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31nm2k
why does a vhs image wobble and show bands of "static" when you press pause instead of just standing still?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/31nm2k/eli5_why_does_a_vhs_image_wobble_and_show_bands/
{ "a_id": [ "cq37cad" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I think it's because the tape stops, but the read-head is still spinning round.\nSo it's really just reading the same 'frame', but since it's analog, it cant really stand still. ... A video tape is encoded like this: /////// ... which is differen...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
20kbaw
if something becomes legal while you are being prosecuted for it being illegal will you still be found guilty.
For example: Someone in Colorado gets arrested for possession of Marijuana before it was legal, but now it is legal and that person is still on trial. Will that person still be found guilty? Thank you, I cant find the answer to this question anywhere.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20kbaw/eli5_if_something_becomes_legal_while_you_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cg42kua", "cg432i9", "cg442rc", "cg49bom" ], "score": [ 25, 10, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "As far as I know, yes. You still committed a crime while that act was illegal. unfortunately.", "It also works the other way. You can't be prosecuted for something that becom...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
c0f4k1
how do crayons get their pigment?
Asking after seeing this post on /r/chemistry _URL_0_ I wanted to know what actually gives crayons their colors. Is it synthesized chemicals? Pigments found in nature? Can anyone answer this? Thanks.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c0f4k1/eli5_how_do_crayons_get_their_pigment/
{ "a_id": [ "er4ayoz" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Both of your answers are correct. Some colours can be produced naturally by things found in nature, but more often then not, they use chemicals. Iron for example is naturally red and so can be used to colour things red or orange. Different chemic...
[]
[ "https://www.reddit.com/r/chemistry/comments/c06x9y/crayons_labeled_with_the_chemical_that_will/?utm_source=reddit-android" ]
[ [] ]
256wqh
red light's effects on the eyes vs. green.
Red lights are supposed to preserve night vision, why? And I got a flashlight that had a red light to preserve night vision, and a Green light for "inspection." Does green ligh preserve night vision but give more detail or what? Edit: [Here] (_URL_0_) is the light.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/256wqh/eli5_red_lights_effects_on_the_eyes_vs_green/
{ "a_id": [ "cheb3ci" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Red does not preserve night vision particularly well; it simply causes a less obvious \"after-glare\" than most other colors.\n\nThe best color for seeing in the dark is actually a sort of greenish blue-green (507 nm wavelength), because that's a...
[]
[ "http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Professional-Swivel-Flashlight-Black/dp/B0014IU5BQ/ref=sr_1_23?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1399779016&sr=1-23&keywords=energizer+flashlight" ]
[ [] ]
1zsfaq
massive eve online battle that cost north of $300,000 usd
How and why did this battle happen? Where are they getting these dollar amounts from? Time and Material? Actual USD for buying these "ships"?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zsfaq/eli5_massive_eve_online_battle_that_cost_north_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cfwj4em", "cfwk3sc" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Like any MMO there is a market for in-game money. In EVE this is generally \"how many in-game credits does it take to buy a one month game card. The exchange rate can then be figured because a month shbscription to the gam...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3u0n34
why is the number two pencil number two when it's the most widely used pencil in the world?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3u0n34/eli5why_is_the_number_two_pencil_number_two_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cxau4yn", "cxau6a0" ], "score": [ 26, 3 ], "text": [ "cil makers manufacture No. 1, 2, 2½, 3, and 4 pencils—and sometimes other intermediate numbers. The higher the number, the harder the lead and lighter the markings. (No. 1 pencils produce darker markings, which are sometime...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=49849" ], [] ]
7d2lp2
when a tree grows, where does it's matter come from?
Say I take a large glass box 100'x100'x100'. I fill it with soil and plant an acorn. The only thing that goes into the box is regular watering. Each season for 100 years, the tree grows larger, leaves are created and fall off and are raked up and stored. At 100 years the tree is cut down, the wood is dried and cut in...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7d2lp2/eli5_when_a_tree_grows_where_does_its_matter_come/
{ "a_id": [ "dpujq21", "dpuk037", "dpunbd6", "dpv21j0", "dpvhy8u" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Photosynthesis (light) + CO2\n\nThat's the easy explanation.\nBut really it's more complicated than this if you want to deep dive into the specifics. ", "...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
34je98
why does a washed towel dry completely when hanged, but stays moist after use?
When I hang my very wet towel after a machine wash, some hours later it'll be completely dry and a pleasure to use. But after I've used it for a while, it eventually starts feeling moist and needs to be washed again, even though it's again untouched for hours. Why does it dry after the machine wash, but not after it'...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34je98/eli5_why_does_a_washed_towel_dry_completely_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cqv7uwa", "cqv7vdx", "cqvrj08" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Maybe your bathroom doesn't have good ventilation. Bathrooms are usually pretty small and showers produce a lot of steam. If you tend to leave the door closed or you don't have a fan vent, your bathroo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3fgvyj
why (in the usa) do "fancier" beers usually come in 11.2/11.5 fl.oz bottles? is this a foreign thing or a "less is more" sort of deal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fgvyj/eli5_why_in_the_usa_do_fancier_beers_usually_come/
{ "a_id": [ "ctohwzg", "ctojzmu" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Well I'll have you know that if it is a foreign thing, it's not something from Britain!\n\nOur \"Real Ale\" beers and mircro-brewery stuff seems to always come in the [larger bottles, like so.](_URL_1_)\n\n[It's the crap tha...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.whatsonpenang.com/images/whats-on-penang-CarlsbergBeer.jpg", "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwiAAIqXiDM/UF22dL94p-I/AAAAAAAAFXc/aoM1IZcX_oc/s1600/real+ale+bottles.jpg", "http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/10/20/article-0-18DBA7B000000578-556_634x423.jpg" ], [] ]
304hsh
why do trains make that (chugga-chugga) noise while moving?
