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2z5sgf
data costs
How much does data cost for the phone company? Does it really cost about 20-50$? Why do companies not have unlimited data and others do? Does it really cost enough for it to be difficult for the companies to provide it? Is it greediness that causes the prices? I guess the questions could apply to internet providers as ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2z5sgf/eli5_data_costs/
{ "a_id": [ "cpfxts2" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "How much does data cost for a phone company... that's a very, very complicated question.\n\nWith a few exceptions, the cost of data (on an infrastructure scale) is not particularly dependent on any given bit of a data transferred. The biggest c...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2x8cic
why is almond milk such a terrible coffee creamer?
Ran out of creamer... had almond milk. It really didn't work and now my coffee has a weird texture. Why?!?!?!?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2x8cic/eli5_why_is_almond_milk_such_a_terrible_coffee/
{ "a_id": [ "coy8az7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Coffee creamers contain specially made starches that form an emulsion in the coffee to change the texture and make it pale and opaque, mimicking fats. Dairy cream and half-and-half also work because they're naturally an opaque emulsion of fats in...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
shv7u
blackholes
How are they created? How do they work? What happens when something gets pulled in? Do they move? Can they be destroyed? And anything else interesting I didn't think to ask, thanks! Edit: thanks everyone for the explanations! I was never that into science or space in high school, but the last few years Ive been get...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/shv7u/eli5_blackholes/
{ "a_id": [ "c4e5y8k", "c4e86u0", "c4e99a2", "c4ebn6a", "c4ec908" ], "score": [ 49, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Black holes are actually just really massive objects. they work for the same reason that when you throw something up in the air, it comes back to the ground...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/jrhy3/i_would_like_to_understand_black_holes/c2ejodk" ], [], [] ]
2n7cbt
why do suicide bombers attack crowds of innocent civilians?
[Releveant Article](_URL_0_) I don't understand what they hope to accomplish by killing non-military or political targets? How is this supposed to sway public opinion to their side if they go around blowing up innocent civilians?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n7cbt/eli5_why_do_suicide_bombers_attack_crowds_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cmb0a9r", "cmb0j9c", "cmb3d5t", "cmbczls" ], "score": [ 13, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "This is to incite terror. If a suicide bomber blows up a police station, or takes out a leader, it is not nearly as terrifying to the citizens as an attack on the general populati...
[]
[ "http://us.cnn.com/2014/11/23/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t2" ]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
6q3mg4
why is it that a "slice" motion is often more effective to penetrate than just a forceful "chop?"
Elaboration: I've known from experience that if I wanted to cut hair with a blade, I'd benefit from putting lateral motion on the blade. Hacking away would not be nearly as effective or efficient. Also, I'd be hard pressed to give myself a paper cut from direct pressure along the edge alone. What is it about the latera...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6q3mg4/eli5_why_is_it_that_a_slice_motion_is_often_more/
{ "a_id": [ "dku9hpz", "dkunwaa" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Blades are never perfectly sharp but instead always have different degrees of micro-serrations. And \"stuff\" like hair, skin, tomatoes, etc, is inherently more resistant to direct pressure, even from a \"sharp\" blade than ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
l2l26
how do stereograms work?
What is the mystery behind these curious 3D pictures?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l2l26/eli5_how_do_stereograms_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c2pbeo3", "c2pbeo3" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Oh boy, that's a tough one to explain to a 5yo.\n\nTo see things in 3D, you must simulate what each eye would see if there was a 3D object.\n\nA stereogram is a repeating pattern with subtle differences. You're supposed to ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8ud1d9
how come there are snail shells that are completely empty with no trace of a snail ever being there?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ud1d9/eli5_how_come_there_are_snail_shells_that_are/
{ "a_id": [ "e1efg4i" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Birds like to eat snails, but not the shells. After they pull the snail out, there is little trace left in the shell." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5kdso9
western media and reddit have been predicting the imminent downfall of chinese economy for years now. but it hasn't happened, it actually grew 7% this year again. why isn't that happening?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5kdso9/eli5_western_media_and_reddit_have_been/
{ "a_id": [ "dbn7tos", "dbngj3f" ], "score": [ 22, 2 ], "text": [ "7% is a huge decline from what it was a few years ago. 10 years ago their GDP growth was as high as 15%.\n\nChina has a problem with \"zombie companies\" - state-owned industries like steel mills, cement plants, and coal mi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
w5ot7
circle-jerk
edit: for clarity, i'm talking about the reddit terminology
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/w5ot7/eli5_circlejerk/
{ "a_id": [ "c5agmg6", "c5agq4v", "c5ahqvb", "c5aiwz5", "c5aj1ed", "c5alatx" ], "score": [ 2, 12, 5, 6, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, when a man loves another man who loves another man who loves another man who loves another man who....\n\nSee where I'm going wit...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
20a1t1
why is my tv able to display my desktop at 1920x1080p resolution when it's only a 720p tv?
I have an old vizio e320vl-4 tv and I extend my desktop to it when i want to watch a movie at my desk. I always wondered how this was possible.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20a1t1/eli5_why_is_my_tv_able_to_display_my_desktop_at/
{ "a_id": [ "cg17m7o" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "If it is truly only a 720p TV, they it isn't displaying anything at 1080p. It's most likely downscaling the 1080p signal to 720p" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1ijdye
why should i buy a wifi router with 300-1,000 mbps capability if my internet is only 80 mbps?
The lowest-end WiFi router gives 130 Mbps download speed, but the highest-end cable internet is up to 80 Mbps. Is this even a factor when buying a WiFi router, or is it more an issue of dependability and range? When multiple devices use the WiFi, is the data split up between the 80 Mbps internet service, or the 130 Mb...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ijdye/eli5_why_should_i_buy_a_wifi_router_with_3001000/
{ "a_id": [ "cb50t2n", "cb51251" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "1. I'd say it's an issue of dependability and range. If you keep your devices in the next room over from the router, you won't notice a difference in internet connection speed as you can max out your bandwidth, but otherwise...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3tpdfq
why are washing machine glass shaped the way it is?
