbfb
dry-firing a bow is bad because with no arrow the "energy" has nowhere to go. mathematically it makes perfect sense but what is physically happening to the materials to cause this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aidbfb/eli5_dryfiring_a_bow_is_bad_because_with_no_arrow/
{ "a_id": [ "eemvvhr", "eenv8wj" ], "score": [ 13, 2 ], "text": [ "The Energy goes someplace, it's just not the right place. The bow designer designs the bow to put the energy into the arrow. With no arrow, the energy goes into the string. This moves the string too fast and too far. Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
684vwx
what causes states like new york to have such higher taxes than a state like tennessee?
Does it come down to wasted money? extra services? Made up by other non tax revenues?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/684vwx/eli5_what_causes_states_like_new_york_to_have/
{ "a_id": [ "dgvowda", "dgvqsch" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "This is hard to explain, I have lived in NY my whole life. There is a ton of waste and lots of corruption for sure. It's also not working since it's the #1 flight state (people be leavin'). Also, NYC requires a lot of tax re...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1nqgx1
what is the frame of reference in space? like what determines whether or not something is spinning or stationary or moving?
And if the Earth stopped spinning, would we feel like there's more gravity or if it spun faster would we fly off?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nqgx1/eli5_what_is_the_frame_of_reference_in_space_like/
{ "a_id": [ "ccl1egw" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ " > What is the frame of reference in space? \n\nThere isn't one. You just have to pick an arbitrary (non-accelerating) reference frame and consistently use it, and your calculation will come out correct.\n\n > Like what determines whether or not...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7ei091
do bacteria have bacteria?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ei091/eli5do_bacteria_have_bacteria/
{ "a_id": [ "dq51o86", "dq5251z", "dq5ugvf" ], "score": [ 21, 7, 6 ], "text": [ "Bacteria *are* bacteria.\n\nI am not sure what you mean by \"have bacteria\". Do you mean \"have bacteria on them\"? If so, bacteria often climb over each other and interact directly with one another. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4gydh3
why do so many humans have an innate fear of the dark?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gydh3/eli5_why_do_so_many_humans_have_an_innate_fear_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d2lttof", "d2lu80v", "d2lu8sv", "d2lx6cc", "d2lxk5r", "d2lxkv1", "d2m37d6", "d2m4vq8", "d2mgt0i", "d2n09zq" ], "score": [ 31, 112, 2, 2, 2, 7, 6, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Someone posted something before on here, but ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
512zpw
how would my family adopting a vegan/vegetarian diet really affect the production of meat and dairy?
I'm not disputing the recommendation that we should all change over to help the environment, but am questioning how that would actually help anything. Whether me or my family eat meat ever again is not going to stop it being produced. The production is what harms the environment, so the harm would keep occurring no? Al...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/512zpw/eli5_how_would_my_family_adopting_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d78wcgc", "d78x76c", "d790tk8", "d7950wq", "d79chh9" ], "score": [ 27, 6, 10, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Supply and demand = not buying animal products means less demand for it and because of that, in the long run less product will be made. ", "one family c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.nativefoods.com/", "http://www.businessinsider.com/taco-bell-attempts-to-attract-vegetarians-2016-8", "https://np.reddit.com/r/vegan/comments/3nmqli/white_castles_veggie_sliders_are_now_vegan/", "https://www.tacobell.com/feed/how-to-eat-veggie", "https://www.washington...
3mohnn
going to the casino for first time
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mohnn/eli5_going_to_the_casino_for_first_time/
{ "a_id": [ "cvgqwxw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In blackjack, make physical motions to signify whether you want to hit or stand. There's cameras in the ceiling that are looking for shady or cheating play, and they don't have microphones.\n\nSet aside your gambling budget, and don't go over th...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4b2fym
when tv shows use really good music from really unknown groups, how did they find it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4b2fym/eli5_when_tv_shows_use_really_good_music_from/
{ "a_id": [ "d15j167", "d15j77u", "d15je20", "d15m2np", "d15m5x8", "d15ueh5", "d15v5ss", "d15vskg" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 51, 12, 513, 3, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "There's really no one answer here. You can find artists from all over, whether they hold...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3h7r39
why do so many people want the president of brazil to resign?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3h7r39/eli5_why_do_so_many_people_want_the_president_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cu53vlb", "cu55lk9" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Corruption charges against her party (not against her personally), with possible campaign financing using dirty money; this combined with a recession due to bad economic decisions and blatant lies during the presidential cam...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.commdiginews.com/news-2/44s-approval-ratings-at-44-obama-and-bush-both-polarized-gallup-polls-19404/", "http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dilma-rousseff-brazilian-presidents-approval-rating-drops-to-just-8-per-cent-10445536.html" ] ]
f3dg2v
how can they make “vegan meat” that’s made of plants taste and feel so much like real meat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f3dg2v/eli5_how_can_they_make_vegan_meat_thats_made_of/
{ "a_id": [ "fhi0uit", "fhi87b4", "fhikm53", "fhipqbe", "fhjxxaj" ], "score": [ 5, 20, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Chemist's found the molecule which makes both the smell and taste of beef. They manufacture/purify that molecule, and use it to flavor the plant products. Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
4vafwb
how are trigonometric ratios (sin cos tan) calculated/how do they work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vafwb/eli5_how_are_trigonometric_ratios_sin_cos_tan/
{ "a_id": [ "d5wtube", "d5wu5hz", "d5wyxpk" ], "score": [ 5, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "There's a clue in the name. Trigonometry, the geometry of triangles! \n\nWay back when some people figured out that if you keep the angles of a right triangle the same, the ratio of one side to any othe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://betterexplained.com/articles/intuitive-trigonometry/" ] ]
37peb0
why can't people 'hack' bitcoins?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37peb0/eli5_why_cant_people_hack_bitcoins/
{ "a_id": [ "cronygl", "croo1yu" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "what do you mean by \"hack\"?", "They have, 5 years ago someone gave themselves 186 billion bitcoin and the whole bitcoin economy had to be rewound by 8 hours to fix the bug that allowed it. It hasn't happened again sinc...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
67xqzm
how do people get infected with plaque?