I don't get it. The rails are perfectly smooth, aren't they?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/304hsh/eli5_why_do_trains_make_that_chuggachugga_noise/
{ "a_id": [ "cpp06bh", "cpp0glu", "cpp4vo4" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The noise isn't from the wheels, it is from the engine. It releases steam with each cycle of expansion and that makes noise.\n\nAutomobiles don't go \"vroom\" because of the texture of the road either."...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
ka8s5
explain the claim that computers use less power when there are less applications running/less computing load
I keep getting told that when there are fewer apps running, there's less power consumption. Leaving aside the issue of peripheral I/O (and I guess that HDDs are the big draw here), is it true that a computer sitting there, just kickin' back, is drawing less power than one that's computing computery stuff?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ka8s5/explain_the_claim_that_computers_use_less_power/
{ "a_id": [ "c2int83", "c2io0rh", "c2ioeae", "c2int83", "c2io0rh", "c2ioeae" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2, 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Let's say that your computer [processor] works by flipping a billion of little switches a second. When the computer is running a lot of ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=Kill-A-Watt&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5525303247386121198&sa=X&ei=ilhqTt_rA62JsALrlfG9BA&ved=0CF4Q8wIwAQ" ], [], [], [ "http://www.google.com/products/c...
a55zld
how does a water tap work? how can water flow so fast from the moment you open it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a55zld/eli5_how_does_a_water_tap_work_how_can_water_flow/
{ "a_id": [ "ebk4kzg" ], "score": [ 16 ], "text": [ "There is always water in the pipes that is under constant pressure (either from a pump or because it is coming from a water tower, so more water is above the pipe and kind of presses down, creating pressure). So when you open the tap, the water ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7ggpjy
if water is transparent, how does it still cast a shadow?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ggpjy/eli5_if_water_is_transparent_how_does_it_still/
{ "a_id": [ "dqixr61", "dqixspe" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "It's not completely transparent. It has a slight blue color, reflects some light, refracts some light. ", "its not fully transparent and some light gets reflected at it's surface. \n\n it's dark in deep waters. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3u9clk
if a password is saved as a hash, can two different passwords have an equal hash? if so, can a different password unlock my reddit account ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3u9clk/eli5_if_a_password_is_saved_as_a_hash_can_two/
{ "a_id": [ "cxcyv5w", "cxcz1a7", "cxczd7n" ], "score": [ 9, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Theoretically, yes. This is called a hash collision. In practice however they are very hard to find and, for a given hash, it is not guaranteed that there are multiple passwords which will map to it (al...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%28%28boltzmann+constant%29*+1+K+*+ln%282%29+*+2%5E256+%2F+%28total+solar+output%29%29+%2F+%28age+of+the+universe%29" ], [] ]
38idnv
why do streaming video players have to reload content when you navigate backward?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38idnv/eli5_why_do_streaming_video_players_have_to/
{ "a_id": [ "crv8bob", "crv96yw" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because after they have displayed video, they clear it from memory to make room for more video to stream. Most streaming video players only keep a small amount of the video in their memory at any time -- maybe a couple of mi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
53fo9i
why does the iphone make you delete so many pictures in order to take a new one?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53fo9i/eli5_why_does_the_iphone_make_you_delete_so_many/
{ "a_id": [ "d7sp87x" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "50 sounds like an awful lot but anyway, it's like this: when you take a picture the raw data is recorded from the sensor, this raw file is a shitload bigger than your standard jpeg. The phone processes the raw data, compresses it, saves it and th...
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[ [] ]
1s0qci
how much money do the people on game shows (who wants to be a millionaire, deal or no deal, etc.) actually take home?
I've always heard people say that the money they make on the show is taxed (up to something like 50 percent), but is that the case? and if so, how much and for what reason?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s0qci/eli5how_much_money_do_the_people_on_game_shows/
{ "a_id": [ "cdss15f" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on both the tax laws of the area where the show is held, and the contestants residency. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4y0jub
how come some people can't digest red meat?
I know some people who get terrible stomach cramping and indigestion after eating red meat. Is there some enzyme responsible for breaking down specifically red meat that some individuals don't have or stop producing over a period of time after not eating red meat for a while?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4y0jub/eli5_how_come_some_people_cant_digest_red_meat/
{ "a_id": [ "d6jxcj4" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There are several enzymes responsible for breaking down animal protein and there is a tiny portion of the population that naturally does not have it. There is a slightly larger percentage (still tiny) that loses the ability due to being bitten by...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aypivg
how does number spoofing work?
How are people able to fake their number and used one attached to a different SIM card?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aypivg/eli5_how_does_number_spoofing_work/
{ "a_id": [ "ei2cvle" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Until recently, the telephone network worked by connecting your phone through a continuous wire to the phone you were dialing. Essentially, imagine that you have a series of switches, each of which has 10 wires.\n\nWhen you dial 512-2391 what wo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6q72bt
hearing someone's smile as they talk.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6q72bt/eli5_hearing_someones_smile_as_they_talk/
{ "a_id": [ "dkv5udf", "dkvcuxg" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "I don't know the exact science of it, but as far as I'm aware, when you smile, you use certain muscles in your face and around your mouth. When those muscles are in use, it changes how your mouth normally moves when you're s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7yjkpq
electrical current and electron flow directions, and how we can design a circuit from positive to negative if the electrons are flowing the opposite direction?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7yjkpq/eli5_electrical_current_and_electron_flow/
{ "a_id": [ "duh1v8x" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It doesn't matter. Mathematically, the direction of the current is arbitrary; if you want to model it with the current carrier direction as the direction of the current, then just multiply all the currents by negative 1.\n\nEither way, the result...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5lsmy3
why can't a car give more details with a dashboard warning light?
Assuming that a mechanic can hook to your car to get the code, why can't the car just output the code, or even better, the cause associated with the code?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5lsmy3/eli5_why_cant_a_car_give_more_details_with_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dby3mad", "dby3z5d", "dby43lk", "dbyaoa6" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "The mechanic can get much more data, with a reader, from the car's ODB2 maintenance data port. The car manufacturer only lights the MIL to tell you to take you car to someone who ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
109mmd
why can't people clap in unison to a song?
Usually whenever a group of people is clapping along to a song, they tend to speed up and just get off tempo. With people listening to music everywhere, how can they still have such a terrible sense of tempo? edit: Well, this is now really ELI5 rhythm
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/109mmd/eli5_why_cant_people_clap_in_unison_to_a_song/
{ "a_id": [ "c6bkd9e", "c6bkgce", "c6bl7ba", "c6bm7nr" ], "score": [ 20, 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "At least with large auditoriums, the speed of sound plays a role. Someone clapping at the front of the stage will hear the beat about a half second earlier than someone in the ch...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2h7nei
what would happen if the middle east refused to export oil?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h7nei/eli5_what_would_happen_if_the_middle_east_refused/
{ "a_id": [ "ckq4pot", "ckq4sp2", "ckq7arw" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "They would get really poor, really quick.", "The situation is entirely too speculative and would never occur as long as the world consumes a lot of oil.\n\nThe middle east is a collective and not on...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_oil_crisis" ] ]
c8sfck
what actually happens to the body during an asthma attack? why can't you just calm down and breathe?
Was watching the movie "Signs" and it occurred to me that I don't understand asthma or it's subsequent "attacks".