You know what I'm talking about. Basically you have a flat piece of glass on the outside, and inside of that there's another piece that's really bulged inwards. Someone told me it was made like that so that if something like a metal zipper were to smash the first one it'd still not spew glass and clothes all over you...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tpdfq/eli5_why_are_washing_machine_glass_shaped_the_way/
{ "a_id": [ "cx832qc", "cx836df" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You must mean the front loading kind, right?\n\nWell at first I was stumped and passed over your question.\n\nA while later the alarm on the washer beeped upstairs as my wife was doing laundry before stepping out.\n\nI went ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a682ud
why is it that when you take a picture of a computer screen, phone screen, etc. it creates that weird effect, almost as if there's plastic wrap around the screen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a682ud/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_you_take_a_picture_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ebsps3l", "ebspv5o" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The pixels on the screen form a grid, as does the pixels of the image that the camera outputs. The pattern comes from these two grids not being aligned.", "That effect is called a Moiré pattern. There's even [an XKCD fo...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://xkcd.com/1814/" ] ]
3uh8ch
why are movie theater snacks so expensive?
Never understood why a medium bag of popcorn is seven dollars.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3uh8ch/eli5_why_are_movie_theater_snacks_so_expensive/
{ "a_id": [ "cxesrnp", "cxest4y", "cxesttk", "cxetg09" ], "score": [ 19, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the movie theater makes very, very little money(in some cases, none) off the movie tickets themselves. They make most of their money from concessions.", "IIRC a large...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5f2u34
why do our eyes see 'noise', like high iso photos in dark rooms?
It has the same effect but only a little less colorful.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5f2u34/eli5_why_do_our_eyes_see_noise_like_high_iso/
{ "a_id": [ "dah25xm", "dah8k8r", "dahd23r", "dahif22", "dahj49r", "dahna6j", "dahqjo0", "dahtu2w", "dahy59s", "dahz52r", "dair4an" ], "score": [ 2079, 153, 50, 122, 27, 43, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Imagine you're i...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_field_entoptic_phenomenon" ], [ "http://visionsimulations.com/simulators/visual-snow" ], [ "https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=800f9UNiF4Y" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_snow" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBxPa_...
120e2n
what is the muscle inside my head that makes my ears rumble when i flex it and what purpose does it serve?
I can't be the only one...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/120e2n/eli5_what_is_the_muscle_inside_my_head_that_makes/
{ "a_id": [ "c6r435f", "c6r58bc", "c6r60dl", "c6r6h80", "c6r6iad", "c6r79uo", "c6r7sps", "c6r7u8p", "c6r8hwk", "c6r8t73", "c6r8vn6", "c6r9ojb", "c6rapfp", "c6rbtag", "c6rcv7o", "c6rd188", "c6rdnfw", "c6rh6fn", "c6rhs2x", "c6rhwww" ], ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
88237c
why are diseases in tropical regions more prevalent and severe compared to temperate regions?
E.g. malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Guinea worm, eishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, etc.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/88237c/eli5_why_are_diseases_in_tropical_regions_more/
{ "a_id": [ "dwhb2pu", "dwhif21", "dwhsf5a" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "While I cannot give explicit details, most viruses, germs and bacteria dislike the cold. It slows their metabolism much like any other living being and inhibits their functions.", "A lot of \"tropic...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8ash4w
why can't we eat raw eggs but we can eat mousse with raw eggs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ash4w/eli5_why_cant_we_eat_raw_eggs_but_we_can_eat/
{ "a_id": [ "dx14waq" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I thought we could eat raw eggs? But people just don't like the texture/taste? Mousse makes eggs palatable." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cvdj82
why do bike pedals only move the back wheel?
I noticed this with rc toy cars too, why is this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cvdj82/eli5why_do_bike_pedals_only_move_the_back_wheel/
{ "a_id": [ "ey3gydx", "ey3hh36", "ey3hl12", "ey3nxdc" ], "score": [ 19, 4, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Because the drivetrain only connects the back wheel with the pedals.\n\nIf you wanted to connect the front wheel, you'd basically make it impossible to turn since turning the whee...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2qktve
when people drown, do the instinctively stop breathing or do they end up trying to breath in the water?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qktve/eli5_when_people_drown_do_the_instinctively_stop/
{ "a_id": [ "cn6znrj", "cn6zpky", "cn70fs3" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "We don't instinctively stop breathing - after a very early age where we do have the instinct to hold our breath in water we have to \"relearn\" to do so. This is why young kids frequently cough and inh...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
27hpyo
when does a ruler go from a president to a dictator?
I just feel like Putin is really walking a tightrope.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27hpyo/eli5_when_does_a_ruler_go_from_a_president_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ci0wr54", "ci12xw8", "ci13lak" ], "score": [ 12, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "\"President\" is just a title. It doesn't mean anything. A dictator on the other hand is any ruler who holds absolute power. You can easily be both.", "Whenever the US finds oil in their country.",...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3hr2l9
why do we feel warmer and sweater after exercising than we do during the actual activity?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hr2l9/eli5why_do_we_feel_warmer_and_sweater_after/
{ "a_id": [ "cua6odh" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If your exercise involves movement, then the passage of air across your body cools you down. Then after you've stopped, your body is still producing sweat which covers your body, but you're not moving any more so no air is moving across it." ] ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8baj5b
why is english considered a germanic language
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8baj5b/eli5_why_is_english_considered_a_germanic_language/
{ "a_id": [ "dx568jw", "dx56bxc", "dx56tvp", "dx5byqw", "dx68ywr" ], "score": [ 12, 7, 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Because as you go back in time, English loses more and more of its French and Latin words and becomes closer and closer to old German languages. After Willi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://faculty.virginia.edu/OldEnglish/Beowulf.Readings/Prologue.html" ], [] ]
3incn2
why is it that countries which are near or next to eachother can have completely different sounding languages?
I don't know how to explain it. But from what i've never understood is how 2 countries which are pretty much touching each other their languages sound completely different and not a slowly changing gradient?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3incn2/eli5_why_is_it_that_countries_which_are_near_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cuhxwj3", "cuhy072" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The \"slowly changing gradient\" thing kinda is what happens.\n\nThen the king of France, for example, comes along and says that you have to speak French in his country. He also enforces the border, so you've not go as much ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cajouu
why are inside flies so much slower than outside flies?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cajouu/eli5_why_are_inside_flies_so_much_slower_than/
{ "a_id": [ "et93o3k" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Cause the AC is on and the colder it is the more lethargic insects become (due to cold blooded creatures need to be warm or they start to hiberate). Google it." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
mtzuw
why walmart is bad.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mtzuw/eli5_why_walmart_is_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "c33u6fq", "c33ufl8", "c33uqd4", "c33v6se", "c33v7a7", "c33v7r4", "c33v9d9", "c33vcb7", "c33vgm4", "c33vlr9", "c33vm8o", "c33vncf", "c33vwwz", "c33wf63", "c33wg80", "c33wp76", "c33xd6k", "c33xhk8", "c33xln8", "c33xv7e", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s08e09-something-wall-mart-this-way-comes" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/k2dwy/iama_walmart_store_manager_try_your_best_not_to/c2h0mjw" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/k2dwy/iama_walmart_store_mana...