Plaque is bacteria, right? If so, how is it that everyone has it in their mouths, even if they've had no contact with another person's mouth, even indirectly?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/67xqzm/eli5_how_do_people_get_infected_with_plaque/
{ "a_id": [ "dgu1409", "dguad7z" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Bacteria are everywhere. In your mouth, on your skin, inside your body, on your food, in the air... everywhere ", "Plaque isn't just one bactera it is what is known as a biofilm. Layers and layers of diferent bactera and...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1s89hv
what are those wooden stick things on bottles of honey, and how did they come to represent honey?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s89hv/eli5_what_are_those_wooden_stick_things_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cduwfd6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's called a honey dipper, and that's just what it's designed for. As to the advantage to using one of those instead of a spoon, according to a random guy on a Google Answers from 6 years ago:\n\n > Two words - surface tension. The grooves allo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3w442z
how do engagement rings work?
Kind of never learned that part when I was young. So how is this process work? after a man gives a woman the ring, she carries it with her and then takes it off on the wedding day? do the couple go for ring shopping after the proposal to find a ring for the man? I've seen people put their wedding ring on both left and ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3w442z/eli5_how_do_engagement_rings_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cxt6194", "cxt644f", "cxt68dp", "cxt6im5", "cxt7o36", "cxt7v73", "cxtdanv", "cxtfgl1", "cxu4a57" ], "score": [ 35, 9, 15, 45, 10, 9, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The engagement ring can be worn with the wedding ring or taken off...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/returning-engagement-ring-30198.html" ], [], [], [ "https://www.americangemsociety.org/the-history-of-the-diamond-as-an-engagement-ring" ], [] ]
1imkip
how does a ship made of steel float?
Being made of steel and what not.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1imkip/how_does_a_ship_made_of_steel_float/
{ "a_id": [ "cb5wktf", "cb5xs3l", "cb5y6tc" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The shape. Shape it like a bowl, so that it displaces the water, and any material will float - concrete, lead, whatever. Shape the same material into a sphere, and it will only float if it's less dens...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
g2ghrb
if alcohol burns off during cooking why does the flavor remain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g2ghrb/eli5_if_alcohol_burns_off_during_cooking_why_does/
{ "a_id": [ "fnl92g0", "fnl9aj6" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Ethanol is basically flavorless. The flavor in alcoholic drinks is almost entirely produced by non-alcohol compounds that mostly remain when cooked.", "You can talk about Alcohol in terms of something like Rum or Whiskey...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2sa88a
what is the median lethal dose (ld 50)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sa88a/eli5_what_is_the_median_lethal_dose_ld_50/
{ "a_id": [ "cnnkkzh", "cnnklz7" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "I believe it refers to the dosage of any substance or drug, which kills 50% of the people who take it. (the lethal dose is not the same for all people)", "It's the dosage of a substance required to kill half of a test g...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a5sc3a
why are pillows considered good for sleeping when they bend your neck so that it's not parallel to your spine?