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c8sfck/eli5_what_actually_happens_to_the_body_during_an/
{ "a_id": [ "espcfgf", "espcohx", "espcvzt", "espexjs" ], "score": [ 2, 9, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "I think it's to do with the inflammation and mucus of the airways, calming down and breathing wont stop it.", "Asthma is when an immune system reaction in the lungs causes the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
32v6oh
why are zebras a different animal and not just a breed of horse?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32v6oh/eli5_why_are_zebras_a_different_animal_and_not/
{ "a_id": [ "cqexf3w" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Simple: they aren't the same species.\n\nTwo animals are of the same species if they can successfully breed together, and the children that they make are able to breed themselves. So me and a female human are the same species, because we can bre...
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[]
[ [] ]
2eux6d
anita sarkeesian
1) Why do people hate her so much? 2) What is happening as to death threats etc. on Twitter?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2eux6d/eli5_anita_sarkeesian/
{ "a_id": [ "ck35x9c", "ck360u5", "ck36uuf" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "1) They disagree with the things she says on the Internet, possibly because she says that Internet and gaming culture are pretty anti-woman.\n\n2) People are posting credible death threats, rape threats...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://twitter.com/femfreq/status/504718160902492160" ], [], [] ]
9hd6vf
what causes computer storage to become 'corrupted (ie: external harddrives, flashdrives, etc), and need to be reformatted (erasing all that is on the drive) in order to be used?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9hd6vf/eli5_what_causes_computer_storage_to_become/
{ "a_id": [ "e6b154q", "e6b2awv", "e6bj9m1" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Files can be corrupted for a lot of reasons. It typically happens when a file is left in a weird state where the system doesn't know how to read it anymore. A program might have broken or been interrup...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2h9e4m
let's say i'm watching a 24fps movie on my 60hz computer monitor. how does the framerate of the movie match up with the refresh rate of the monitor?
24 doesn't go into 60 evenly, 60 / 24 = 2.5, so wouldn't that mean that a frame is dropped every 2.5 seconds?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h9e4m/eli5_lets_say_im_watching_a_24fps_movie_on_my/
{ "a_id": [ "ckqlf9z", "ckqnytx" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Don't quote me on this, but I think that it works like this;\n\nThe monitor refreshes a complete display 60 times in every second, the movie shows a new image 24 times in every second. Imagine that you have a friend standing...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1nj54q
what is sociological imagination, and why is it important?
I'm having trouble understanding not only the concept, but also why I should care and why society as a whole should as well.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nj54q/eli5_what_is_sociological_imagination_and_why_is/
{ "a_id": [ "ccj286v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Here's a first year Sociology student's answer:\n\nAccording to the creator of the term, C.W. Mills, it is the ability to perceive how dynamic social forces influence individual lives.\n\nWhat the hell does that mean?\n\nIt's about stepping out o...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://socialsciences.nsula.edu/assets/Site-Files/The-Promise.pdf" ] ]
b4r1t4
gear shifting on a bicycle, how do you do it properly?
So when I was really 5 years old and learning how to ride a bicycle with gears, by father told me to "never use the shifter on the left!". He was probably just trying to avoid a chainlink disaster, but now at 29 I am still hearing his voice in my head. How do you *actually* use the left gear shifter on a bike?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b4r1t4/eli5_gear_shifting_on_a_bicycle_how_do_you_do_it/
{ "a_id": [ "ej8lwiy", "ej8mag3", "ej8x693" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Left shifter is the front gears, right shifter is the back. Basically the closer in size the selected gears are, the slower you'll go but the less energy it will take to pedal (so for uphill movement), ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4pe5k1
why is brazil still hosting the olympics?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4pe5k1/eli5_why_is_brazil_still_hosting_the_olympics/
{ "a_id": [ "d4k7j5w", "d4k7sgb" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "They are the ones that won the bid. There is not really a system in place for the Olympic committee to withdraw who won once it has been decided, and even if there were there is not time for an alternate to prepare. ", "...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1aebug
does fire weigh anything?
I wanted to know if fire actually had a set weight or if there was a way to the measure the weight of fire? Thanks for the answers guys, it really helped my drunk self understand :-)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1aebug/eli5_does_fire_weigh_anything/
{ "a_id": [ "c8wo4n5", "c8woaj7", "c8wocn9", "c8wooq9", "c8worf9", "c8wp2l4", "c8wp4h8" ], "score": [ 26, 35, 7, 2, 54, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Not sure about fire itself, but I do remember learning that if you could take a giant plastic bag over a fire t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
bgisnx
why are internet atheists so militant in pushing their views?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bgisnx/eli5_why_are_internet_atheists_so_militant_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ell4gyf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Probably because the 99.9% of atheists who post on the internet and aren't militant don't post about atheism online." ] }
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[ [] ]
7kpz6t
in people that have dissociative identity disorder it has been noted that different "personalities" can have physiological differences, like eyeglass perscriptions, allergies or responses to medication. how is this possible?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7kpz6t/eli5in_people_that_have_dissociative_identity/
{ "a_id": [ "drg9pzn", "drgcdtp" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It is possible and fairly common for your body to develop psychosomatic symptoms even without DID where you can start showing symptoms or improvements solely because your brain believes it to be true. \n\nThere have even bee...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
2fonqs
what happens to stolen cell phones?
I understand thieves sell the stolen phones to a middle man that wipes them, but what are they doing to the phones that allows them to be re-sold. Is it just reinstalling to OS? Id think each smartphone has probly several unique serial numbers or addresses that can't be modified. How come when it connects to the networ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fonqs/eli5what_happens_to_stolen_cell_phones/
{ "a_id": [ "ckb8gzp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "All phones have an IMEI number which can be used to cancel the phone quite literally, it can never access a network again as it gets flagged as stolen.\n\nThe problem is not everyone keeps a note of their IMEI serial number so this rarely happens...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3cuio1
why do get so high latency when playing videogames with people on other continents?
With data traveling through fiber-optics at the speed of light (or around the entire globe in < 14ms), how come the distance between the players of a videogame is still such a big issue?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cuio1/eli5_why_do_get_so_high_latency_when_playing/
{ "a_id": [ "csz363l", "csz36j4", "csz3tg2" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "If you had a direct fiber optic to a guy across the world that is exactly how it would work. But in real life going from you to someone across the world is going through many many dozens of intermediate...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=earth+circumference+%2F+2+at+speed+of+light" ], [] ]
4cbq2s
when you gain muscle, does something that weighs 10 pounds feels like it weighs 5 pounds or does it feel like it weighs 10 pounds you are just able to lift it without as much exertion?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cbq2s/eli5_when_you_gain_muscle_does_something_that/
{ "a_id": [ "d1gqgjl", "d1gtmzz", "d1gul5u", "d1gy9m2", "d1gz90k", "d1h5wmy" ], "score": [ 60, 15, 5, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "If something feels like it is heavy, and you then train your body, it will indeed feel lighter. But at the same time, because your bod...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6dz2ig
why are violent, illegal, and immoral topics socially acceptable when they're in song lyrics?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6dz2ig/eli5_why_are_violent_illegal_and_immoral_topics/
{ "a_id": [ "di6fq60", "di6frpb", "di6gqch" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Music is art, one of the major functions of art is to challenge the one experiencing it; their morals, their taboos, their whole worldview.", "People either: 1) don't actually listen to the lyrics (...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7rhy6e
why do certain pills change the way food or water tastes?
