q_id
stringlengths
5
6
title
stringlengths
3
296
selftext
stringlengths
0
34k
document
stringclasses
1 value
subreddit
stringclasses
1 value
url
stringlengths
4
110
answers
dict
title_urls
list
selftext_urls
list
answers_urls
list
3ia2xh
if we have enough grain and milk sitting in silos around the usa to feed the world why do we give farmers subsidizes to burn it instead of using that money to give it away?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ia2xh/eli5_if_we_have_enough_grain_and_milk_sitting_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cuema8n", "cuemape", "cueopex", "cuepdze" ], "score": [ 72, 2, 16, 5 ], "text": [ "To stabilize the price. Too much supply will result in price drop which will drive lot of farms out of business which will decrease the supply and cause price spike. \n\nWe are d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1qpfiw
why did nature make us intelligent instead of strong?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qpfiw/eli5_why_did_nature_make_us_intelligent_instead/
{ "a_id": [ "cdf3iic", "cdf3z6z", "cdf3zfh", "cdf4a64", "cdf4ofg", "cdf69fy", "cdfbtm3" ], "score": [ 8, 63, 6, 3, 14, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "More efficient I guess. Work smart, not hard.", "We are actually quite large and strong. We are not as str...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
57mpde
when i'm watching satellite tv, is the satellite transmitting all the channels at once for my receiver to pick one or is my receiver requesting a channel to the satellite?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/57mpde/eli5_when_im_watching_satellite_tv_is_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d8t6itp", "d8t6jlp", "d8t6yru" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "The satellite transmits everything. Your home equipment certainly doesn't have any way to communicate with a satellite. \n\nYou tune to a frequency similar to regular broadcast. That tuning deter...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3u350z
why do first nations / native people in canada continue to live on reservations where they have poor housing, below par schools and medical access, few jobs, poor quality of life and limited prospects for their children?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3u350z/eli5_why_do_first_nations_native_people_in_canada/
{ "a_id": [ "cxbg04c" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Partly culture but mainly land claims. If they all abandoned their reserves it'd be harder for them to claim their treaty rights on the land.\n\nI think this duality inside Canada is a shame though. It's basically apartheid. They live in squal...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
66owsa
what's causing the very high pitched engine noise and bangs usually rally cars produce?
I come across videos of Rally cars, and played Dirt Rally, and in almost every documentation I see Rally cars have a different, high pitch and powerful sound, accompanied by loud bangs. What's happening? different engines or engine enhancments?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66owsa/eli5_whats_causing_the_very_high_pitched_engine/
{ "a_id": [ "dgk41in", "dgk436p", "dgk51ch", "dgkcm1d" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 92, 9 ], "text": [ "The high pitched noise is the turbo (basically a vacuum cleaner to suck more air into the motor).\n\nThe bangs are excess gas/air igniting in the exhaust when they let off the gas...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5kij60
why do pets play with/are scared of their own tails? do they not know they're their own?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5kij60/eli5_why_do_pets_play_withare_scared_of_their_own/
{ "a_id": [ "dbob0up" ], "score": [ 48 ], "text": [ "Young dogs and cats do it because it's fun. They like having fun just like we do. Slightly older pets might do it to get attention from humans since we tend to find the spectacle to be hilarious. If you have an elderly pet chasing their tail ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
69y5jv
how to choose delicious watermelon?
Hi,guys. Hot summer is around corner. Does anyone know how to choose delicious watermelon by its appearance or something else?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69y5jv/eli5_how_to_choose_delicious_watermelon/
{ "a_id": [ "dha7ksm" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Weight and sound. The heaviest one per size means that they have more water, and usually more sweetness. When you tap on the watermelon it should be more of a dull/muffled thud rather than a higher pitched sound." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2bngzw
why am i so tired after flying, or other times where i sit all day?
I have been on airplanes most of the day today, but I feel extremely tired. Why is it I feel tired after sitting most of the day, not using as much energy as normal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bngzw/eli5_why_am_i_so_tired_after_flying_or_other/
{ "a_id": [ "cj745iv", "cj76kau", "cj77etv", "cj7aq7a" ], "score": [ 34, 6, 31, 3 ], "text": [ "I know that, for me, I feel tired when I get off a plane because I just spent the past few hours scrunching in my shoulders and arms and keeping my legs together in order to not ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
44d4fw
is the human immune system "stronger" now than it was 1000+ years ago? (not including knowledge of simple things like hand washing, etc.)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/44d4fw/eli5_is_the_human_immune_system_stronger_now_than/
{ "a_id": [ "czpc1lq", "czpgsaq" ], "score": [ 9, 8 ], "text": [ "Evolution does not change a lot in a thousand years. There is a dance between infectious diseases and their hosts. A really deadly disease kills the host and therefore itself.\n\nWe have found antibiotics that work for a whi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
wp74v
why people enjoy the bitter taste of alcohol
I've always found the taste of alcohol to be quite unpleasantly bitter. How do so many people find alcohol enjoyable at all? Milk, tea, soda, juice,... taste so much better, why aren't they more popular at parties and social events?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wp74v/eli5_why_people_enjoy_the_bitter_taste_of_alcohol/
{ "a_id": [ "c5f81yn", "c5f82sr", "c5f8cf5" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "You know how sometimes you prefer apple juice over orange juice? People also prefer some beers over others. The great thing about beer is that the flavors of it range so much. You can have a nice, smoot...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FM3Em7FIOc" ], [] ]
fossrl
how does morse code work
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fossrl/eli5_how_does_morse_code_work/
{ "a_id": [ "flgy9k0", "flh038m", "flh7r5j", "flhdb8m" ], "score": [ 10, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "With silences. A silence the duration of three dots separates between letters, while a silence with the duration of 7 dots separates between words.", "Morse code comes from a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://morsecode.world/international/translator.html" ], [], [] ]
3ypvwa
who owns the land that roads are on? can you purchase that land?