This is for when you sleep facing the ceiling.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a5sc3a/eli5_why_are_pillows_considered_good_for_sleeping/
{ "a_id": [ "ebovki5", "ebowm1k", "ebp5hid" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Put it under your shoulders, not your head. \n\nAlso there are different pillow shapes for different sleep positions. \n\nReally though, they're just comfy. Plus there's always the cool side 😎", "M...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://mayfieldclinic.com/Images/pe-scoliosis-fig1.jpg" ] ]
2jutar
why the animals in the coral reefs are so colorful
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jutar/eli5_why_the_animals_in_the_coral_reefs_are_so/
{ "a_id": [ "clf9uws", "clfbp8e" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Theres a myriad of reasons, but the most well known one is simply to identify eachother. Coral reefs are so densely populated with creatures that theyve all evolved colors and patterns to distinguish themselves from one anot...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/04deepscope/background/deeplight/media/diagram3.html", "http://www.scuba-monkey.com/why-is-the-ocean-blue-what-is-blue-exactly/" ] ]
2is2hn
why do areas of purple 'noise' show up in my vision after looking at the sun, or during/after a headache?
Aura Migraine, but not quite. Both eyes have completely the same spot blocked.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2is2hn/eli5_why_do_areas_of_purple_noise_show_up_in_my/
{ "a_id": [ "cl4xhhv", "cl50fgc" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I want to know that too.\nMaybe i can add a question to that ELI5 topic: Why do i see lightning like things when closing my eyes and pushing/rolling them with my finger?", "Your brain turns down a specific colour if it s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
tad5n
what is cosplay? specifically how is it different than just wearing a costume?
See title.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/tad5n/eli5_what_is_cosplay_specifically_how_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "c4kw7nr", "c4kwrhl", "c4kyybf" ], "score": [ 23, 5, 26 ], "text": [ "Cosplay is short for costume play. So it is not any different from wearing a costume.\n\nThat said usually a cosplayer will custom make their costume with often painstaking attention to detail so they...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3xexdd
the situation of the 3 nfl teams potentially moving to la
St. Louis Rams - San Diego Chargers - Oakland Raiders How are the owners preparing to propose their moves? What vote is taking place on Jan. 15? What combinations of the three teams could move? What happens to divisions or conferences if the Chargers and Raiders(both in AFC west) move to the same city?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xexdd/eli5_the_situation_of_the_3_nfl_teams_potentially/
{ "a_id": [ "cy45lar", "cy46q6k", "cy486ux", "cy4aaz4", "cy4l2bp", "cy4r65f" ], "score": [ 2, 34, 4, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Whenever teams say this, it it usually a threat to get the city to build them a stadium or help them is some way.", "Basically all ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9393784/sewage-problem-puts-oakland-seattle-mariners-same-locker-room", "http://www.athleticbusiness.com/stadium-arena/new-renderings-released-of-985m-st-louis-nfl-stadium.html" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcwJt4bcnXs" ], [ "http://www.fie...
16v7k9
how does the "cooldown time" on cracking your fingers and toes work?
like after I crack, I can't crack again for a while
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16v7k9/eli5_how_does_the_cooldown_time_on_cracking_your/
{ "a_id": [ "c7znme2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Inside the joints of your fingers and toes is a liquid called synovial fluid. Inside this liquid is dissolved gas. When you crack your knuckles you are lowering the pressure in the fluid and causing the gas to come out of solution. This creates a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
37c7pd
why did qr codes seem to die out? they could have made things so easy if phone manufacturers supported them.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37c7pd/eli5_why_did_qr_codes_seem_to_die_out_they_could/
{ "a_id": [ "crlesws", "crlf42i", "crlfjw7", "crlfmia", "crlpjn6" ], "score": [ 2, 26, 5, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "It's not something phone manufacturers need to support - there are virtually no smartphones out there that you can't install a barcode reader on. \n\nQR code...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine_patent" ], [ "xcompany.com" ], [], [] ]
2seenk
if government surveillance isn't actually for counter-terrorism, what is it for?
Basically I'm wondering why the government would want to monitor my boring texts about weed and DOTA. If they're not actually doing it for the reasons they claim they're doing it, then what are the real reasons? As a disclaimer I'm not saying I support it or that I think it's justified, I'm just trying to understand b...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2seenk/eli5_if_government_surveillance_isnt_actually_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cnonmgz", "cnoq28a" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The first thing to consider is \"Who is making the accusation/assertion that they are being used for something other than their intended purpose?\" Knowing who is saying or asking things, and why they're trying to ask it, is...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cz8txv
how das lactose intolerance work?
I get that my body can not digest milk sugar (lactose), but why does it cause diarrhea or other symptoms?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cz8txv/eli5_how_das_lactose_intolerance_work/
{ "a_id": [ "eywsvq8", "eywsz59" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "When your body doesn't process the lactose properly (by using lactase enzyme to break it down in a particular way) it travels through to your intestines, where your gut bacteria try to break it down.\n\nWhen your gut bacter...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
28ppib
if we domesticated wolves into pet dogs, why can't we domesticate monkeys?