I started taking some new medication, and I noticed that suddenly water started tasting really different and really bad. I can only describe the taste as metallic. I guess this is a normal thing, but I'm really curious of why does this happen.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7rhy6e/eli5_why_do_certain_pills_change_the_way_food_or/
{ "a_id": [ "dsytq7f" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Lithium? i remember when i started taking it things tasted different too, not bad different, almost more like a shift, like when you change the colours of picture, but with taste. \n\ni imagine whatever brain chemicles the medication changes, i...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
a7s9ve
when water gets down a whale's blowhole do they cough violently / panic / overreact like hoomans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a7s9ve/eli5_when_water_gets_down_a_whales_blowhole_do/
{ "a_id": [ "ec5jgeg" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "From reading the wikipedia article on cetacean's blowholes, it says they have a nasal plug to prevent the water going into their lungs. \nThe muscles are relaxed to close it, and they have to contract to open it, so it seems highly unlikely that...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
khxiy
why does light look pointy when you have wet and squinty eyes?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/khxiy/why_does_light_look_pointy_when_you_have_wet_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c2keezr", "c2kh65s", "c2keezr", "c2kh65s" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Excellent question. Perhaps it has something to do with the lightfall being different?", "It has to do with the way light bounces off the edges of things. Have you ever noticed...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/particleorwave/diffraction/particlediffractionfigure1.jpg", "http://www.solarnavigator.net/images/sun_viewed_through_camera_lens.jpg", "http://static.trustedreviews.com/1cb1a3|8ee5_3290-aperturelarge.jpg" ], [], [ "http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/pr...
5ib916
why are web extensions (.com,.net) in europe and pretty much everywhere the same as the countries name, except in the us.
In the USA, the extension .us is rarely used. But in Mexico, .mx is popular and in Germany .de . Why is .com and .net the dominant ones used, even if the website is a foreign company making a second page in the us?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ib916/eli5_why_are_web_extensions_comnet_in_europe_and/
{ "a_id": [ "db6soh7", "db6yh2w" ], "score": [ 4, 12 ], "text": [ ".com stands for commercial. It's not a US specific thing. A company in the UK for example will register both _URL_1_ and _URL_0_, even if they don't operate in the US.", "They are called \"top-level domains\". And initi...
[]
[]
[ [ "companyname.com", "companyname.co.uk" ], [ "co.uk", "gov.uk" ] ]
62pw01
why aren't there other forms of intelligent life on earth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62pw01/eli5_why_arent_there_other_forms_of_intelligent/
{ "a_id": [ "dfoesip", "dfoev86", "dfofxmq", "dfogfi5", "dfogzbg", "dfoj1cs", "dfolh1h", "dfomf7r", "dfomfdu", "dfomhkc", "dfomn6g", "dfon67m", "dfoncc4", "dfonszo", "dfoo4e3", "dfoo4ly", "dfoo5vw", "dfop43k", "dfop5gf", "dfopd61", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.google.com/search?q=humans+underestimate+animal+intelligence&amp;oq=humans+underestimate+animal+intelligence&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57.5644j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.bb...
3rsr9d
why do we sometimes need to blink for our eyes to focus? what is occurring during the blink that "resets" our eyes, allowing them to focus correctly?
Every once in a while, whether it be after just waking up - or when switching focus between a close object and a far one - we blink to aid ourselves with the change in focus. Why do we do this/How does blinking facilitate the act of focusing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rsr9d/eli5_why_do_we_sometimes_need_to_blink_for_our/
{ "a_id": [ "cwqz52j" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "actually, you don't need to blink your eyes. Hold your thumb close to your face and look at something distant. You can switch between the focus on your thumb and the focus on the other object without blinking.\nBlinking helps though, that's becau...
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[ [] ]
3uzon0
what happens if you split a proton?
(See title) So just before I was reading another ELI5 about Nuclear Energy and the topic of fission. So if fission is splitting the bonds between atoms, what happens if you actually split or slice the particles the atom is actually made of? Thanks in advance!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3uzon0/eli5_what_happens_if_you_split_a_proton/
{ "a_id": [ "cxj1koz", "cxj1q1v" ], "score": [ 9, 14 ], "text": [ "Splitting a proton would get you a down quark and a pair of up quarks, but it's impossible to split it any further because quarks are fundamental particles, meaning nothing comprises them, they just exist.", "It turns o...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7ibajc
why is it that some roads have a disproportionate number of gas stations and fast food places on one side of the street instead of the other?
I notice this often on many streets in my city. It's kind of annoying when you're hungry or need gas.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ibajc/eli5_why_is_it_that_some_roads_have_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dqxi2zh", "dqxiltv", "dqxr72n", "dqxsp4t" ], "score": [ 8, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Could be zoning laws, the availability or lack of infrastructure such as water and sewage or electrical. Property owners refusing to build or allow businesses to be built on their...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
62wb1y
how can the lone star tick make us allergic to meat when there is such a vast variety of animal foods?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62wb1y/eli5how_can_the_lone_star_tick_make_us_allergic/
{ "a_id": [ "dfploxq" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's called an alpha-gal allergy (Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose allergy). It's a carbohydrate that's found in almost 100% of all mammals. The carbohydrate is used in the creation of cell membranes. All mammal meat contains cells, all of these ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
j47fp
please explain the 14th amendment and how it relates to the debt crisis.
I've been reading and hearing on the news that the President can invoke the 14th Amendment in someway to settle the debt crisis if congress continues to lallygag around. As far as I understand, the 14th Amendment is the civil rights amendment. So, how can it be used to settle the current situation? How is it relevant?...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j47fp/please_explain_the_14th_amendment_and_how_it/
{ "a_id": [ "c28ztv5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Section 4 of the 14th amendment basically says that the US will honor its public debts incurred by congress and that the debt is legitimate. In theory, congress refusing to raise the debt ceiling would fly counter to that.\n\nSome say that Pres. ...