All roads take up a little bit of land, usually a thin strip of land. Who owns that land?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ypvwa/eli5_who_owns_the_land_that_roads_are_on_can_you/
{ "a_id": [ "cyfk83a" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The exact arrangement varies by location. In some places, the land is owned by the adjacent landowners, but the city, county or state government has a right of way permitting it to build the road. This means that if it were ever stricken as a pub...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2rrqjr
the sports and competition seeding system for playoffs or things like octa/quarterfinals
Why are teams pitted against each other the way they are? Why does the first seed always compete against the last seed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rrqjr/eli5_the_sports_and_competition_seeding_system/
{ "a_id": [ "cnimqh3", "cnimsdm" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "In some activities this is called the \"power protect\" tournament system. It is to reward the players/teams/competitor with the best regular season or preliminary rounds performance. \n\nThis system is the most likely to ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
b5pk01
what does a non compete clause stop workers from doing?
I've been hearing it more and more in movies recently.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b5pk01/eli5_what_does_a_non_compete_clause_stop_workers/
{ "a_id": [ "ejextzg", "ejf2skg", "ejf4r7x", "ejfa5nx", "ejfg58s", "ejfjg53" ], "score": [ 12, 2, 2, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It means you can't go work for a competing company either durring employment and usually for a set period after you leave the company."...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6b6wwa
why are mortgages so much more common in the u.s. than in other countries?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6b6wwa/eli5_why_are_mortgages_so_much_more_common_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dhk9b5l" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Why do you think this is?\n\nPeople take out loans for homes in every corner of the globe, they usually cannot purchase them straight up.\n\nA mortgage is just the name of a loan you get to buy a home." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
18ien7
how do women in burqas pass through customs in an airport?
I'm not trying to be in any way offensive, but how does photo identification work for Islamic women wearing full burqas?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18ien7/how_do_women_in_burqas_pass_through_customs_in_an/
{ "a_id": [ "c8f2dvt", "c8f2qvh" ], "score": [ 6, 5 ], "text": [ "Honestly women in full burqas are a small fraction of all Muslim women. And usually from the poorest Islamic nations. I doubt many of this already small population actually fly. But if they did I'm guessing a female security...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9iw7pm
are there any negative side effects to eating a tumor?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9iw7pm/eli5_are_there_any_negative_side_effects_to/
{ "a_id": [ "e6muypn", "e6mv3mg", "e6mwq04", "e6mxomz", "e6mxu55", "e6my0dk", "e6mysct", "e6mysp7", "e6myttp", "e6myxsn", "e6mz324", "e6mz8wb", "e6mz99e", "e6mzlzu", "e6n6roa" ], "score": [ 8, 320, 75, 54, 6, 3, 5, 2, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1grwsb
why is muhammed ali considered the greatest (or one of the greatest) boxers of all time if he lost five times?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1grwsb/why_is_muhammed_ali_considered_the_greatest_or/
{ "a_id": [ "can7wcp", "can80bv", "can82hp", "can8dag", "can8f5j", "can92le", "can9byo", "can9cm6", "can9gjj" ], "score": [ 4, 6, 8, 2, 13, 92, 5, 7, 21 ], "text": [ "Because he was an incredibly polarizing personality and a very, ver...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120415141107AASNHXn" ], [], [], [ "http://a.espncdn.com/boxing/columns/kellerman_max/1345943.html" ], [], [], [] ]
dghk3k
what does the secretary general of the united nations do?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dghk3k/eli5_what_does_the_secretary_general_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "f3bizoq", "f3bkn1q" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "He or she expresses concerns... sometimes, on rare occasions, they express deep concerns. That’s about it.", "The title is pretty explanatory. The UN itself is mostly consisting of clerical and administrative staff as it...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1rdonn
why schrödinger's cat needs to be observed, and why someone/thing needs to be observing everything around us?
Even a wiki page would be great, I just wouldnt know where to begin.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rdonn/eli5why_schrödingers_cat_needs_to_be_observed_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cdm71cf" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It is a bit different than that. In normal physics, when you don't measure something you don't know the value of whatever it was that you did not measure.\n\nWhen you *do* decide to measure the value (you *observe the system*) you find one single...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger%27s_cat" ] ]
3vum24
how can the distance of a light year be consistent?
From what I understand a light year is about 9.4605284 x 1012 kilometers. Also, time slows down when you near the speed of light. Now if someone travelled close to the speed of light for that distance and back again to earth, we'd say "Hey - you've been gone two years!" but that person would claim they've been gone a...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vum24/eli5_how_can_the_distance_of_a_light_year_be/
{ "a_id": [ "cxqt4bw", "cxraauk" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "This is actually a good question.\n\nAnd the problem isn't with just \"light years\". You can apply that argument to any distance.\n\nThe answer is that part of the relativistic effects along with time dilation is length con...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://philschatz.com/physics-book/resources/Figure_29_03_03a.jpg" ], [] ]
49f601
when trying to regain balance, why do we lean towards the side that is off balance?