Why can't we domesticate monkeys to have as an everyday housepet like dogs or cats?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28ppib/eli5_if_we_domesticated_wolves_into_pet_dogs_why/
{ "a_id": [ "cid845r", "cid8paa", "cid9xih" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Who says we can't? They've already domesticated foxes for user as pets", "Dogs started domestication themselves first. By the time we got around to breeding, we already had a stock of animals that w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6m4j57
why do some chiles hit you right away, while others take time for the spiceness to develop?
When eating spicy foods, sometimes you detect the spice as soon as the food hits your tongue. Other times you don't feel the burn until after you've swallowed. What causes this? Does it depend on the type of chile or the amount used?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6m4j57/eli5_why_do_some_chiles_hit_you_right_away_while/
{ "a_id": [ "djyuwev", "djz0t8v" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Some of this is fat content (or otherwise structuring the capasin - the spicy molecules).\n\nThe fat keeps most of the spicy from hitting your tongue all at once, but is gradually degraded in the mouth, at which time you fee...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasabi#Chemistry" ], [] ]
6k0s7q
is there any actual benefit to natural diamonds versus cubic zirconia?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6k0s7q/eli5_is_there_any_actual_benefit_to_natural/
{ "a_id": [ "djifd4v", "djik98y", "djilszl" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 15 ], "text": [ "Well you don't use cubic zirconia industrially the way you use diamond. There are much harder minerals available. CZ does have insdustrial uses as part of ceramics, jet turbines, etc, but not as a crys...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4i4ay0
a person is standing next to the san andreas fault line. what would they experience if an earthquake occurred at that moment?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4i4ay0/eli5_a_person_is_standing_next_to_the_san_andreas/
{ "a_id": [ "d2uxihd", "d2uy1n2", "d2uyw0y" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Probably something like this - \n\n^rumble rumble RUMBLERUMBLERUMBLECRASHSMASH\n\n*Screams*\n\n*Oh god why, save us*\n\nOr at least I assume so.", "3.0 just a little nervous\n\n5.0 wet pants from sp...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bta1STQVsss" ] ]
3azpcj
how do people hack the leaderboards of all the popular games, and why can't companies stop this?
It seems like the leaderboard of every mobile game I play is filled with unreasonably high scores. It ruins the feeling of achievement, and I don't understand why it can't be stopped. Edit: I understand that my phone has to be able to send my score, but I can also bank and shop online without those being hacked. What'...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3azpcj/eli5_how_do_people_hack_the_leaderboards_of_all/
{ "a_id": [ "cshgusy" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "You can put all sorts of security in place on the server that scores are submitted to, but the game has to know how to pass all those tests to submit real scores. People can look at the game's code and work out what it would send to the server if...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4vjw6q
why jehovahs witnesses believe blood transfusions are against gods will?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vjw6q/eli5_why_jehovahs_witnesses_believe_blood/
{ "a_id": [ "d5yzmsn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It has to do with their interpretations of the Bible. They see the blood as the part of the body that contains life and therefore getting other's blood put in you is taking a part of their life. I have quoted two sections of the Bible that refers...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4ukq9d
why hasn't hillary clinton been prosecuted? how can she get away with what she has done with so much publicity on the matter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ukq9d/eli5_why_hasnt_hillary_clinton_been_prosecuted/
{ "a_id": [ "d5qgwxv", "d5qgxga", "d5qhaih", "d5qjxvq", "d5qkz7l", "d5qqsk0" ], "score": [ 25, 3, 14, 3, 89, 2 ], "text": [ "I feel like the FBI's statement on the matter cleared it up pretty nicely. The crime she was accused of requires intent in order to s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/statement-by-fbi-director-james-b-comey-on-the-investigation-of-secretary-hillary-clinton2019s-use-of-a-personal-e-mail-system" ] ]
27098z
what caused the baby boomer generation to coddle millennials?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27098z/eli5_what_caused_the_baby_boomer_generation_to/
{ "a_id": [ "chw5py0", "chw61vk", "chw64gd", "chw78y8" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 11, 5 ], "text": [ "They had the money to do so. ", "They always felt their parents were too strict and wrong. They had all the answers. ", "I think there are a few reasons:\n\n1. the explos...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1tcodv
what is it about computers that allow us to double the speed every 18 months or so. does this occur\has this ever occured for other technologies? and if not, why not?
Just wondering why other technologies don't increase at the same speed. Is it a function of demand? Something inherent to the technology?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tcodv/eli5_what_is_it_about_computers_that_allow_us_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ce6msze", "ce6nvqq", "ce6pj4x" ], "score": [ 12, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "This is due primarily to improvements described by [Moore's Law](_URL_1_). It was originally an observation. It has now become more of a self-fulfilling prophecy. \n \nAbout every 18-24 months, ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_H._Dennard", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore%27s_Law" ], [], [] ]
1l01q2
how is whey protein "milk free" if it's made from milk?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1l01q2/eli5_how_is_whey_protein_milk_free_if_its_made/
{ "a_id": [ "cbue0bg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "When its advertised as 'milk free', it means that its free of the other compounds that are normally found in milk, particular [caseins](_URL_0_), which are the main thing that trigger milk allergies." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casein" ] ]
1k0d1o
does the amount of money in the world stay constant over time?