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[]
[ [] ]
2visr5
why is bacon only made as pork bacon or the unholy turkey bacon?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2visr5/eli5_why_is_bacon_only_made_as_pork_bacon_or_the/
{ "a_id": [ "coi0zjk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Beef bacon is very popular in Muslim countries. The bigger limiting factor is that to make a good bacon it does need to be a fairly 'fatty' cut of meat. Hence, turkey thigh and pork belly. \nChicken thighs work. Also Beef Shoulder (Made a ki...
[]
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[ [] ]
1nzwjl
why do people have different hair colours but apes don't?
People can come in blonde, brunette or ginger and variants of those three but all monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees etc. are all black (not including orang-utans who are all ginger)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nzwjl/eli5_why_do_people_have_different_hair_colours/
{ "a_id": [ "ccnlm1a" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Most of humanity has black hair except for Northern Europeans.\n\nThere is a theory that states that because Humans have only lived in Europe for such a short period of time, less than 35000 years, that random genetic evolution did not cause for ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://cogweb.ucla.edu/ep/Frost_06.html" ] ]
zuiil
why does reddit use "vote-fuzzing" and not show the true number of upvotes/downvotes on posts?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zuiil/why_does_reddit_use_votefuzzing_and_not_show_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c67vdxo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sometimes bots are banned silently, so they think they're still having an impact. Votes are \"fuzzed\" so that the bot can't be sure whether it had an impact or not, if they think everything is still working they won't try to find some new way t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
49u87u
what is a convolutional neural network?
What is it? How does it work? Saw some cool news on The Verge about [Google and robots](_URL_0_) and I'd love some more info.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49u87u/eli5_what_is_a_convolutional_neural_network/
{ "a_id": [ "d0uz14h", "d0v6cmh" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I work in this field. It's a bit complicated so I'll try to stay as simple as possible. If I go too technical feel free to ask for more detail.\n\nIn a picture you have rows and columns of numbers. These numbers are just mea...
[]
[ "http://www.theverge.com/2016/3/9/11186940/google-robotic-arms-neural-network-hand-eye-coordination" ]
[ [], [] ]
1eo5y8
how / why does wearing prescription eyeglasses make your vision blurry if you do not require glasses?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1eo5y8/eli5_how_why_does_wearing_prescription_eyeglasses/
{ "a_id": [ "ca24e7i", "ca24f0m" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It changes the effective focal length of your eyes. Normally the lens of your eye can focus light onto your retina. When glasses are worn by a person with good eyesight the light is refocused at a point that isn't the retina...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
21hy4g
once obama decided to pull out of the war, why does it take so many years to finally get out?
Why can't all the soldiers come home immediately?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21hy4g/eli5_once_obama_decided_to_pull_out_of_the_war/
{ "a_id": [ "cgd6h7y" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "We have millions of pieces of equipment and vehicles that have to be brought back..and we have to withdraw tactically so we don't leave a bunch of soldiers with no equipment to defend themselves..it takes a while to move that much equipment and w...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aiof58
when you go to write a word, what is really happening in your brain? are you remembering the most recent time you read it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aiof58/eli5_when_you_go_to_write_a_word_what_is_really/
{ "a_id": [ "eepbgr1" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "There is actually two little one inch sections on the left side of your brain where all your language lives. Damage to these areas will leave you a condition called aphasia, which can range from difficulty putting sentences together to being comp...
[]
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[ [] ]
1uo90p
why might i masturbate to the thought of something, whilst knowing i would never do it (even if given the opportunity) in real life ?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1uo90p/why_might_i_masturbate_to_the_thought_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cek29ss", "cek2pa5" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The old forbidden fruit, it has a lot to answer for. ", "Fantasizing about something doesn't mean you really want/have to do it. It just causes you to Elicit emotion (in this case sexual desire) which feels good. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3t9upi
why are credit cards so poular in the us compared to europe?
Almost always when I read something on reddit where somebody pays it is 90% with a credit card and I really dont understand the culture behind it that appears to be pretty popular in the us compared to europe or at least germany . Edit: I just came back home. Thanks for all your answers they gave me a lot of insight.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3t9upi/eli5_why_are_credit_cards_so_poular_in_the_us/
{ "a_id": [ "cx4cobi", "cx4d1es", "cx4faaj", "cx4gkir", "cx4hfrx", "cx4hh2r", "cx4ixkn", "cx4jbz6", "cx4pom7", "cx4wbze", "cx50et6" ], "score": [ 22, 154, 2, 6, 2, 8, 2, 8, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm assuming you are fr...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
cm4sxt
what’s the big deal with micro plastic and oceans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cm4sxt/eli5_whats_the_big_deal_with_micro_plastic_and/
{ "a_id": [ "evzya1j", "ew07vw2" ], "score": [ 9, 3 ], "text": [ "Microplastics end up getting consumed by small animals, often filter feeders. Those in turn are eaten by larger animals. Due to a system called trophic levels, the animals towards the top of the food web end up with large co...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
2ioffi
who actually comes up with the university/college costs in the usa? who is in charge of this decision?
They are starting to feel like made-up numbers that people pull out of their ass.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ioffi/eli5_who_actually_comes_up_with_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cl3xtj3" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The market does. No individual is in charge of this. If the government wanted to, they could regulate the market setting caps on tuition costs etc, but ultimately the high cost of education is a result of high demand coupled with easily accessibl...
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[ [] ]
2b05fj
why/how is the stock market affected by negative news headlines.
Example: MH17 shot down, Israel conflict, stocks drop.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b05fj/eli5_whyhow_is_the_stock_market_affected_by/
{ "a_id": [ "cj0jmmf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of people misunderstand why stock prices move at all. Technically, it has nothing to do with the companies performance (as is commonly assumed), but it has everything to do with buy and sell pressure. So, to take the example of good news be...
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[]
[ [] ]
3mkwka
does the vegetable crisper in the fridge do anything different?
It just seems like a compartment to put vegetables in. But is there something to it that allows vegetables to stay crispy, or is it just a name?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mkwka/eli5_does_the_vegetable_crisper_in_the_fridge_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cvft9ye" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Part science part bollocks. Crispers with a decent seal should maintain a more constant temperature, like a fridge-within-a-fridge, thus keeping food 'fresh' for slightly longer. Ones with hardly any seal and a two-inch wide gap - like the pie...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2m26an
if your voluntary muscles relax in stage 4 of the sleep cycle, how does sleep walking occur?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m26an/eli5_if_your_voluntary_muscles_relax_in_stage_4/
{ "a_id": [ "cm09fuf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "First, a bit of terminology. Sleep is divided into two categories, REM and non-REM (NREM) Stages 1,2, and 3 are NREM. There is no longer a Stage 4, which was merely a more intense level of Stage 3. REM was known as Stage 5. Stage 3 is also cal...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
34yh22
why do boxing matches charge $100 for pay-per-view but the super bowl is free?