32wp1v
if the counterfeiter is talented enough to make a $100 bill that looks and feels like real money to a cashier, why aren't they talented enough to make it react the same way to the pen they use to test it as real money does? is that pen truly a foolproof way to tell if a bill is real or fake?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32wp1v/eli5if_the_counterfeiter_is_talented_enough_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cqfbk3u", "cqfc28g", "cqfdnc0", "cqfe83q", "cqfqjmt", "cqfw9uk", "cqgcu9u" ], "score": [ 40, 18, 5, 3, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The pen in not 100% effective. The reason we have multiple means of verification like the strip, the pen, and th...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4yc7v9
probability question (related to cbs' big brother tv show)
In the tv show Big Brother, 12 contestants picked cards at random. 11 of the 12 cards had "one way" written on them. 1 of the 12 cards had "round trip" written on it. It seems logical that at the time of random card picking, each contestant had a 1/12 chance of getting the "round trip" card, right? Right. Every week...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yc7v9/eli5probability_question_related_to_cbs_big/
{ "a_id": [ "d6mjrz1", "d6mker2" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Forget past draws. The probability changes every week because number of total cards and ratio of winning cards to losing cards is changing. 1/8th this week. \n\n\n", "You are totally right that the probability changes ea...
[]
[ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_problem" ]
[ [], [] ]
3pcc8i
ptsd. why is it when you're younger your brain blocks traumatic events, but not when you're older?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pcc8i/eli5_ptsd_why_is_it_when_youre_younger_your_brain/
{ "a_id": [ "cw54e0o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The \"blocking out traumatic memories\" thing should be taken with a grain of salt. It MIGHT happen in some cases, but it is much less common than it's sometimes represented to be, if it happens at all.\n\nVery young children (before age of 3-5, ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4jzuj2
since photons have a definite size, and em waves have a minimum size (the plank length?) does that mean that the universe has a... theoretical maximum resolution (dpi) ?
I'm gonna assume the human eye is much more limited, but from a pureley scientifc point, is there a maximum amount of visual information for a given area? Is this... like, how many photons you can cram into a 1-inch (for dpi, obviously there are better units for it) flat square? The number of EM signals that can pass t...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jzuj2/eli5_since_photons_have_a_definite_size_and_em/
{ "a_id": [ "d3b0kes" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "This is one of the points at which various aspects of (our understanding of) the universe begin to break down. The Planck length is much smaller than anything we have ever actually observed. It's hypothetical.\n\nPlanck's constant can be roughly ...
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[]
[ [] ]
5uah3t
why can't you orally hydrate someone who's suffering from hypovolemic shock?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5uah3t/eli5_why_cant_you_orally_hydrate_someone_whos/
{ "a_id": [ "ddslwbt" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The use of oral rehydration therapy for those suffering from hypovolemia declined because of reports of hypernatremia from use of oral rehydration solution with excessive carbohydrate levels. Improvements to ORS formulations have led to increased...
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[ [] ]
1tt3lj
why do hands dry in the winter and why does simply running water over them not "un-dry" them and return them to their normal state?
My annual conundrum! Note: This is my first Reddit post, please alert me if i am doing something wrong, thank you.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tt3lj/eli5why_do_hands_dry_in_the_winter_and_why_does/
{ "a_id": [ "ceb5pia" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The thing that keeps your hands moist is not water, but oils on your hand.\n\nNormally your skin produces natural oils that help retain moisture. In the winter, some combination of dry air and cold weather seems to make this oil production less e...
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[ [] ]
1tqaf5
how easy is it really to figure out my personal information on the internet?
How do people find personal information...And what can people do with it other than try to open credit in my name?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tqaf5/eli5_how_easy_is_it_really_to_figure_out_my/
{ "a_id": [ "ceaf2l3", "ceaf7wm" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "you are 27,female, have worked in restaurans as a secretary and a libary... are maybe a teacher?\nand that's just on the first page of your comment history.\n\nif i dig deeper i'd find out where you live or the name of a w...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2wamgj
is there always a star or a "glowing orb" in the middle of a planetary system? if yes, why is it so?
I searched for Hours during my Night Shift and could not find a satisfying answer...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wamgj/eli5_is_there_always_a_star_or_a_glowing_orb_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cop2eeg", "cop2ktj", "cop2l8l", "cop3j4b" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well a quick definition I found for 'planetary system' required that there be a star, so no.\n\nThat said there can be rogue planets adrift in space or even theoretically many rogu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4w9gmx
am i my brain stem or is my consciousness the me, the combined effort of various parts of my brain working in conjunction with each others?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4w9gmx/eli5_am_i_my_brain_stem_or_is_my_consciousness/
{ "a_id": [ "d655b1c" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Your brain stem controls consciousness and awareness, along with some other important stuff. \n\nThe amygdala and the hippocampus are the parts in your actual brain that seem to be the main areas involved in emotions. \n\nThe cerebrum controls th...
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[]
[ [] ]
5sg6ry
why is the measurement of time (seconds, minutes, hours) based around the number 60? why not a more common base, like 10 or 100?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5sg6ry/eli5_why_is_the_measurement_of_time_seconds/
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[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JM2oImb9Qg" ], [], [], [ "http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/10/86/20130475", "https://jochesh00.wordpress.com/2015/09/01/evolution-growth-development-a-deeper-understanding/", "https://jochesh00.wordpress.com/2015/06/03/a-mothers-w...
250kfy
why are people dreading some of the subreddits becoming a default subreddit?
In lieu of all these new default subreddits i've seen alot of people getting mad that they are becoming defaults. Why? Also, bonus points for answering why reddit decided to make all these new default subreddits.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/250kfy/eli5_why_are_people_dreading_some_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "chch41w", "chchmg5", "chchyyn" ], "score": [ 18, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "because they let in the unwashed masses.\n\npeople who have no interest on the subreddit will comment and see/vote on posts.\n\nyou see sudden dip in quality of posts.\n\nyou will also see democracy in...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2ftnhu
why some banks offer free use of any atm?