So I've been wondering recently how money works on a world wide scale. Does it stay the same over time, but with changes in values between currencies. Or did we at one point have less "money" in the world, and so it has grown over time.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k0d1o/eli5_does_the_amount_of_money_in_the_world_stay/
{ "a_id": [ "cbk2be6", "cbk2bme", "cbk2chf", "cbk2ecg", "cbk2rtb" ], "score": [ 4, 6, 2, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Nope, money increases because central banks (like the Federal Reserve Bank in the US) can create money.", "Governments take away and add money all the tim...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
5yezjx
how are irrational numbers more infinite than rational numbers.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5yezjx/eli5_how_are_irrational_numbers_more_infinite/
{ "a_id": [ "depfep1", "depguaf", "depsecq", "depv46i", "deq4cq9", "deqb90t", "der18pi" ], "score": [ 2, 20, 2, 2, 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nI find it hard to understand this.", "First we'll note that the rational numbers are \"as infinite...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_du75Sk-uZc" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantor's_diagonal_argument", "https://plus.maths.org/issue47/features/macgregor/diagram3.gif" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
33iwnr
would i get better gas mileage driving a manual car in a lower gear (higher rpm) or higher gear (lower rpm)
I have a 5.0 mustang and have been curious which driving style will get me better gas mileage or better for the car. seems a lot of the time i'm between gears! or does it not make a difference?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33iwnr/eli5_would_i_get_better_gas_mileage_driving_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cqlb5c5", "cqlb9vk", "cqlbl2s", "cqlbnuk" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You want to keep your rpms low for best gas mileage. It's intuitive because your cylinders are firing more often at higher rpms, and the cylinders fire by igniting gasoline. This i...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2spk1t
what does an accountant do on a typical workday?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2spk1t/eli5_what_does_an_accountant_do_on_a_typical/
{ "a_id": [ "cnrqw4c" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Accountants organize numbers and verify numbers. There are many types of accountants and they each to a degree organize (or verify) money to where it lawfully belongs, strategically belongs, and aesthetically belongs so that clients, management,...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2r15hz
why don't truck and car companies (like ford) make new trucks with new technology that look like the older models everyone loves?
Inspired by this post: _URL_0_ And this truck: _URL_1_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2r15hz/eli5_why_dont_truck_and_car_companies_like_ford/
{ "a_id": [ "cnbfdf4", "cnbfgk9", "cnbfjja", "cnbfs4b", "cnbh9e4", "cnbhd7i", "cnbhf7b", "cnbk3eg", "cnbk8op", "cnbk9cd", "cnbk9x6", "cnbkc2s", "cnbkl8w", "cnbkmao", "cnbkrzd", "cnbkt3v", "cnbkuo5", "cnbl6f8", "cnblhw3", "cnblvwi", "c...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/carporn/comments/2r0c26/1965_ford_f100_its_not_always_the_rarest_fastest/", "http://i.imgur.com/a2eScr6.jpg" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_SSR", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_HHR" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.caranddriver.com/features/taking-the-hit-how-pedestrian-protection-regs-make-cars-fatter-feature" ], [], [], [ "http://en.m.wikipe...
3t10sj
was "devil's advocate" a real game that could actually be "played" and if not how did the phrase originate?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3t10sj/eli5_was_devils_advocate_a_real_game_that_could/
{ "a_id": [ "cx23vmc", "cx23xeo", "cx2d60v" ], "score": [ 15, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "The \"play\" in that phrase doesn't mean \"play like a game\". It means \"to play a role, like in a movie or in the theater (i.e. in a play)\".\n\nThe Devil's Advocate is a position in the Catholic ca...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_advocate" ], [] ]
2ftqq2
the political terminology of european parties vs american.