For example if you are walking on a curb and start tilting to the left, your body instinctively shifts weight towards the left. Wouldn't it make more sense to shift weight to the right to counteract the difference in weight?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49f601/eli5_when_trying_to_regain_balance_why_do_we_lean/
{ "a_id": [ "d0rbaeg" ], "score": [ 25 ], "text": [ "Your upper body/head/chest seem to move to the left; this is so that your hips/center of mass will move to the right. Your hips/waist/belly easily counteract the tilt. It is impossible, however, to move your waist to the right quickly without mo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3280bw
countries with a president and a prime minister
How exactly does the balance of power in these countries work? Is it the same across the board? For example, Italy and Russia have both a Prime Minister and a President, who is really in charge? What is the difference between the two offices? I live in the UK, so Prime Minister is usually the highest political office,...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3280bw/eli5_countries_with_a_president_and_a_prime/
{ "a_id": [ "cq8qhhl", "cq925uu" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ " It goes back to the idea that it has been found by experience that a country needs both a head of state and a head of government. A head of state personifies the nation, acts as a focus of national unity, acts as diplomatic...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
54allt
how were modern day scholars able to translate works written in archaic english (e.g. the canterbury tales) so accurately when the language used is so different from the english today?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/54allt/eli5how_were_modern_day_scholars_able_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d807h9b", "d807y56", "d808dsd" ], "score": [ 3, 15, 3 ], "text": [ "It's actually pretty straightforward, because we have lots of text from the intervening periods. If all you know is modern English and you have to read a text from the 1300s, it's hard, but if you als...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1xpdp2
how does opening a beer with just a refrigerator magnet and a quarter work
Saw a video of a guy opening a beer by putting a refrigerator magnet under it and tapping it with a quarter at the base of the neck. How does this work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xpdp2/eli5_how_does_opening_a_beer_with_just_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cfdgpp1" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It's a trick - a normal fridge magnet and bottle of beer wouldn't do that. I strongly suspect the bottle is rigged before the video starts and the magnet is just a red herring.\n\nIt might even be completely fake." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
e8wh8k
- i saw a ted video today about altering the dna in bacteria to fight cancer. how does one "edit" the dna in something??
In the video (and similar videos I've seen) they say that they change the DNA to change the organisms' function, but not how they do it. I know DNA can change through mutation, but how do geneticists alter DNA sequence??
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e8wh8k/eli5_i_saw_a_ted_video_today_about_altering_the/
{ "a_id": [ "faez9md", "faf07to" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Kurzgesagt made [the most clear and amazing video](_URL_0_) about how we can use CRISPR to edit DNA", "So the most common and promising method, which is still pretty early on, is called CRISPR-Cas9. \n\nBasically it’s a ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/jAhjPd4uNFY" ], [] ]
1yl8u8
why does the us have less money now than it did in the mid-20th century?
Reading about World War 2 -- It seems like the US had unlimited industrial capacity to produce planes, bombs, aircraft carriers, etc. Has the US government simply shrank, or what's going on?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yl8u8/eli5why_does_the_us_have_less_money_now_than_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cflii8a", "cflike0", "cflj42o" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "1. WW2 created a post-war boom for us. We spent enough to stimulate industry and manufacturing, without spending so much that we crippled ourselves with debt.\n\n2. Cold War. We were willing to spend mu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lend-Lease" ] ]
1gkp6i
why are there flights that take longer than 12 hours?
When I flew from Chicago to Shanghai, it took 16 hrs. However, since the Earth spins at a rate of 1 rev/day, it seems like the furthest a flight should take for something almost directly around the world is 12 hrs. I think it might be because the atmosphere is part of what spins as well, but I'm not too sure.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gkp6i/eli5_why_are_there_flights_that_take_longer_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cal4yf7", "cal57tf", "calkxzx" ], "score": [ 11, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Earth may spin 1 rev/day, but planes spin with it so the spin of Earth doesn't matter at all. Its just about the speed to get from A to B.\n\ni.e. Why doesn't a boat just take 12 hours around the world...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6lpg6l
why do we sometimes get the urge to do violent things to cute things?
Edit: Something along the lines of [Key and Peele's comedy sketch](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6lpg6l/eli5_why_do_we_sometimes_get_the_urge_to_do/
{ "a_id": [ "djvlu8t", "djvmk7q", "djvndhe", "djvv131" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I think it's probably along the same lines of why we think about jumping off a cliff when we get too close to the edge. We are analyzing outcomes and consequences. It's a totally n...
[]
[ "https://youtu.be/z6iC0Vi1yEg" ]
[ [], [ "http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-01/science-says-adorable-animals-turn-us-aggressive" ], [], [] ]
3dvim2
why does it sometimes look like the numbers on my alarm clock are jumping up and down?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dvim2/eli5_why_does_it_sometimes_look_like_the_numbers/
{ "a_id": [ "ct9293v", "ct92ndj" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I'm not familiar with the phenomenon you are describing, but I might have an explanation. \n\nWhen you look at an object within a space, your eyes don't look at one point. You see one point, and when you move your eyes to an...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
ab52du
splitting infinitives???
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ab52du/eli5_splitting_infinitives/
{ "a_id": [ "ecxli8j", "ecxo6pp" ], "score": [ 11, 3 ], "text": [ "An infinitive is just the phrase \"to *verb*\". A split infinitive is when you put an adverb in between the parts of an infinitive. So in your example, the word \"never\" is in the middle of the infinitive \"to grow up\",...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2894sm
why does a body pillow feel between my legs make sleeping more comfortable?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2894sm/eli5_why_does_a_body_pillow_feel_between_my_legs/
{ "a_id": [ "ci8nen5", "ci8newo" ], "score": [ 13, 6 ], "text": [ "My guess would be that it raises your leg which aligns your spine and reduces lower back tension.", "Without it, your hips are in a stress position when you sleep on your side. With it, your knees are separated, putting...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
53e1sg
what is happening at a biological level when someone mentions tequila and you can instantly taste it?
I am interested in how synesthesia of someone verbally articulating something translates into a reflex which in turn translates into a taste, which in itself is a memory.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53e1sg/eli5_what_is_happening_at_a_biological_level_when/
{ "a_id": [ "d7sjxpp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Not an expert, just a guy who reads a lot of science-y stuff. But it's been four hours and you don't seem to have any other responses. I've read that memory recall in our brains doesn't work like a computer. A computer creates some kind of physi...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5m301z
how did humans create perfectly flat objects prior to the invention of advanced tools/machinery?