Banks like PNC will cover your ATMs fees, it seems like they would lose so much money paying other ATM owners fees.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ftnhu/eli5_why_some_banks_offer_free_use_of_any_atm/
{ "a_id": [ "ckcllud", "ckcln8n" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a good selling point to bring in more customers. More customers = more money for them, which more than offsets a few small ATM fees.", "Because this allows them to not invest in their own ATM infrastructure and sta...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3ujeog
why do companies give away visa gift cards with products rather than lower the price?
like this: _URL_0_ what advantage is there to giving away the gift card rather than lowering the price the same amount?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ujeog/eli5_why_do_companies_give_away_visa_gift_cards/
{ "a_id": [ "cxfcx0j", "cxfd2bs", "cxfd6yh" ], "score": [ 6, 15, 8 ], "text": [ "Gift cards are more attractive to the customer than a discounted price. Also, you can take the cost of a gift card and charge it to your marketing budget rather than lowering your price and taking the...
[]
[ "http://www.ebay.com/itm/audio-technica-ath-m50x-professional-studio-headphones-and-30-visa-gift-card/311493803490?hash=item48867a3de2" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
4ac6d5
how can shady websites hijack your back button so you can't leave the page?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ac6d5/eli5_how_can_shady_websites_hijack_your_back/
{ "a_id": [ "d0z4auu" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "AFAIK, their main landing site is a redirect, so when you click a link, you are sent to one address which immediately sends you either to a second redirector or to the main page. From there, if you try to go back, you go back to the redirector, w...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
363nbb
do companies actually lose money when they give discounts on products and services?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/363nbb/eli5_do_companies_actually_lose_money_when_they/
{ "a_id": [ "craeq96", "craerru" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Very rarely is a company going to give a discount that intentionally loses them money. Sometimes they will though, in specific situations. Those are called \"loss leaders\", and they will do it because they have high confide...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
73fe62
why is seasalt mostly sodium chloride? what made sodium chloride more common than other kinds of salt?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/73fe62/eli5why_is_seasalt_mostly_sodium_chloride_what/
{ "a_id": [ "dnq5zsu" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "One the periodic table, they are some of the lowest elements, and considering we re from star dust, these more basic ones are just more numerous than larger elements, period. In planet formation, heavier elements descended to the core, lightest g...
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[ [] ]
2btqkq
when i'm falling asleep, and then wake up instantly gasping for breath, was i really not breathing in my sleep? or were i just imagining it.?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2btqkq/eli5when_im_falling_asleep_and_then_wake_up/
{ "a_id": [ "cj8somp", "cj8udo5" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Do you wake up feeling tired even after a night's rest? Or wake up with a headache? It might be sleep apnea. ", "If this was a one time thing I wouldn't worry about it but if it's happened more than once and you feel tir...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1gahu7
to what extent is the nsa "watching us"?
I've seen many jokes over the internet about the "government seeing everything Americans do", but really, how close are they watching?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gahu7/eli5_to_what_extent_is_the_nsa_watching_us/
{ "a_id": [ "caiclgv", "caidw3i" ], "score": [ 5, 7 ], "text": [ "Probably enough to know that you asked this question.", "It was revealed that the government has the capability to, and/or has accessed private data from several major companies. The government may have stored a copy of ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
23ri3k
why does the strength of gravity differ from region to region on the moon?
Is it to do with height of mountains/valleys or centrifugal force increasing towards the equator?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23ri3k/eli5why_does_the_strength_of_gravity_differ_from/
{ "a_id": [ "cgzup1u" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, although the effect is quite small.\n\nThe same occurs on Earth, and on every other planetary body." ] }
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[]
[ [] ]
2bovx2
how do you wash really long hair?
I have ~10cm long hair. Extrapolating the amount of shampoo I use, I would need about half a bottle for long hair / a day. Also I could get a scissor afterwards, since it would be one big knot.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bovx2/eli5_how_do_you_wash_really_long_hair/
{ "a_id": [ "cj7fxq5", "cj7g7t0" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It doesn't really take that much more shampoo, because the water thins it out and allows it to spread over a greater surface area. Also you get methods like only washing the scalp and only conditioning the ends. Long hair ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
25er6i
how does someone who is transgender know that they "feel like" the opposite sex?
I have heard people who are transgender explain that they "feel like" they're in the wrong body. My question is, how do they know that they feel like the opposite sex, when they have only ever experienced feeling like the sex they are, and they can only imagine what it feels like to be the opposite sex?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25er6i/eli5how_does_someone_who_is_transgender_know_that/
{ "a_id": [ "chggkgz" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I think you should try posting this in /r/askGSM, /r/asktransgender, or /r/ask_transgender. \n\nI'm not trans myself, but someone once tried to explain this to me. It's like knowing you're supposed to look one way, with certain characteristics, b...
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[]
[ [] ]
4omqw7
how do music visualizers work, they just look random to me. what makes them what they are.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4omqw7/eli5_how_do_music_visualizers_work_they_just_look/
{ "a_id": [ "d4dw1gz", "d4dz2ij", "d4dzlqe", "d4e2gd6" ], "score": [ 6, 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Visualization first started with an oscilloscope. It displays the frequency and wavelength of a specific sound. Everything after that was a development and a characteristic assigne...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://nansupport.com/images/rfexplorer/spectrum-trace-800x448.png", "http://i.imgur.com/Gpk9hvu.jpg" ] ]
7xwwdy
why do so many artists/creators have depression?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7xwwdy/eli5_why_do_so_many_artistscreators_have/
{ "a_id": [ "dubujon" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I think it’s more like people with depression become artist. And in a world where mental illness is looked at like it’s not even a real thing by most people who don’t have it, art becomes the best outlet for those feelings that can’t be explained...
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[ [] ]
3jx2cf
what happens when someone with no money destroys someone else's property?