Like I see liberal in the US, but I was told they are nothing like Liberals of Europe. I see the Labor party, but are they like the Labor party in the US?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ftqq2/eli5the_political_terminology_of_european_parties/
{ "a_id": [ "ckcqypg", "ckcr2zw" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "TLDR US parties are more conservative than their Euro counterparts - because Jesus.\n\nBecause the US only has 2 major parties, both cover wide swathes of the political spectrum. The Republican party would encompass UK Cons...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1dtd1z
[drawing] the concept of vanishing points and perspective
As someone learning to draw, I have difficulty getting my head around vanishing points, and perspective. I've read various books/articles, but I still don't 'get it'. Let's say I'm drawing a house. What comes first on the page, the house or the VP(s)? If I just drew a house, without respect to the VP's, how would I d...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1dtd1z/eli5_drawing_the_concept_of_vanishing_points_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c9tne2b", "c9tnk7c" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Vanishing Points give the illusion of distance in a 3D area. Instead of just seeing a 3d image you can use them to give a sense of distance.\n\n_URL_0_\n\nTry drawing these simple cubes to get an understanding for how they ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://mathworld.wolfram.com/VanishingPoint.html", "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNlqrEcgQIA/T14CuoJcS1I/AAAAAAAAAAs/iDhoIa4nt28/s1600/desert-road-straight-into-distance-horizon-vanishing-point-through-Atacama-desert-arid-dry-rocky-barren-whispy-cloud-above-south-of-Antofagasta-Chile-1-AJHD.jpg" ], [ ...
zunvt
what is anti-matter/antihydrogen and what does it/do they do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zunvt/eli5_what_is_antimatterantihydrogen_and_what_does/
{ "a_id": [ "c67vqj5" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Anti-matter is matter that has the opposite charge as normal matter.\n\nNormal matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. The core of an atom is made up of larger Protons and Neutrons, and has tiny electrons orbiting around it. Imagine o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1orz1s
during the blitz of london and other major european cities how comes major landmarks where not destroyed? i.e. house of parliment, tower bridge, buckingham palace.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1orz1s/eli5_during_the_blitz_of_london_and_other_major/
{ "a_id": [ "ccuz3d4", "ccuzj6n" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "They took some damage, but it got repaired.\n\nThe bombs used in WWII were certainly damaging, but it wasn't too common for only 1 or 2 hits to take out a decently large, well built structure. ", "First of all, you're mi...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_demolished_buildings_and_structures_in_London" ] ]
30e9o2
somtimes, out of nowhere, i feel really, ecstatically good. to the point that i feel like i love everyone and everything in the room, and they all love me. why does this happen?
It's made me wonder, at times, if I was secretly drugged or something and just didn't know it. I do have Major Depressive Disorder, so this is somewhat of a blessing to me. But it also has physical effects such as a pleasant feeling from the pit of my stomach all the way down to my pubic area and even my legs. What cou...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30e9o2/eli5_somtimes_out_of_nowhere_i_feel_really/
{ "a_id": [ "cprlry9", "cprrfj8" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you've been diagnosed with depression, it's not much of a stretch for you to be bipolar. You might try talking to your doctor about it.", "Those are manic episodes. Talk to your Doctor." ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2ai0fm
how did the internet work before the world wide web? what was it? what could it do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ai0fm/eli5_how_did_the_internet_work_before_the_world/
{ "a_id": [ "civbj97", "civbxy3", "civfl8z" ], "score": [ 16, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "You can kind of think about the Internet as being the actual hardware, and the world wide web as what we run on it.\n\nThe internet is what we call the system to interconnect lots of computers over lo...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Tomlinson", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usenet" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Internet" ] ]
3ijzzk
if it's so difficult for a fusion reactor to just break even, then why are they expected to someday be able to produce massive amounts of power?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ijzzk/eli5_if_its_so_difficult_for_a_fusion_reactor_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cuh3swl", "cuh40qg", "cuh448w", "cuhodia" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The sun works on fusion, so we know it's a good source of power.\n\nHydrogen is ridiculously easy to acquire compared to fissionable elements.\n\nThe result of fusing hydrogen is h...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3mfucd
how the library of babel works
Link: _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mfucd/eli5_how_the_library_of_babel_works/
{ "a_id": [ "cvemkub", "cvepa0a" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "I just spent an hour playing with it. You probably found out about it from Vsauce didn't you? I don't think it can be explained any better than that. If you didn't, look up the last episode its at around 17:00 minutes. ", ...
[]
[ "https://libraryofbabel.info/" ]
[ [], [] ]
3mp856
tinder bots. how? more importantly: why?
These things are rampant. How they actually work is one thing I'm curious about. But more importantly, why in the world do they exist? Do they somehow generate revenue? Is it based on the number of clicks they get to their spammy links? Who in the hell are these gullible maniacs who click on their obviously spammy link...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mp856/eli5_tinder_bots_how_more_importantly_why/
{ "a_id": [ "cvgvgl6", "cvgvh18", "cvh276d" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Some get you to click on websites that they will make money off of, others could be from tinder themselves to encourage users to use the app.\n\nAs for how, I'm not sure what needs explaining. Take a ra...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3if51a
would the u.s. be able to intercept/defend against a nuclear missile strike?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3if51a/eli5_would_the_us_be_able_to_interceptdefend/
{ "a_id": [ "cufvc1y", "cufwusn", "cufxipw" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "To a very limited degree, yes.\n\nThe US could conceivably shoot down a number of incoming missiles. That number is relatively small, likely less than 100. A nuclear strike by a rogue nation like Iran o...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2092v0
do planets like mars have valuable minerals that would be useful for us back on earth? if so, what would they be?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2092v0/eli5_do_planets_like_mars_have_valuable_minerals/
{ "a_id": [ "cg0x4pl", "cg0ynes" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Helium-3 (He-3) is a light, non-radioactive isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron. It is rare on Earth, and it is sought for use in nuclear fusion research. The abundance of helium-3 is thought to be greater on ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
281x9o
why is it okay to pass legislation before anybody even knows it's contents? and how does it make sense?