If they used necessary contemporary tools, how did they create those tools to be flat? EDIT: How were these primitive methods of getting a flat surface applied to large-scale constructions and objects? (i.e. furniture, construction materials, etc.)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5m301z/eli5_how_did_humans_create_perfectly_flat_objects/
{ "a_id": [ "dc0ed9a", "dc0en27" ], "score": [ 2, 8 ], "text": [ "If you just take two moderately flat stones and rub them against each other in random circles, they will wear away the highest points until they get quite flat.\n\n", "There are no *perfectly* flat objects being made tod...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2uawn1
american tv shows compared to the rest of the world.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2uawn1/eli5_american_tv_shows_compared_to_the_rest_of/
{ "a_id": [ "co6q090", "co6qfos", "co6qm0p", "co6qwuk", "co6r2tp", "co6r2zt", "co6rk3d" ], "score": [ 15, 21, 20, 4, 10, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "They make it into a drama type show to get more people interested. Most Americans wouldn't watch it if it was ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1mwxhk
why are some sports teams historically more successful (ny yankees) than others (cleveland browns)?
The yankees have 27 world series wins, the next team only has 11. On the other hand the Cleveland Browns have never even appeared at a super bowl and haven't been to the playoffs since the mid 90s. These teams were just used as examples.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mwxhk/eli5_why_are_some_sports_teams_historically_more/
{ "a_id": [ "ccddg6l" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's a vicious circle. Teams that do well earn more money (because they have more fans, have higher attendance, sell more merchandise) and have higher prestige, so they can attract better talent." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4o65yy
how can ebay sellers send something like 1$ phone cases with free delivery to the other side of the planet, when if i send a small letter to my neighbor it will cost 3$? do they still make profit?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4o65yy/eli5_how_can_ebay_sellers_send_something_like_1/
{ "a_id": [ "d49xr6a", "d49z4yr", "d49zdlm", "d49znnm", "d4a4rwm", "d4a72h6" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 3, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Postal systems in other countries can pay a LOT less than what us westerners pay, ditto manufacturers. The companies that are selling th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Infrastructure_Investment_Bank", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Belt,_One_Road" ], [], [] ]
7ctnp7
why does basically no one speak latin anymore even though it is used in many popular countries?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ctnp7/eli5why_does_basically_no_one_speak_latin_anymore/
{ "a_id": [ "dpsmgbx", "dpsn22t", "dpsobwy", "dpsqk00", "dpt9g0e", "dptfjvk" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 5, 6, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It is a very slow language with very complex grammar that isn't very intuitive. The sheer amount of declensions, verb tenses, gender wor...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3cps66
where does the earth (or any other planet) find the energy to continue spinning on itself forever?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cps66/eli5_where_does_the_earth_or_any_other_planet/
{ "a_id": [ "csxsvk9", "csxt7vi" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Energy isn't required to continue spinning, or continue any sort of motion in fact. One of the laws of physics is that objects in motion stay in motion unless acted upon by something else.\n\nSince nothing is really stoppin...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4hbugs
if animals can distinguish us from our smells, how do they not get confused by the smells of our soaps/colognes/deodorants/etc?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hbugs/eli5_if_animals_can_distinguish_us_from_our/
{ "a_id": [ "d2ow5t9", "d2ox03m", "d2ox1fy", "d2ox3v6", "d2p004c", "d2p06rv", "d2p0bnp", "d2p0d18", "d2p1kfz", "d2p21pv", "d2p30td", "d2p4wim", "d2p5m7l", "d2p7yd6", "d2p9zj8", "d2pbs87", "d2pd4no", "d2pd58e", "d2pdf7b", "d2pdqa0", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://cybersd.com/sd/", "http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/dogs-sense-of-smell.html" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
c7fofv
why do overweight people have higher basal metabolic rates than lean people?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c7fofv/eli5_why_do_overweight_people_have_higher_basal/
{ "a_id": [ "eses661" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ " > Most BMR calculators, even on reliable websites, make no distinction between muscle and fat\n\nYes, this is why the calculation is an estimate and not 100% accurate. A bodybuilder is in a very different place metabolically than an obese perso...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
28jnjg
why is it so hard to get into medical school when there is so obviously a scarcity of doctors?
So here's what I'm thinking. Doctors are paid very highly, which by simple economics means there is a low supply of them. In addition many doctors have to be on call 24 hours a day, and residents have to work incredibly long shifts. However, at the same time medical schools are very hard to get into, meaning there is a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28jnjg/eli5why_is_it_so_hard_to_get_into_medical_school/
{ "a_id": [ "cibjhpv", "cibjnwt", "cibjo38", "cibjouu", "cibjykv", "cibk662", "cibme2g" ], "score": [ 3, 12, 2, 2, 6, 10, 3 ], "text": [ "doctors get paid a lot because medical school is retarded expensive and so is malpractice insurance. Not everyo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2w3mae
losing color perception when going from dark to light areas
I get that my pupils need to adjust for brightness' sake. What confuses me is that everything goes greyscale for awhile after going from a bright to dark area. Why can't I see colors? I put ELI5 there this time.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2w3mae/eli5_losing_color_perception_when_going_from_dark/
{ "a_id": [ "conaesa" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "At a basic level, your eyes use two different types of cells to see: cones and rods.\n\nYou use cones primarily when you are in well lit areas. You use rods primarily when you are in poorly lit areas. Think of rods as what you use for 'night-visi...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4yci5u
why does chewing (gum) increase concentration/productivity?