Is the money made from paying viewers higher than that made from paying advertisers? Would the Super Bowl make more money if they charged to view?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34yh22/eli5_why_do_boxing_matches_charge_100_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cqz86x9", "cqz8amu", "cqz8jg1", "cqz96or" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2, 16 ], "text": [ "One main drawback of boxing is advertising is hard. The fight only has 1 minute breaks between rounds, only time for a couple of adverts. The NFL frequently has 3-5 minutes brea...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
6rzogz
what causes water to interfere with electricity?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6rzogz/eli5_what_causes_water_to_interfere_with/
{ "a_id": [ "dl8x7qj", "dl95u4p" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The contaminates in water decrease its resistance which allows it to conduct electricity outside of the preferred path.\n\n\n\nPure water does not conduct electricity at all.", "Water does not interfere with electricity....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2q1k55
why in certain places is it illegal to keep a hedgehog as a pet?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2q1k55/eli5_why_in_certain_places_is_it_illegal_to_keep/
{ "a_id": [ "cn1zptl", "cn1zwb5" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Because someone convinced a local politician that that hedgehogs were a local pest issue and the politician agreed and thus it became an ordinance", "Laws against keeping hedgehogs, as well as other animals like gerbils ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
10t335
what would happen to me if i ate this?
[I'm sure you've seen these before.](_URL_0_) The fact that it says "Do Not Eat" sounds like a challenge. What would happen to me if I did eat it? Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10t335/eli5_what_would_happen_to_me_if_i_ate_this/
{ "a_id": [ "c6ge136", "c6ge9z6", "c6geabd", "c6geph2", "c6geuij", "c6gey1u", "c6gf9re", "c6gff9r", "c6gffaj", "c6gfgw6", "c6gfmnn", "c6gfnkp", "c6gfyls", "c6ggt0i", "c6ggx2w", "c6ggz0r", "c6gh51x", "c6gh6i9", "c6gicwn", "c6gihqd", "c...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/fJRog" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.ehow.com/info_8589475_happens-eat-oxygen-absorber.html" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.mgc.co.jp/eng/products/abc/ageless/qa.html" ], [], [ "http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/18565" ], [], [], [ "http:/...
1ykxkc
who is pol pot and what did he do?
Every article I read about him just tosses around terms that don't make sense.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ykxkc/eli5_who_is_pol_pot_and_what_did_he_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cflfpyu", "cflgl8f", "cflj3lr" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "To be fair Wikipedia's treatment is somewhat technical. He was a Cambodian dictator who was batshit crazy. IIRC he was the guy who said that anybody with glasses was a bourgeouisie and ordered them all ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2d21ql
for real, when/why/whom thought to add a 'liftable' toilet seat?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d21ql/eli5_for_real_whenwhywhom_thought_to_add_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cjleziu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The liftable lid has been around forever, but according to most sources, the liftable seat appears to have shown up in 1883 with an early flush toilets (i.e. wash-out basin) manufactured by Doulton called [*The Combination*](_URL_2_). Prior to th...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/d8/79/dc/toilet-history-museum.jpg", "http://www.redoakleaves.com/downloads/The_hidden_room.pdf", "http://www.teinteresa.es/cultura/Retrete-The-Combination-Doulton-Inglaterra_1_1011509393.html" ] ]
j2kbr
li5, most of the answers i am reading are coming across as explanations for an average intelligence adult. i thought we were supposed to "explain it like i'm 5"
Many answers are still using large words and somewhat complex explanations. I'm just wondering how literal we are supposed to take the subreddits title.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j2kbr/li5_most_of_the_answers_i_am_reading_are_coming/
{ "a_id": [ "c28mu7y", "c28ns7k", "c28nu8p", "c28p0j7", "c28pik3" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 11, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "High school level would be a good starting post. The community has only been around for 6-7 hours with over 13,000 subscribers. It'll take time for the commu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
164j41
why do musical notes look like they do?
Where did the design come from in origin and what was the thought process behind it, if there way any?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/164j41/eli5_why_do_musical_notes_look_like_they_do/
{ "a_id": [ "c7soczc" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Well, our modern system got its start about 1,000 years ago by this guy names Guido d'Arezzo. He was an Italian monk during the 11th century and he developed his system as a way to help him teach chants. He pioneered the idea of placing the notes...
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[ [] ]
7jco0x
do municipal water towers freeze during the winter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7jco0x/eli5_do_municipal_water_towers_freeze_during_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dr5afqv", "dr5ahgu", "dr5aihy", "dr5auuv" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Maybe they just keep an equal amount of water flowing in as flowing out. Don't they say that flowing water won't freeze?", "No, they're filled at night and drained during the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
e05hdg
how is time measured electronically? like if a circuit board times five seconds how does that physically work
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e05hdg/eli5_how_is_time_measured_electronically_like_if/
{ "a_id": [ "f8c04lv", "f8c185j", "f8c210y" ], "score": [ 16, 8, 5 ], "text": [ "If it is still the same as when I learned it (years ago), there is a crystal in the circuit board that has electricity pass through it. The energy causes the crystal to vibrate. Because it is known h...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
28npg6
why and when did we start calling policemen cops?
thanks for helping out y'all ok, it appears this hasn't been resolved.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28npg6/eli5_why_and_when_did_we_start_calling_policemen/
{ "a_id": [ "cicnbhq", "cicndds", "cicnjiz" ], "score": [ 4, 14, 21 ], "text": [ "Apparently early NYC police uniforms had copper buttons, and so police gained the slang term \"copper\" which was shortened to \"cop\".", "Cop comes latin *capere* which moved through the French *...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1y7jjp
why are high speed cameras so expensive?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1y7jjp/eli5_why_are_high_speed_cameras_so_expensive/
{ "a_id": [ "cfi1j6h" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "1) Specialized pieces of equipment tend to cost more no matter what you're buying - smaller volumes = higher costs. Plus, they can sell them for more because companies are willing to pay more if the return on investment is good (see below).\n\n2...