I can't seem to wrap my head around the logic of passing laws before knowing anything about them.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/281x9o/eli5why_is_it_okay_to_pass_legislation_before/
{ "a_id": [ "ci6kcnh", "ci6kj9t" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I don't understand your premise?\n\nThe House and the Senate get to pass whatever they want. Because having some other body restricting what they can or cannot vote on would screw up our relationship of power. \n\nI feel lik...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
38v54b
scientifically, how does the "high ground advantage" work in military tactics?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38v54b/eli5scientifically_how_does_the_high_ground/
{ "a_id": [ "cry30pq", "cry39w3" ], "score": [ 5, 7 ], "text": [ "in ancient times, having the high ground gave you the advantage, because your enemy would have to climb up to you, which would tire them out before the fight even began.... or your soldiers could come down from the high grou...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
33f2tx
why have we evolved to only taste salt, sweet, bitter and sour? why were they the important flavors?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33f2tx/eli5_why_have_we_evolved_to_only_taste_salt_sweet/
{ "a_id": [ "cqk9zj2", "cqka671" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "We haven't. We can taste other flavors as well. The whole salty, sweet, bitter, and sour thing is a myth (one perpetuated by oversimplified education) but a myth nonetheless.\n\n[Here](_URL_0_) is a good look at how the my...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15819485" ], [] ]
5t0f7z
how does us armed forces overseas deployment work?
So, this is really about 100 questions... I obviously get the concept, but how does the US military execute it? How do we get hundreds of thousands of troops to a designated area in a short amount of time? What are the implications? What type of planning goes into it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5t0f7z/eli5_how_does_us_armed_forces_overseas_deployment/
{ "a_id": [ "ddj67pd" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "As an Army vet --\n\nFirst, we train for it constantly, and actually test on it annually (at a minimum). When it comes to actually deploying, we loaded everything up on big ass USAF planes, and flew to where we were needed. \n\nThe major part o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7sjm0g
how do people get into very niche careers? (e.g secret service, cia, etc.)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7sjm0g/eli5_how_do_people_get_into_very_niche_careers_eg/
{ "a_id": [ "dt59390" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It all starts off with having a clean background. Pretty much from high school and on. It’s very important especially if you are starting off straight from college. Most of the agencies CIA DIA secret service, etc... require degrees for most anal...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5xqakv
why do people realize something about themselves that they need to change and know exactly what they have to do in order to change but do nothing about it?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xqakv/eli5_why_do_people_realize_something_about/
{ "a_id": [ "dek1vlx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Most things that need to be fixed require a lot of time and effort before realizing the reward. In the meantime, you would be missing out on a lot of instant gratification type stuff that's been giving you pleasure.\n\nSo, understanding that I ne...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1dak0o
why was bush a bad president? why is obama a good one?
This seems to be the general consensus, at last where i live, but i feel like Bush must have some redeeming and vice versa in regards to Obama.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1dak0o/why_was_bush_a_bad_president_why_is_obama_a_good/
{ "a_id": [ "c9ohcla", "c9ohuq7", "c9ohxsk", "c9ol8dd" ], "score": [ 16, 10, 6, 9 ], "text": [ "Well... Income inequality has increased dramatically under Obama. His administration has also prosecuted less financial institutions than Reagen, Clinton, or either Bush. Obama h...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
35lell
how do google cars (and other self-driving vehicles) deal with anomalies (for example,a human directing traffic)?