A teacher of mine told us to chew gum (or something like the back of your pen) when studying as it releases a chemical in your jaw? He also said the reason why you get tired after you eat is because you stop chewing.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yci5u/eli5why_does_chewing_gum_increase/
{ "a_id": [ "d6mqgdf" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The action of chewing involves the Temporalis muscle and the Masseter muscle. These cause blood to flow to your brain as you chew, bringing in more oxygen, which causes increased concentration." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4g803e
if water is always returned via the water cycle back to the earth, why are people getting concerned with "running out" of water?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4g803e/eli5_if_water_is_always_returned_via_the_water/
{ "a_id": [ "d2faejk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because that water is mixed up with gross stuff- the totality of H2O on the planet is unchanged, but the amount of fresh water is rapidly diminishing from pollution, irrigation, and divertment. The natural processes that scrub and clean water hav...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
286ef9
why does sleeping regenerate/refresh/recharge is, while laying in bed awake without moving us does not?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/286ef9/eli5_why_does_sleeping_regeneraterefreshrecharge/
{ "a_id": [ "ci7ug9d", "ci7uou3" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Because laying in bed awake is generally exactly the same as standing next to the bed awake, or sitting on the bus awake, or watching tv awake. Your brain needs you to actually be unconscious so it can have a moment of low a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
q0o6q
the atomic bomb
can someone explain the atomic bomb, how it works. I have the most basic understanding of chemistry, i'm a biology major.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/q0o6q/eli5_the_atomic_bomb/
{ "a_id": [ "c3tqu3g", "c3tr2lu" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "In chemistry, you about endo/exothermic reactions to make molecules. Normal explosives rely on chemical reactions that release large amounts of energy. All of this energy involves moving a few electrons around leaving your...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Boy" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESpRFkXon7g&feature=related" ] ]
48dic4
why is english so broken?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/48dic4/eli5_why_is_english_so_broken/
{ "a_id": [ "d0ir39n", "d0ir4gd" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "English is a bit of a Frankenstein language, stitched together from bits of a couple Germanic languages, French, Celtic, Latin, and Greek. This leads to a hodgepodge of rules, spellings, and pronunciations borrowed from thos...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1lealp
what is preventing toronto from acquiring an nfl franchise?
Toronto is the 4th or 5th largest city in all of North America. It's a major metropolitan area. It has a sport team in all other North American major pro sports. What is keeping Toronto from getting an NFL team?!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lealp/eli5_what_is_preventing_toronto_from_acquiring_an/
{ "a_id": [ "cbyd0jg", "cbyei2q", "cbyei62", "cbyeru1", "cbyi0bg", "cbyipx0" ], "score": [ 19, 3, 5, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Football is the only major pro sport that has a viable and independent league in Canada. Toronto already has a CFL team. \n\nIn order f...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3d8lao
why don't we build a 'sturdy' camera and throw it into saturn, or jupiter, and transmit what it records back to a space station?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d8lao/eli5_why_dont_we_build_a_sturdy_camera_and_throw/
{ "a_id": [ "ct2rsew", "ct2s4ub", "ct2s6iq", "ct2su6a", "ct30ore", "ct3178h", "ct37c98" ], "score": [ 28, 5, 2, 14, 7, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "It costs way too much to make and launch something here and there really isn't that much to record.", "It's ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_Probe" ], [], [ "https://youtu.be/CNiO1b0ewy0" ], [], [] ]
1rywko
when calculating digits of pi, why do we start at the beginning instead of calculating from the last known digit.
When calculating n digits of pi we always start at 3.14159 instead from the last know digit. Why is this? Wouldn't it be advantageous to find the next unknown digits? [BBP formula](_URL_0_) is one used to find the nth digit of pi, why don't we just use this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rywko/eli5_when_calculating_digits_of_pi_why_do_we/
{ "a_id": [ "cds9yk7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "For one thing, calculating digits of pi is, at this point, just an academic exercise. It's not really good for anything, except maybe as a way to benchmark computing speeds. So doing things the efficient way isn't really advantageous." ] }
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailey%E2%80%93Borwein%E2%80%93Plouffe_formula" ]
[ [] ]
bqfusb
why is there a disconnect between what we're trying to say vs what actually comes out of our mouth. especially when public speaking
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bqfusb/eli5_why_is_there_a_disconnect_between_what_were/
{ "a_id": [ "eo42on7", "eo4532n" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Only guessing, but i would say that we think about what we want so say and not how we say it. We dthink about the message, not the words...", "ELI5 answer: Your mouth sometimes moves faster than your brain. \n\nYou’ve he...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6ktl0f
how does uber lose so much money annually?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ktl0f/eli5_how_does_uber_lose_so_much_money_annually/
{ "a_id": [ "djooejv", "djop528", "djoqcso", "djor5y5" ], "score": [ 124, 26, 323, 51 ], "text": [ "Because Uber is undercharging for rides (charging customers less then the net amount being paid to the drivers) in an attempt to force the competition out of business and gai...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
52xvqr
why are flames pointy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52xvqr/eli5why_are_flames_pointy/
{ "a_id": [ "d7o9y3l", "d7oa1ik" ], "score": [ 12, 3 ], "text": [ "A flame rises because it is warmer than the air around it. The cool air rushes in to push the hot air upwards. However, as the air rises it also cools down. It cools down from the outside inwards. \n\nA flame glows beca...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1039o2
why can you only use your thumb/ finger on the iphone's screen? as opposed to your nails or a more traditional stylus?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1039o2/why_can_you_only_use_your_thumb_finger_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c6a0cxj", "c6a35bi" ], "score": [ 6, 4 ], "text": [ "iPhones and all modern smartphones use Capacitive touch screens. Rather then detect touch by pressure they use electricity, there is an electric field on the screen of your phone and when you touch it the electricity runs up...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/biology/bio4fv/page/image15.gif" ] ]
5xgc2t
what are bonds, and what is the difference between stocks and bonds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xgc2t/eli5_what_are_bonds_and_what_is_the_difference/
{ "a_id": [ "dehumv0", "dehvn3q" ], "score": [ 11, 21 ], "text": [ "A Bond is a certification of a debt. Where as a stock is a certification of ownership. So when you buy a stock you become a partial owner of that business. But when you buy a bond, you are buying a certificate that says th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
fvris9
how do "multiple year" copyrights work?