For instance, a mugger steals your gold watch and destroys/pawns it. If the mugger was broke, would you ever get money for a new watch through the legal process?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jx2cf/eli5_what_happens_when_someone_with_no_money/
{ "a_id": [ "cut01kq", "cut04uy", "cut0feb", "cutaium" ], "score": [ 10, 6, 16, 2 ], "text": [ "A civil court action can place a lien on any future income. If the person responsible ever gets any property or a legal job then the lien can legally force them to fork some of ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
9u97sr
why isn’t there an option to connect to two networks at once to increase download speed? ( ex: house wi-fi & mobile hotspot)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9u97sr/eli5_why_isnt_there_an_option_to_connect_to_two/
{ "a_id": [ "e92jfps", "e92jtu1", "e92jwcd" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You actually can do this, unfortunately the gain is exceptionally minimal for “regular” things due to complicated technical reasons of how data is actually delivered when you request it. You’re better o...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://m.wikihow.com/Combine-Two-Internet-Connections" ], [ "https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-SupraSonic-II-dual-Modem/dp/B00000JBAI", "https://www.zdnet.com/article/diamond-shoots-for-faster-modems/" ] ]
21xsmk
jury decisions
When a jury makes a seemingly stupid or erroneous decision and this seems obvious to judges/lawyers... Can it get overturned? For example is a grand jury's verdict a final decision? How is this process quality controlled to make sure the jury isn't just making a decision based on misconceived facts in a criminal tria...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21xsmk/eli5_jury_decisions/
{ "a_id": [ "cghg8hu", "cghg92p", "cghgddl" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > When a jury makes a seemingly stupid or erroneous decision and this seems obvious to judges/lawyers... Can it get overturned?\n\nYes. For civil cases, there is something called a judgment as a matte...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/17k4ni/whats_the_point_of_having_a_jury_if_their/" ] ]
57ktzb
what do people gain by posting pirated material?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/57ktzb/eli5_what_do_people_gain_by_posting_pirated/
{ "a_id": [ "d8stee2" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "I would recommend you to watch the documentary \"The internet's own boy\", regarding the life of Aaron Swartz (actually one of the co-founders of this place where we talking). Although not directly piracy-related, the documentary shows the views ...
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[]
[ [] ]
5mexjc
why do some people have an overwhelming urge to playfully bite newborn babies? "i just want to eat them up!" etc.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5mexjc/eli5_why_do_some_people_have_an_overwhelming_urge/
{ "a_id": [ "dc30uyo", "dc31427", "dc39aen", "dc3ew4d", "dc3hj2u", "dc3nqze", "dc3w5xf", "dc3y0j3", "dc3yu0l", "dc424d3", "dc44mmo" ], "score": [ 653, 63, 230, 16, 12, 34, 5, 2, 4, 100, 2 ], "text": [ "It's called [cut...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.buzzfeed.com/morganshanahan/the-real-reason-you-kind-of-want-to-take-a-bite-out-of-your", "http://www.gobroadreach.com/broadreach-blog-cute-aggression" ], [ "https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-we-want-to-bite-cute-things-like-adorable-newborn-babies/" ], [], [ ...
5qy57b
what's the difference between a burrito and an enchilada?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5qy57b/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_burrito_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dd2zd72", "dd2zra7" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "From what I can tell...the burrito is made with a flour tortilla and the enchilada is made with a corn tortilla.", "The way they're rolled and what they're stuffed with. Burritos are folded a bit on both ends and rolled....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2zy4lz
if a certain disease is transmitted by water, what's stopping it from being spread across the whole ocean?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zy4lz/eli5_if_a_certain_disease_is_transmitted_by_water/
{ "a_id": [ "cpncj13", "cpnd6xm" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Bacteria and parasites generally cannot live in salt water. That's also why you can make sushi out of saltwater fish, but you have to cook freshwater fish.\n\nEdit: Sorry, bacteria that are infectious to people, not *all* b...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3ex6ah
why don't first world countries simply send large amounts of water to african villages that lack it?
First world countries have plenty of water that could easily go to people who need it more.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ex6ah/eli5_why_dont_first_world_countries_simply_send/
{ "a_id": [ "ctj772z", "ctj7akg" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "The cost would be astronomical. The water would have to travel long distances. Water only flows down, so you would need pumping stations to cross vast terrain, which in turn requires lots of energy. Energy is very expensive....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2g32iw
being so close to the south-pole, why doesn't it snow in south africa or australia? southern chile?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2g32iw/eli5_being_so_close_to_the_southpole_why_doesnt/
{ "a_id": [ "ckf5z3b", "ckf62d5", "ckf62j0", "ckf63mp", "ckf661u", "ckf6iik", "ckf6y8y", "ckf8pa7", "ckf90zr", "ckf9ft3" ], "score": [ 2, 19, 34, 9, 8, 6, 3, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not that close, the world is skewed when ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercator_projection" ], [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Antipodes_LAEA.png/360px-Antipodes_LAEA.png" ], [], [ "http://xkcd.com/977/" ] ]
3xkphl
why don't name-brand food companies sue makers of store-brand knock-offs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xkphl/eli5_why_dont_namebrand_food_companies_sue_makers/
{ "a_id": [ "cy5g24a", "cy5gana", "cy5jjem", "cy5kf7i", "cy5l6a2", "cy5lcaa", "cy5sps5", "cy61ml4" ], "score": [ 79, 27, 11, 8, 3, 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Two reasons. First, they rarely have patent protection in the product they make. Second, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5y361y
does global dimming balance out global warming?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5y361y/eli5_does_global_dimming_balance_out_global/
{ "a_id": [ "dems6uj", "demur6p" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > wouldn't this balance out the effects of global warming?\n\nOnly if the effect is equally as strong and persistent. There's no guarantee, nor necessarily any particular reason to assume, that it would be either. Add to th...
[]
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[ [], [] ]
1viuyo
what's up with the vatican and pedophilia? how did it get to this point?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1viuyo/eli5_whats_up_with_the_vatican_and_pedophilia_how/
{ "a_id": [ "cesoltu", "cesomf3", "ceson5k", "cesu2e7" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not that pedophilia is especially prevalent in the church (although this assessment is arguable), it's how the church has handled the issue that has made matters exponentially...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VABSoHYQr6k" ] ]
3z7h1u
the cultural obsession with tanning
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3z7h1u/eli5_the_cultural_obsession_with_tanning/
{ "a_id": [ "cyjtq9l", "cyju54w" ], "score": [ 7, 5 ], "text": [ "Think back a few generations, the ideal then was to have very pale skin, why? Because it was a status symbol. Being pale meant that you didn't work outside in one of the many low paying agricultural jobs. You could afford to...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
23aojs
when you're cooking pasta and all that foamy stuff is boiling over, why does adding an icecube immediately make the foam go away?
Cooking some Macaroni and am curious
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23aojs/eli5_when_youre_cooking_pasta_and_all_that_foamy/
{ "a_id": [ "cgv4jyq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Are you talking about with the pot covered or uncovered?\n\nIf you are talking about with the pot covered then it was just opening the pot that did it. With the lid on the pressure inside is a little bit higher than outside. When you lift off th...