I understand their being able to handle well-defined things like lane markers, street signs, traffic lights. But what about those situations we've all seen - construction directions with non-standard signs or a construction worker giving instructions, or a traffic officer superseding a traffic light, etc
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35lell/eli5_how_do_google_cars_and_other_selfdriving/
{ "a_id": [ "cr5gso9", "cr5hx3g", "cr61c0d" ], "score": [ 57, 15, 2 ], "text": [ "Simple answer is they don't yet. Interpreting these kinds of events is a very complex rationalization process that they're working on but don't have a perfect solution for yet. \n\nLikely the places t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://archive.wired.com/wired/archive/14.01/stanley.html" ] ]
exrgpe
how is it that most individuals tend to avoid violence, but countries are at each other’s throats almost constantly?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/exrgpe/eli5_how_is_it_that_most_individuals_tend_to/
{ "a_id": [ "fgbmxoc" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Competitive people are drawn to politics whereas the non-competitive avoid it. So the leaders of nations tend to be competitive, unlike the majority of the people in it. This competitiveness leads to conflict.\n\nAnd the leaders of nations do n...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4d7dof
why does skipping feel so natural?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4d7dof/eli5_why_does_skipping_feel_so_natural/
{ "a_id": [ "d1ofwbt", "d1oga6e", "d1ogb8u", "d1ogfz3" ], "score": [ 15, 8, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "26 y/o male here. I can haul absolute ass when I skip. It's almost effortless as well. I feel like humans may have skipped to hunt down gazelle at one point in our evolutionary ti...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1689187/pdf/9699315.pdf" ] ]
76ycwu
uv light in public conveniences.
Hello everyone. I have a question. My local council have recently installed ultraviolet lights in all their public toilets. Why do they do this? My mum (who was a nurse) told me it prevented drug addicts from injecting in the cubicles, but I know ultraviolet light is used in water treatment. Why do they do that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/76ycwu/eli5_uv_light_in_public_conveniences/
{ "a_id": [ "dohk69j" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Your mum is correct. \n\nUnder UV light you can't see your veins to inject. It also works with blue bulbs I think but is more effective with UV.\n\nEDIT: Missed a word" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aa0er7
why nfl teams dont throw games for trades or draft picks
e.g. Browns throwing a game to let Pittsburgh into the playoffs for better draft picks, trade, cash or something?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aa0er7/eli5_why_nfl_teams_dont_throw_games_for_trades_or/
{ "a_id": [ "ecnymf0", "ecnzlp2" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "they do. but they have to be very careful about it because the NFL can fine the teams for intentionally losing games. Also, they could be sued in a federal antitrust lawsuit. the latter is unlikely but not unheard of", "...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
nth98
why is alcohol a depressant?
Is it to due with the state of mind you're in when you take the drug. So you can have quiet drinkers in a pub that were depressed and then drank more, extenuating the depression? Whereas if you're going out to party, you're in a good mood and so it's magnified.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/nth98/why_is_alcohol_a_depressant/
{ "a_id": [ "c3bss44", "c3bu4zs", "c3bub70", "c3bss44", "c3bu4zs", "c3bub70" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 39, 6, 4, 39 ], "text": [ "There was a study where students given placebo beers still acted like they were drunk. So I guess the environment affects the effect a...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1403295/" ], [ "http://vimeo.com/10503911" ], [], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1403295/" ], [ "http://vimeo.com/10503911" ], [] ]
72lmz0
when you have a cold, where does the infection reside?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/72lmz0/eli5_when_you_have_a_cold_where_does_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dnjixv0" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Well, the infection is, in short, where you feel the effects. I'll break it down:\n\n1. So if you get infected by influenza, it infects usually where it enters (your nasal and pulmonary epithelial cells which have mucous membranes that make it ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2bhhf5
why do i feel the urge to make strange gurgling noises when i stretch?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bhhf5/eli5_why_do_i_feel_the_urge_to_make_strange/
{ "a_id": [ "cj5eoub", "cj5eylw", "cj5f465", "cj5fabt" ], "score": [ 97, 18, 2, 12 ], "text": [ "This is my completely unscientific guess as a medical student- open to corrections!\n\nWhen you stretch, you unconsciously perform something called a 'valsalva manoeuvre' agains...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
82zrua
what do consultants do and how do they make so much money?
Ive seen a fair amount of people say they've changed careers to become a consultant and they make more money than they did before. I just want to know what they do.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/82zrua/eli5_what_do_consultants_do_and_how_do_they_make/
{ "a_id": [ "dvdzm4b", "dvdzsar", "dvdzzvq", "dve05kq", "dve2u8y" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3, 7, 6 ], "text": [ "Generally they come in and give ideas/assist in implementing improvements to a business. They make a lot of money because they have specialized knowledge in a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
6qbkd9
why are priests prone to the stereotype of being a pervert?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qbkd9/eli5_why_are_priests_prone_to_the_stereotype_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dkvzz7t" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's hard to go forever without sex/intimacy, and many people who had feelings they knew to be sinful (homosexual, attracted to kids) chose the priesthood as a way to run from their feelings or try to cure them. So when the feelings remain, and ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4zfuag
why didn't we start looking at the closest solar system for habitable planets to begin with?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4zfuag/eli5_why_didnt_we_start_looking_at_the_closest/
{ "a_id": [ "d6vgyip" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "We did. Our ability to detect exoplanets is limited and gradually improving, and distance is only one variable that affects whether or not we're able to detect a particular planet. We had looked there before but weren't able to see anything out o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]