Inspired by [this post](_URL_0_); is it that some features got licensed/registered before others?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fvris9/eli5_how_do_multiple_year_copyrights_work/
{ "a_id": [ "fmkcvnq", "fmkef74" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "However, publishers of frequently-updated works, such as software, apparently desire to convey the idea that different versions of their works appear over time, and each is subject to copyright protection. So they provide a ...
[]
[ "https://old.reddit.com/r/crtgaming/comments/fvp6tm/time_to_try_this_new_animal_crossing_thing/" ]
[ [ "https://danashultz.com/2013/10/09/copyright-notice-with-multiple-years-legitimate/" ], [] ]
1qwd5u
why don't above-18s (adults) in usa have the right to determine their choice on alcohol consumption?
An American is legally an adult at 18, has the right to vote at 18, but can only decide whether or not to drink alcohol at 21. Why doesn't someone 21 and below sue to government to exercise their right as adult to choose to drink alcohol? I'm not American, and this has always been one of those things that perplexed m...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qwd5u/eli5_why_dont_above18s_adults_in_usa_have_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cdh5no3", "cdh5nyt", "cdh66gi", "cdh7qqf", "cdhbasb", "cdhj4iw", "cdhjgya" ], "score": [ 3, 12, 9, 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "While I don't agree with it, the thought process is this:\n\n18 year old brains are not fully developed. One of ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3ep7ig
why is it considered moral to put a dog down when it gets rabies or becomes too vicious and endangers others, but immoral when we do the same to a vicious person whose existence endangers others?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ep7ig/eli5_why_is_it_considered_moral_to_put_a_dog_down/
{ "a_id": [ "cth2x78" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "the issue for humans is where to draw that line of \"to be killed\". some people would put that line at drug use, some people not even for mass murderers. Along with that, how do you make sure the process is completely unbaised and 100% right? th...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2rm3cb
why hasn't life been replicated in the lab yet?
It seems like we know almost everything of what where the first steps required to create life, why haven't we been successfully at replicating this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rm3cb/eli5why_hasnt_life_been_replicated_in_the_lab_yet/
{ "a_id": [ "cnh4c85", "cnh4f7n" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I got 2 answers;\n\n1) the ethical ramifications. \n\n2) there's always the possibility that someone has done it, and just not come forward because (see 1)", "You're right, we can replicate life (e.g. cloning) but we can...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_cell", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_cell#The_minimal_cell" ] ]
2j2nsh
bush v. gore. why did the supreme court stop the recount?
I've read it over and over and just don't understand how a STATEWIDE recount violated the Equal protection clause. If anything I believe Gore's request of the four counties to recount was a violation.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2j2nsh/eli5_bush_v_gore_why_did_the_supreme_court_stop/
{ "a_id": [ "cl7u27z" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The Court cited the Equal Protection Clause because each county's methods and standards for determining \"the voter's intent\" could vary. Two identical inconclusive ballots could be counted in two different ways if one was in Miami-Dade County a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4kdsuq
how can the 35-year-old hp-12c calculator still be in production and selling for over $50?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kdsuq/eli5_how_can_the_35yearold_hp12c_calculator_still/
{ "a_id": [ "d3e4og1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Basic math hasn't changed much in a few hundred years, so the calculator probably wouldn't either." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3namn5
how does formalin preserve dead organs?
Is there another chemical that is used for the same purpose?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3namn5/eli5_how_does_formalin_preserve_dead_organs/
{ "a_id": [ "cvmclpd" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It stops decomposition. There are a lot of microbes and bacteria that would love to eat up those organs (destroying them in the process). There are plenty of other chemicals that could do that (like bleach). But bleach would also rip apart the...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aplm1o
why are sperm count in men decreasing?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aplm1o/eli5_why_are_sperm_count_in_men_decreasing/
{ "a_id": [ "eg9cz1x" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "From _URL_0_:\n\n > The analysis did not explore reasons for the decline, but researchers said falling sperm counts have previously been linked to various factors such as exposure to certain chemicals and pesticides, smoking, stress and obesity....
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sperm-count-dropping-in-western-world/" ] ]
8iza3q
why can't the human heart "get used to" having to work harder in an individual with restricted arteries, causing it to get stronger under the increased work load like normal muscles?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8iza3q/eli5_why_cant_the_human_heart_get_used_to_having/
{ "a_id": [ "dyvqpth", "dyvqqn6", "dyvqtoc", "dyvrvug" ], "score": [ 11, 5, 18, 2 ], "text": [ "well uuuh, it does... If you suffer from high blood pressure or clogged arteries your heart will grow to compensate for it. The issue is that youe heart is a muscle that is const...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1c048q
how are online games (say wow or guild wars, etc) synchronized over all the players' individual games?
When I say "all" I don't mean every single player, but all the involved players. As AnteChronos mentioned, this usually has to do with a certain map or view distance.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1c048q/how_are_online_games_say_wow_or_guild_wars_etc/
{ "a_id": [ "c9bqesy" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "1. They're not synchronized over *all* players' games. The players are distributed across different \"realms\" or \"worlds\", that are actually different physical servers, and your game is (usually, barring specific cross-server interactions) ne...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9xe3vo
why do humans feel the need to do things that are bad for us?