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[ [] ]
2rxers
how can someone be convicted on terror charges and then released and not be expected to do something similar or worse again?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rxers/eli5_how_can_someone_be_convicted_on_terror/
{ "a_id": [ "cnk6d6b", "cnk715h" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Who was convicted of a terrorist charge and then let go?", "A combination of factors: it is unjust to imprison someone for life simply because they may commit a crime again in the future, and it would be prohibitively ex...
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[ [], [] ]
epznam
what is the difference between a discrete and continuous value?
I'm just reading some things regarding electrical engineering and i dont understand what exactly is a discrete or continuous value.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/epznam/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_a_discrete/
{ "a_id": [ "femnvga", "femo0eq", "femo11e", "femowun" ], "score": [ 15, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Discrete values have clear steps and nothing in between, like how many people are in a room. Realistically there can be 0, 1, 2, et cetera, but not 3.44349 people, or how many tim...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
p6dfn
why are the russians divided on stalin's image?
From Wikipedia: > Results of a controversial poll taken in 2006 stated that over 35% of Russians would vote for Stalin if he were still alive. Fewer than a third of all Russians regarded Stalin as a murderous tyrant; however, a Russian court in 2009, ruling on a suit by Stalin's grandson, Yevgeny Dzhugashvili, agains...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/p6dfn/eli5_why_are_the_russians_divided_on_stalins_image/
{ "a_id": [ "c3mw505", "c3mzlrn" ], "score": [ 14, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, it's also said that Stalin found Russia in birch-bark sandals and left it with nuclear weapons. He made Russia great. At great price, yes, but he did transform it into a world power.\n\nAdmittedly, if you lived in t...
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[ [], [] ]
3jpl1m
why is rafael nadal dominant on clay but "only very good" on other surfaces?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jpl1m/eli5_why_is_rafael_nadal_dominant_on_clay_but/
{ "a_id": [ "cur9hlk", "curctgm" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The ball bounces differently on different surfaces. To be good at tennis, you have to know where the ball is going to end up and put your racket in the way. If you play on concrete every day and then go to play on a clay cou...
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[ [], [] ]
80pveh
base 10 numbering system
Can someone eli5 what the base 10 numbering system is? Also, how would things change if we used a base 6 or base 4 numbering system. I've read into it a lot but can't wrap my head around it.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/80pveh/eli5_base_10_numbering_system/
{ "a_id": [ "duxao67", "duxas27", "duxcqhc", "duxcql4", "duxdbn8", "duxfblg", "duxjau9" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 14, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > Can someone eli5 what the base 10 numbering system is?\n\nIt is representing numbers using ten different symb...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
bk5zds
if im on a falling object and jump up from or off it, what will happen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bk5zds/eli5_if_im_on_a_falling_object_and_jump_up_from/
{ "a_id": [ "eme5sel", "eme5y77", "eme61jr", "eme6fyz" ], "score": [ 15, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well if you're a superhero and can jump as fast as the bus is falling, you would have a soft landing. \n\nIf you're a regular human being, you would just impact the ground even ha...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
47xrq6
how do some oils remove sticky residue
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47xrq6/eli5_how_do_some_oils_remove_sticky_residue/
{ "a_id": [ "d0g3yku" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The oils will remove sticky residue because the sticky residue easily dissolves in the oil. This is because they are chemically similar to each other" ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
6xk178
why do we get sick of music?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6xk178/eli5_why_do_we_get_sick_of_music/
{ "a_id": [ "dmgm8w1", "dmgzrhv" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Over stimulation. You listen to so much music sometimes that it becomes predictable and therefore boring. ", "Our brains are wired to react positively to good chords, and with that, good music. Scientists aren't really...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
g1ro0s
why do some plants live “forever” but some like herbs only have a lifespan of 1-2 years
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g1ro0s/eli5_why_do_some_plants_live_forever_but_some/
{ "a_id": [ "fnh7k4u" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Survival strategy.\n\nPlants that live in harsh environments for part of the year tend to only live during the good time and then set seeds to survive the bad times.\n\nIt is a lot easier to survive a cold winter or hot desert summer as seeds th...
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[]
[ [] ]
3qryz7
why do jumpscares scare us?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qryz7/eli5_why_do_jumpscares_scare_us/
{ "a_id": [ "cwht8aa" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "it prompts a response from the fear center of our brain. Its instincts to react strongly to sudden \"in your face' things, because it could have been a dangerous predator." ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
25cc3u
if germany had won wwii and hitler created his 'master race', what would the world be like now?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25cc3u/eli5_if_germany_had_won_wwii_and_hitler_created/
{ "a_id": [ "chfsis2", "chfsljz", "chfssrm", "chft5in" ], "score": [ 3, 8, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "/r/historicalwhatif might be a better place to post this...", "Philip K. Dick wrote a book called \"The Man in the High Castle\" where Germany and Japan won WWII and divided th...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
18ysdq
what stops gas stations from diluting fuel?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18ysdq/what_stops_gas_stations_from_diluting_fuel/
{ "a_id": [ "c8j70sc", "c8j710y", "c8jb8l2", "c8jcljg", "c8je8bs" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Good competition. If you fill up your car at a gas station and the car runs abnormally, you will probably never fill up there again.", "Water and gasolin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500690_162-4371783.html" ], [], [ "http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/WM/WMHome.html" ] ]
2ucrap
what happens inside my brain and body when i feel my mood 'drop' instantly because i have depression?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ucrap/eli5what_happens_inside_my_brain_and_body_when_i/
{ "a_id": [ "co7bwki" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Me too! Ultimately I think it has to do with Seratonin levels being depleted and causing the drop to happen. All of that can be attributed to outside factors such as sleep, caffeine and such. That is the best I can come up with based on what I'v...
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4xqs3z
what would happen if the umbilical cord of a newborn was never clamped or cut? would it be possible for the newborn to grow up and live life into adulthood like that?
Edit: Interesting, thank you.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xqs3z/eli5_what_would_happen_if_the_umbilical_cord_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d6ho1zc", "d6ho5g9", "d6hv9p9" ], "score": [ 11, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "If an umbilical cord is not clamped or cut, it will still naturally fall off after a few days. In fact, this is / was practised by some groups throughout history.\n\nThe downside, of course, is that un...
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[ [], [], [] ]
abeth5
why is the room in which one is developing photographs red in colour?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/abeth5/eli5_why_is_the_room_in_which_one_is_developing/
{ "a_id": [ "eczqysb", "eczqzcj" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "If you expose black and white film to blue and green light, it can become overexposed, and ruin the photograph. Red light is bright enough for the photographer to work in, but doesn't expose the film to dangerous light \n\nC...