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[ [] ]
6fc8nf
what makes amd graphics cards so popular for cryptocurrency mining, and why does it matter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fc8nf/eli5_what_makes_amd_graphics_cards_so_popular_for/
{ "a_id": [ "dih3srw", "dih3znh", "dihqygq" ], "score": [ 56, 11, 13 ], "text": [ "They are generally a good deal cheaper than Nvidia cards and for a good while now the architecture That AMD has been using (GCN aka graphics core next) turns out is really good for mining operations ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
4bhinv
as a non-us citizen, what is right/left wing? what makes a republican/democrat? what is considered conservative/liberal? can a person be both supporting conservative and liberal policies?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bhinv/eli5_as_a_nonus_citizen_what_is_rightleft_wing/
{ "a_id": [ "d194u7b", "d1952bp" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Has little to do with the names honestly. Don't get hung up on republican or democrat as actual words. Neither are standing for that specific type of government. ", "'Left' and 'right' wing politics as a concept came fro...
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[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left%E2%80%93right_politics" ] ]
894r4z
what's the difference between all the oppressive types of government (fascism, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, nazism, communism, dictatorship, tyranny and any others i forgot)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/894r4z/whats_the_difference_between_all_the_oppressive/
{ "a_id": [ "dwoym8h", "dwoyz0d" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Authoritarian is the broad umbrella term, all the others you mentioned are types of authorianism.\n\nA dictator is the leader of a specific type of authoritarian state where supreme power rests with a single person. They ar...
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[ [], [] ]
1l5s06
why is "let's go home" a good sentence but "let's go school" is not?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1l5s06/eli5_why_is_lets_go_home_a_good_sentence_but_lets/
{ "a_id": [ "cbw0ic3", "cbw0uvr", "cbw1bcr", "cbw1i9g", "cbw1rgv", "cbw2ie2", "cbw2nr3", "cbw30ds", "cbw3akk", "cbw3c9q", "cbw3ghf", "cbw3gxi", "cbw3xfs", "cbw407e", "cbw4377", "cbw4egd", "cbw4ff1", "cbw4vtm", "cbw52tz", "cbw53rw", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locative_adverb" ], [ "http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/adverbs-place.htm" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cph2QjATgeo", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vowel_harmony", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locativ...
1on2g2
what defines a country as being 'western' or 'eastern'
I don't understand how a country can be defined as western or eastern. The earth is round aren't all countries both eastern and western? Like I live in Australia and we are a western country even though we line up with Asia, and America is closest to our east so why aren't they eastern?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1on2g2/eli5_what_defines_a_country_as_being_western_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cctjajy", "cctjej6", "cctl7nr", "cctrqtk" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Western refers to those countries that got their culture from Europe. Eastern refers to those that got their culture from Asia.\n\nEurope is to the West of Asia. This means Asia ...
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[ [], [ "http://xkcd.com/503/" ], [], [] ]
aca7ma
if our cars are in park with parking brake on, how are tow truck drivers still able to take cars?
Like is there a way for them to dis-engage the transmission from the outside so the wheels rotate freely?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aca7ma/eli5_if_our_cars_are_in_park_with_parking_brake/
{ "a_id": [ "ed6d4d5", "ed6d6im", "ed6d7q1", "ed6ec8c", "ed6h9rm", "ed6h9yk", "ed7dan6" ], "score": [ 11, 11, 2, 2, 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Most cars use their rear wheels in the parking break. So the tow trucks will lift up the wheels with the breaks ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
bwq76b
2hy is it hard to swallow with an open mouth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bwq76b/eli5_2hy_is_it_hard_to_swallow_with_an_open_mouth/
{ "a_id": [ "epzgw0n" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Having your jaw open hinges back and pushes against your esophagus thus restricting flow of foodn" ] }
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7kx8kg
what did farm animals do before they were maintained by farmers?
For example how did sheep keep their wool short or how did Horses keep their hooves short before Farmers thought to keep them and maintain them? For example even today there was a famous example of a sheep getting lost in the mountains when it was discovered it could barely walk due to the amount of excessive wool it...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7kx8kg/eli5_what_did_farm_animals_do_before_they_were/
{ "a_id": [ "drhuzrb", "drhv3tq", "drhvgj2", "drhzo87" ], "score": [ 22, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They did not exist.\n\nOur current farm animals were bred from much hardier wild animals, by humans using selective breeding.", " > For example how did sheep keep their wool s...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
1528qy
why does fox news have a million commercials with people trying to sell gold and silver?
My dad watches Fox News and I've noticed that on every single commercial break they have those commercials encouraging people to buy good and silver. I never see these on other stations, so why is Fox so invested in them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1528qy/why_does_fox_news_have_a_million_commercials_with/
{ "a_id": [ "c7ilp4c", "c7ilpuz", "c7ilqjr", "c7imznl" ], "score": [ 2, 11, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of Fox viewers are older and close to retirement or already there. Precious metals are often seen as a good investment with good returns. They basically have a set supply ...
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[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.blanchardonline.com/market_charts/?focus=10year", "http://onlygold.com/tutorialpages/prices200yrsfs.htm" ] ]
2s5eqd
what was saruman's motivation for siding with sauron?
What was his endgame? What did he want to see take place? In what direction was he hoping to steer events? Did he want the ring? If so, why? If why, why not? No, really. I've never seen this explained. Not even the search function could help me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s5eqd/eli5_what_was_sarumans_motivation_for_siding_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cnmcu2b", "cnmcvyt" ], "score": [ 9, 5 ], "text": [ "He decided eventually that the might of Sauron was way too strong to be countered. Book Saruman essentially fell to despair and wanted to surrender to and aid Sauron's will; only film Saruman had those ideas about wanting to...
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[ [], [] ]
5p9iit
why is our vision somewhat 'washed out' when we first open our eyes after a nap?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5p9iit/eli5why_is_our_vision_somewhat_washed_out_when_we/
{ "a_id": [ "dcphejm" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "It's because the colour receptor cones in your eyes wear out relatively quickly when they're looking at the same colour for prolonged periods, causing you to see less of that colour when you look to see something else. In the case of a nap, the ...
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7yzgze
why are there so many "chinatown" neighborhoods in different north american cities? was there a large exodus from china some time last century or so?