Why sometimes can we not help but hurt ourselves or others? Eat too much, lie, cheat, smoke, have a sedentary life style, drink etc...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9xe3vo/eli5_why_do_humans_feel_the_need_to_do_things/
{ "a_id": [ "e9rm7mj", "e9ro8ai", "e9s0qho", "e9sgkl1" ], "score": [ 4, 21, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The majority of those things \"feel\" good. I don't think humans as a whole feel the need to be self destructive. Its more of a byproduct of the things they enjoy. ", "Because...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms12867" ], [] ]
216003
why are so many people struggling with basic grammar - you're/your, it's/its, there/they're, etc.
I don't consider myself a grammar nazi. Even my title is probably not grammatically correct but I am curious as to why so many people are having hard time remembering when to use _your_ and when to use _you're_. I rarely correct people on this and mostly it's because I am confused while reading their text until realizi...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/216003/eli5_why_are_so_many_people_struggling_with_basic/
{ "a_id": [ "cg9xgtg", "cg9xm9v", "cg9yckn", "cg9zq8r", "cga0673", "cga3y58", "cga5s9h" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2, 12, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Maybe it's because a lot of people now don't read actual books or online stories that are edited and have to have...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
37f24e
water vapor vs. steam vs. mist vs. fog vs. cloud
Are these all different names for the same water in air?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37f24e/eli5_water_vapor_vs_steam_vs_mist_vs_fog_vs_cloud/
{ "a_id": [ "crm5nw0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In a sense, they do just describe water in air, but they also provide you an idea of what that water is like. Basically, different connotations\n\nVapor: gaseous and dispersed\n\nSteam: high pressure/temperature, maybe more tightly packed (Vapor ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
333vhg
say i have a bad cold with an impossibly stuffed up nose. no way to breathe through my nostrils. now say i get kidnapped, and they put duct tape over my mouth. would my body react to un-stuff my nose so i could breathe to live?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/333vhg/eli5_say_i_have_a_bad_cold_with_an_impossibly/
{ "a_id": [ "cqha8h2", "cqha9im", "cqhflhw", "cqhi618", "cqhojq8", "cqhteal", "cqhyxz5", "cqi0ccj" ], "score": [ 8, 41, 5, 6, 9, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Not quickly enough, I don't think. One thing I've found that sometimes helps is to just put...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=1XgPBQAAQBAJ&pg=PP175&lpg=PP175&dq=do+not+gag+me+I+have+a+terrible+cold&source=bl&ots=sPhMhY01xY&sig=Lt5uryPUqdsVAg3ZoObUd2xDW68&hl=en&sa=X&ei=fRo0VY-ODMP0asu0gEA&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=do%20not...
d5wqkj
would it be possible to divert the nile to irrigate the sahara?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d5wqkj/eli5_would_it_be_possible_to_divert_the_nile_to/
{ "a_id": [ "f0oe4sm" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Yes. But then the rest of lower Egypt would have to go without the Nile which would make it a desert." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2vb0b0
when countries like north korea spend money on war supplies like missiles, nukes, guns, planes etc. who sells it to them?
How do they get it? Edit: Obligatory woohoo! Front page! And r.i.p. inbox
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vb0b0/eli5_when_countries_like_north_korea_spend_money/
{ "a_id": [ "cog0r0j", "cog5t0c", "cog5urm", "cog6dzm", "cog6sa1", "cog6t1r", "cog7jp2", "cog7k09", "cog7nda", "cog7p4q", "cog8cq4", "cogdfaq", "coge3t6", "cogecdc", "cogelhd", "cogfpvg", "coghbxj", "cogisl8", "cogkd3s", "cogkuo3", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL_3Qg-SADY&feature=player_detailpage#t=637", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL_3Qg-SADY&feature=player_detailpage#t=780" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.vice.com/video/sofex-the-business-of-war-full-length" ...
bpj1st
how do printers work so accurately and fast?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bpj1st/eli5_how_do_printers_work_so_accurately_and_fast/
{ "a_id": [ "entxog0", "enuyidl" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "I don’t know what exactly you are looking for as an answer... \n\nThey work accurately because the motor that controls the printing head works in very small increments (typically 96 positions per inch) and the ink injectors ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.cartridgesdirect.com.au/br-sca-blog/post/image3-min.png" ] ]
2r3wve
all the types of steaks, such as sirloin, prime rib, filet, ribeye etc. what should i consider when choosing which one to order in a restaurant?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2r3wve/eli5_all_the_types_of_steaks_such_as_sirloin/
{ "a_id": [ "cnc7fi2", "cnc7wgj" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Personally, i think ribeye is the best all around for flavor, tenderness, texture and reasonable pricing. Of course, some of that depends on where you buy it, and how you have it cooked.", "In the US, Beef has 3 unoffici...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2ahzhh
how do genders like genderqueer, genderfluid, etc work? do any scientists believe in them or are they just teens online trying to be special?
If you aren't a hermaphrodite how can you be two genders?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ahzhh/eli5_how_do_genders_like_genderqueer_genderfluid/
{ "a_id": [ "civb6mp", "civbhm3", "civbk2l", "civbn22", "cixpa4u" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 15, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "It is actually recognized as being something that legitimately happens to people, not just something they're making up. Gender Identity Disorder or Gender Dy...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_gender", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex" ], [], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22364652" ] ]
8tq1hf
why does breathing on glasses before wiping them clean off fingerprints so much better than wiping alone?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8tq1hf/eli5_why_does_breathing_on_glasses_before_wiping/
{ "a_id": [ "e19ajze", "e19cgq5", "e1agj5j" ], "score": [ 17, 8, 6 ], "text": [ "Breath contains small amounts of water vapour, so when you breathe on the glass you moisturise the glass before whipping it to off. It's like using water to clean glass, but in very small amounts ", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3tljlg
how does [family member] once, twice, (etc) removed worked?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tljlg/eli5how_does_family_member_once_twice_etc_removed/
{ "a_id": [ "cx7652y" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "[Here's a good visual.](_URL_0_)\n\nSo your sibling shares the same parents as you. Your first cousins share the same grandparents as you. Your second cousins share the same GREAT grandparents as you.\n\nYour cousin-once-removed is the parent o...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://usercontent2.hubimg.com/6539591.png" ] ]
2sv86k
can some explain the differences in handgun ammunition calibers?