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[ [], [] ]
1k7eex
can someone please explain right/left/liberal/moderate/progressive/conservative, without making any of those groups into the bad guy?
I would love it if someone could objectively define what makes those subdivisions of political and social thought unique. The lines seem very convoluted, to me, and it seems like a lot of people can't even agree what being a 'liberal' or 'conservative' even means.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k7eex/can_someone_please_explain/
{ "a_id": [ "cbm47f2", "cbm4cp8", "cbm4ovz" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "I thought [this](_URL_0_) was a great TED talk about this issue. \n\nFrom [Wikipedia](_URL_1_):\n\nMoral Foundations Theory considers the way morality varies between cultures and identifies five (later ...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_on_the_moral_mind.html", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Haidt" ], [], [ "http://onebit.us/x/i/6fe385a09a.jpg" ] ]
5zh8r6
why do eggshells seemingly "dodge" your finger when you try to pick them out of a cracked egg?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zh8r6/eli5_why_do_eggshells_seemingly_dodge_your_finger/
{ "a_id": [ "dey4rqx", "deycccn", "deyemoq", "deygik5" ], "score": [ 204, 10, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Egg is a viscous fluid, and when it moves, anything trapped inside it moves also. Your finger \"pushes\" the egg away from itself when you go to fish out the eggshell - however,...
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[ [], [ "http://lifehacker.com/5789402/crack-eggs-on-flat-surfaces-for-less-shell-and-better-safety" ], [], [] ]
jaksr
what is an irc?
I'm referring to internet relay chat. How does it work? What do I need to know before joining a "channel"?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jaksr/what_is_an_irc/
{ "a_id": [ "c2aixav", "c2aixav" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "IRC is a chat protocol, in a IRC chat room you can say messages to other people in the chat room. People can join and quit at any time and sometimes bots (programs) are also in chat rooms.\n\nImagine that IRC is a fast mail ...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.undernet.org/", "http://freenode.net/", "http://www.efnet.org/", "http://www.trillian.im/", "http://www.dal.net/", "http://www.gamesurge.net/", "http://www.rizon.net/", "http://chat.mibbit.com/", "http://www.quakenet.org/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparis...
36gtfs
how does a force (gravity, magnetic field, etc) "travel" through vacuum?
I always think in forces as if they needed some 'particles' to pull/push and then those particles 'transfer' its 'power'; am I right? If so, how do they 'travel' through vacuum?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36gtfs/eli5_how_does_a_force_gravity_magnetic_field_etc/
{ "a_id": [ "crduqwv", "crduv0f" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "They're bumps in a field (well, several, really) that fills the entire universe. By \"field\" we basically just mean \"a number attached to every point in space and time\". Actually, as it turns out, that's all particles are...
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[ [], [] ]
1vj8p3
how did (...or did he?) einstein's destroy newton's theories?
I keep hearing people say that Einstein basically "stepped up a notch" on Newton, but I can't figure out how that's the case. Relativity seems like it matches up with Newton... is it because photons and atoms don't abide by Newtons laws? And if that's the case, why are we attributing the upending of classical physics...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vj8p3/eli5_how_did_or_did_he_einsteins_destroy_newtons/
{ "a_id": [ "cess9bn", "cessdz7", "cessf71" ], "score": [ 15, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Newton's laws are extremely good approximations at low speeds.\n\nBut when speeds start approaching the speed of light, Newton's laws give results which start to differ from Einstein by more and more. ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
jhj4l
how is it that the united kingdom is known for having bad teeth as well as free healthcare?
Seems contradictory...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jhj4l/eli5_how_is_it_that_the_united_kingdom_is_known/
{ "a_id": [ "c2c5uc9", "c2c65cw", "c2ca7do", "c2c5uc9", "c2c65cw", "c2ca7do" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Imagine if botox injections starting from age 30 became so common in South America that eventually it just became natural, that nobody e...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3gvx9u
when a shockwave happens, like the one in tianjin, what exactly is happening in the air?
I'm guessing it's like when you drop a rock into water and you have the splash and ripples as a comparative to an explosive shockwave, but I don't fully understand what is happening in the air to cause so much destruction and noise.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gvx9u/eli5_when_a_shockwave_happens_like_the_one_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cu1xw2x", "cu1y1g8", "cu1y598" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically the air immediately around the explosion gets pushed violently away in all directions all at once. That air pushes the air around it and so on so you have this expanding wave of hot, fast movi...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1jz393
why do the romanized versions of chinese words seem to make no sense phonetically?
For example, the phrase "feng shui" is pronounced "fung shway" and not "fang shooey." The last name "Wang" is pronounced "Wong." It seems like every time I see a Chinese phrase converted to English, the way I would pronounce it if it were English is completely wrong. Since all of these Romanized words were just made u...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jz393/eli5_why_do_the_romanized_versions_of_chinese/
{ "a_id": [ "cbjpfdo", "cbjq9ow" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the [official Romanization system](_URL_0_) developed by the communist government in the 1950s isn't very intuitive. Partly they didn't try to make it user-friendly for westerners, and partly it can't be done any bet...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin" ], [] ]
q9z5y
diamonds
Ratings, Quality, What to look for in an engagement ring?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/q9z5y/eli5_diamonds/
{ "a_id": [ "c3vwyck", "c3vwym7", "c3vy606", "c3vzftz" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "You important things to look at are your 4 C's - cut, carat, colour, and clarity. [This](_URL_0_) is a really clear cut explanation. Personally, I'd recommend getting a smaller d...
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[ [ "http://www.thediamondbuyingguide.com/fourcsofdiamonds.html" ], [ "http://www.thediamondbuyingguide.com/fourcsofdiamonds.html" ], [], [] ]
4nxmao
how does wifi work exactly? and does a slowdown/buffering signify an issue with the wifi/router?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4nxmao/eli5_how_does_wifi_work_exactly_and_does_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d47sdxy" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "WiFi is a short range radio broadcast that communicates with your device both ways. \n\nSlowdown can be caused by your router. If you live in an urban area, a very common issue is that most routers use the 2.4ghz spectrum to broadcast, and you m...
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2n43rt
why does it appear to be so hard for modern games to correctly network everyone together?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n43rt/eli5_why_does_it_appear_to_be_so_hard_for_modern/
{ "a_id": [ "cma83x2", "cma8615" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because if one person has a problem, everyone does. \nYou know, every now and then you play with people with poor \"pings\". These people seem to \"rubber band\". Then, imagine this effect, but with one person (the host) no...