I was recently thinking about how common this is, and not nearly as common (in my limited experience) with other countries, in terms of setting up an actual neighborhood. Just wondering how that all happened
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7yzgze/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_chinatown/
{ "a_id": [ "duk8vup", "duk92rz", "duk98c9", "duk98zw", "dukj77s" ], "score": [ 2, 16, 5, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "From what I remember from APUSH, there was a huge influx of immigrants in the late 1800's. Immigrants, of course, weren't Chinese specific, but in comparison...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
44jign
why can't the united nations overthrow north korean's dictatorship and rehabilitate the ~25 million people with government funds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/44jign/eli5_why_cant_the_united_nations_overthrow_north/
{ "a_id": [ "czqmtmf", "czqmxnf", "czqna5e", "czqnei3", "czqokd9", "czqos9r", "czqpity" ], "score": [ 5, 205, 30, 14, 4, 37, 2 ], "text": [ "1. You have to be high to believe the UN has any real power.\n\n2. Why?\n\n3. Nukes will probably go flying i...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
84jfjs
what is the significance that all galaxies complete one revolution every billion years? how does this help us better understand the mechanics of what makes them tick?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/84jfjs/eli5_what_is_the_significance_that_all_galaxies/
{ "a_id": [ "dvq2l57", "dvq43yd", "dvq4a7k", "dvqbreq", "dvqfbpb", "dvqmgzo", "dvqnq9l", "dvqtjz1", "dvqzfkr", "dvrl0q4", "dvs038p", "dvs2i61" ], "score": [ 7, 819, 106, 21, 5, 2, 2, 5, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_rotation_curve" ], [], [], [ "http://astronomy.com/news/2018/03/all-galaxies-rotate-once-every-billion-years" ], [], [] ]
75u4jq
how do computer board designers change and update parts like gpus and motherboards to be compatible with all types of new and old standards, and make them faster, so quickly?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/75u4jq/eli5how_do_computer_board_designers_change_and/
{ "a_id": [ "do8zob1", "do90jbw" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "In a word: Standards. \n\nIf your part doesn't comply with the standards for that part, it won't work with anything else. Which means nobody will buy it. \n\nNew standards are sometimes backwards-compatible. Sometimes they a...
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[ [], [] ]
3j6j5b
why do people say to breathe while doing anaerobic exercise such as squatting or benching?
I'm talking about doing sets of about ten, which as far as I know is anaerobic exercise.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3j6j5b/eli5_why_do_people_say_to_breathe_while_doing/
{ "a_id": [ "cumqc0v", "cumqcbo", "cumrjhh" ], "score": [ 5, 10, 4 ], "text": [ "It's still using oxygen. You would pass out if you didn't breathe properly. Anaerobic is just a way off saying that you can't continue to do reps due to the burning of oxygen. Your body will use the st...
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[ [], [], [] ]
k7h9y
the difference between jpeg and png.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k7h9y/eli5_the_difference_between_jpeg_and_png/
{ "a_id": [ "c2i2d4q", "c2i2q3i", "c2i3ipu", "c2i3k59", "c2i2d4q", "c2i2q3i", "c2i3ipu", "c2i3k59" ], "score": [ 36, 897, 12, 13, 36, 897, 12, 13 ], "text": [ "Both are methods that describe how to store images into files. \nJPEG discards im...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1cndta
why do sports games sometimes get blacked out, even close to the team's city?
I was in Buffalo and the Red Sox/Indians (in Cleveland) game was blacked out for some reason.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1cndta/eli5why_do_sports_games_sometimes_get_blacked_out/
{ "a_id": [ "c9i5h61", "c9i6lw5", "c9i7jv9" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "They black out games in local markets to make sure they get enough attendance at the games. It's the leagues way of selling tickets. The thought process is, people aren't going to the games because they...
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[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball_blackout_policy" ], [] ]
13sd5u
why is muscle size and actual strength not always proportionate?
i saw a guy with chicken legs squat 800 lbs. how is this possible?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13sd5u/why_is_muscle_size_and_actual_strength_not_always/
{ "a_id": [ "c76um7w" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A lot of strength comes from how well trained your central nervous system is. Remember that no matter how big or small a muscle is the entire operation is controlled by your brain and nervous system. Weight training not only causes muscle growth,...
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673mkh
what does f(x) mean?
When writing graphs as an equation, like f(x) = 2x+x^2 +24, what does f(x) mean?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/673mkh/eli5what_does_fx_mean/
{ "a_id": [ "dgndkhl", "dgnhy6q", "dgnjq7o" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a function corresponding to an input named x\n\nFor example, f(x) = 2x, f(g) = 2g and f(k) = 2k all mean the exact same thing. It's a function with a corresponding input x, g or k.\n\nYou also see ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1mq3cb
why, even though new york and spain are approximately 40° latitudinal, do they have vastly different climates?
Just curious how these two similar places on the globe have such different yearly climates, moisture, plant life, etc. I am sure it has something to do with the Mediterranean Sea but was hoping somebody could explain it better for me. Thanks
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mq3cb/eli5_why_even_though_new_york_and_spain_are/
{ "a_id": [ "ccbjxj6", "ccbk370", "ccbqmfa" ], "score": [ 20, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Wind primarily moves from west to east so New York gets drier air since it's land west of the city. Spain would get wetter air since the wind is coming from the ocean. Also, the [North Atlantic Curre...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Atlantic_Current" ], [], [] ]
3x19f4
what's the purpose of relationships in the romantic sense? (aside from reproduction of course...)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3x19f4/eli5_whats_the_purpose_of_relationships_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cy0my1q", "cy0mylw", "cy0n8ic" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Fulfillment. Companionship. Self-actualisation. Escape from loneliness. Sex.\n\nThere are thousands of reason. And if they end, it's not always in tragedy. ", "You get all the benefits of a friendsh...
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[ [], [], [] ]
8ehrss
what happens to life insurance money if there is no beneficiary?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ehrss/eli5_what_happens_to_life_insurance_money_if/
{ "a_id": [ "dxvb7yk" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There is always a beneficiary.\n\nPerhaps it's the insured's estate, and then it gets divided up like everything else. Even without a will, there are rules.\n\nUnder no circumstances does \"the system\" aka the insurance company, get to keep it....
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[ [] ]
4s8sdj
why aren't political campaign signs at an intersection considering littering?
I pass about 200 of them on the way to and from work, and they're an eyesore. I'm curious if there's any law or reason why that's okay
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4s8sdj/eli5_why_arent_political_campaign_signs_at_an/
{ "a_id": [ "d57kdq1" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "1) Because anyone can put up a sign if they go and get the proper paperwork and pay the proper fees. Actual campaigns do this and so it is a licensed activity and not littering. \n\n2) The campaigns are required to go and recover the signs after...
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7c1sdc
why are the heating vents placed over windows in homes and heaters over the entry doors in big stores? it seems like it would be inefficient as all that warmth gets lost to cold outside temperatures.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7c1sdc/eli5_why_are_the_heating_vents_placed_over/
{ "a_id": [ "dpmgp1n", "dpmhmvd", "dpmic19", "dpmnyxs", "dpmr5al", "dpoirzx" ], "score": [ 11, 3, 21, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It creates a kind of wall of hot air. If the window in open it obviously doesn't work as well but any air that hits the window and is ...
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[ [], [], [ "https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ask-toh/placement-heat-registers", "https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/87731/why-are-radiators-always-placed-under-windows" ], [], [], [] ]