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[ [], [] ]
8upufa
why do low pitch bass frequencies not seem as "loud" as treble frequencies?
For example, like [this video](_URL_0_) the bass being played is extremely loud (well over 100dB) but it seems to not bother the listeners' ears. But if it was all hi-hat like sounds/high frequencies they would sure be clutching their ears in pain. Why is this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8upufa/eli5_why_do_low_pitch_bass_frequencies_not_seem/
{ "a_id": [ "e1hcnpa", "e1iledo" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Your brain doesn't perceive all frequencies at the same level. Which makes total sense if you think about it, for example the most sensitive range of hearing is around 3-5kHz which is right around the peak of baby cries. An ...
[]
[ "https://youtu.be/aDwNAr6eu20" ]
[ [], [] ]
24hnpo
i have one gas main coming into my house, and several choices of supplier. how does that work?!
The gas is all coming from the same place (the main), so when I'm paying "Gas Company A" for my gas, how do they know that I am getting gas from them, and not from "Gas Company B"? Obviously I don't have 5 different pipes coming into my house (and everyone else's house!), and they don't add a new pipe when a new suppl...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24hnpo/eli5_i_have_one_gas_main_coming_into_my_house_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ch780ss" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Historically gas like most utilities were publicly owned and regulated and had local monopolies. And, sure, this is because the cost of infrastructure is too high. That is, no one is going to lay a redundant set of gas pipes just so you can buy ...
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4wyq8i
is ionized water, such as kangen water, a scam?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wyq8i/eli5_is_ionized_water_such_as_kangen_water_a_scam/
{ "a_id": [ "d6az8s7", "d6azxjy" ], "score": [ 14, 5 ], "text": [ "Yes.\n\nThere are absolutely no legitimate studies that demonstrate any kind of health benefits from \"ionized\" water like Kangen or any of the many knock-offs.", "The body's pH isn't affected by what you take in. Cha...
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[ [], [] ]
5nld68
why is that in all pictures wee see of planets and moons we always see the crater only and never see the meteor, boulder or whatever caused the crater sitting on the collision site?
[example of a crater in Mars](_URL_0_). I know that in theory they explode or ricochet but aren't we, statistically, supposed to find one case where the collision boulder is still sitting on the collision site?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nld68/eli5why_is_that_in_all_pictures_wee_see_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dccd8sf", "dccdcaw" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Not really.\n\nAnything impact that can create a crater big enough to be seen from orbit, will also be more than energetic enough to completely obliterate the meteorite.\n\nAs an example, take the Hoba meteorite. It's the la...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/ymVeHwq.jpg" ]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoba_meteorite" ], [ "https://qph.ec.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ac06ae44e7463d10f9ce07ef3a32a90f?convert_to_webp=true", "https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-are-impact-craters-al/", "https://qph.ec.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-efacb40bc8cc271bdf9ec5b5b47f223c?co...
96auyr
culturally or linguistically, why do italian americans stereotypically come up with such odd nicknames?
[There's this list of real-life monsters for example](_URL_0_), and the phenomenon seems to be a staple of movies and shows like the Sopranos ( "Uncle Junior," " Big Pussy, " "Tony Uncle Johnny," " Johnny Sack, " etc.)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/96auyr/eli5_culturally_or_linguistically_why_do_italian/
{ "a_id": [ "e3zau73" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It comes from older Italian culture where they used nicknames to identify specifically which \"Paulie\" you are referring to instead of using surnames. " ] }
[]
[ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Italian-American_mobsters" ]
[ [] ]
2hyzr7
why are not all photographs screenshots from a video instead of a picture taken by a conventional camera.
Why don't photographers just take high definition videos of the things they wish to take photos of? That way they could just choose the perfect frame everytime.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hyzr7/eli5why_are_not_all_photographs_screenshots_from/
{ "a_id": [ "ckxapzi", "ckxb1xs" ], "score": [ 9, 4 ], "text": [ "The specs of still cameras, especially resolution, will always be ahead of video cameras. Even if not the equivalent video equipment will be much more expensive. Also, flash guns can be much brighter for a fraction of a se...
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[ [], [] ]
4dif72
why we need meat in our diets?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dif72/eli5_why_we_need_meat_in_our_diets/
{ "a_id": [ "d1r7ind" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Well, you don't necessarily. It's just that meat is a very readily available source of protein. It's possible now to obtain enough protein from plant-based supplements, but for our ancient ancestors, it wasn't really possible to get enough protei...
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e6grio
is santa seen as different races in different countries?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e6grio/eli5_is_santa_seen_as_different_races_in/
{ "a_id": [ "f9pz6zq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Typically no, although non-white Santas exist. The red suited big belly white beard version of Santa, however, is pretty recent and very American. The guy he is based off of (St. Nicholas) was Turkish. He probably did not look like the modern San...
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[ [] ]
34yj57
why jaden smith gets hated on so much
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34yj57/eli5_why_jaden_smith_gets_hated_on_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cqz8y2m" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "it's memetic. He hasn't done anything really to warrant any kind of hate, but it's come about due to a few factors:\n\n1. he's the son of someone beloved here on reddit, but doesn't act like his hilarious, loveable, macho father. The difference i...
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45gwly
in the middle of yawning, why did the music i was listening to change to a lower pitch?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45gwly/eli5_in_the_middle_of_yawning_why_did_the_music_i/
{ "a_id": [ "czxs25x", "czxt4rb" ], "score": [ 19, 3 ], "text": [ "It changes the pressure of the cochlear fluid, which results in you sensing things differently. This fluid is part of your normal sense of pitch, but that pressure doesn't typically change much ... accept when you yawn.", ...
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[ [], [] ]
16qxcq
can someone please explain what the word 'amendment' is the us constitution means?
From what I understand the word 'amendment' means : > A minor change in a document. > A change or addition to a legal or statutory document. But people act like the constitution can't be changed. Are all the amendments actually not amendments? With all the talk of the second amendment recently, why not just make an...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16qxcq/can_someone_please_explain_what_the_word/
{ "a_id": [ "c7yilra", "c7yim10", "c7yiyjo" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Because unlike other bills you can't pass it with just a majority. I think you need 2/3s of the House and 2/3s of the Senate to agree and then it has to be ratified by 75% of the states.", "Amendme...
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[ [], [], [] ]