In particular what is different between the major calibers: 9 mm, .38, .40, and .45. Also what are the pros and con's for the average gun owner with regards to home protection and conceal/carry. Also, what is the differentiation of grain counts of a given ammo. This part I have never understood.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sv86k/eli5_can_some_explain_the_differences_in_handgun/
{ "a_id": [ "cnt5auo", "cnt5m63", "cnt6o80", "cnt7aet" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "[This is a decent article on ammo type](_URL_0_). Basically the grain count is referring to the amount in weight of gun powder in each round. A grain being 0.002 ounces (or just un...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://thewellarmedwoman.com/ammunition-demystifier-types-of-hangun-ammo" ], [], [], [] ]
f9bfxz
why do cellphone companies pay x dollars for the trade in of y phones when buying a new phone? marketshare?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f9bfxz/eli5_why_do_cellphone_companies_pay_x_dollars_for/
{ "a_id": [ "fiqetfb", "fiqfa1w" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of companies probably get loads of phones at various prices, then mass sell them for their gold inside them, Get more bang for ya buck that way", "The goal is always to get you to re-up your contract. The trade in...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5slzdq
why by do we use exchange rates to represent value of currency (eg: strong vs weak dollar)?
For example, if 1 USD = 1.32 CAD, who cares? What's more important is what $1 can buy, right? If a candy bar costs $1 in the US and $1.32 in Canada, then the is no difference. How do we measure value of currency based on what goods we can buy after we exchange it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5slzdq/eli5_why_by_do_we_use_exchange_rates_to_represent/
{ "a_id": [ "ddg1kk7", "ddg2804", "ddggqad", "ddgmybn", "ddgq4cl" ], "score": [ 4, 16, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because when you look past the price your paying at the register, the product your buying has its own inputs. \n\nLet's say (making up numbers), a jar of pea...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchasing_power_parity" ], [] ]
2yizt0
why do dogs suck at hide-and-seek when they have a super sensitive olfactory sense?
[When dogs play hide-and-seek](_URL_0_) it looks like they're only using their eyes. Why aren't they relying on their noses? Wouldn't a dog's sense of smell be able tell them exactly where someone is hiding?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yizt0/eli5_why_do_dogs_suck_at_hideandseek_when_they/
{ "a_id": [ "cp9zlr2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Remember that their noses are so sensitive that to them, the whole house is saturated with the smell of everything. Imagine trying to find one hidden bottle of perfume in the perfume department at macy's - it's just too much sensory input to b...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQJt-Jk4WDU" ]
[ [] ]
4i6rsu
i understand the first level (employer-employee) of direct deposits but how does it work between my bank and my employer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4i6rsu/eli5_i_understand_the_first_level/
{ "a_id": [ "d2vjyee", "d2vljl7", "d2vro89" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm not 100% sure, but I'm fairly certain it is just a simple banking transfer.\n\nYour company runs a \"payroll application\" most likely bought from a vendor like ADP. That application runs through a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
c20pkp
how does washing detergent work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c20pkp/eli5_how_does_washing_detergent_work/
{ "a_id": [ "ergtf4d", "ergtmqd" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "All soaps are surfactants. A surfactant is a molecule of which one end is attract to water (hydrophilic) and the other end doesn't like water (hydrophobic) but likes oils and dirt. Oils and dirt stick to the hydrophobic end ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4lx22u
how come the middle-eastern and asian civilizations got surpassed even though their knowledge and techniques were far superior to those of the western world?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lx22u/eli5_how_come_the_middleeastern_and_asian/
{ "a_id": [ "d3r3f9y", "d3r3hp1", "d3r3huh", "d3r3l3b", "d3r3m3p", "d3r3ze2", "d3r40yq", "d3r46qy", "d3r47us", "d3r4r13", "d3r5cni", "d3r5fyb", "d3r5yjn", "d3r62fh", "d3r6qm7", "d3r6r4x", "d3r74a1", "d3r7dp9", "d3r7hf6", "d3r7kom", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDAT98eEN5Q" ], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peasants%27_Revolt", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enclosure", "htt...
djmbmz
what is the point in separating the armed forces into army, navy and air force when they all have their own foot soldiers, planes and ships?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/djmbmz/eli5_what_is_the_point_in_separating_the_armed/
{ "a_id": [ "f45z97v", "f45zb0h" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "In the US it's largely tradition, other countries may have other reasons like intentionally weakening their military to prevent coups.\n\nThere's also an argument that can be made that having separate branches with specializ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6zum2y
i understand 4th dimensional space. but what exactly is 5th dimensional space? does it exist outside time and space?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6zum2y/eli5_i_understand_4th_dimensional_space_but_what/
{ "a_id": [ "dmy6gyy", "dmy7qo9", "dmyd7jq", "dmykkpn" ], "score": [ 16, 3, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The universe, as far as we can tell, has 3 dimensions of space and 1 of time. If there were 4 dimensions of space instead, everything would be the same except there would be anoth...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
24f7tr
why does my phone's battery drain so much faster when it's hot?
Maybe I just have a defective phone...but it seems like my phone loses battery much more quickly in the heat. Is this based on anything?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24f7tr/eli5_why_does_my_phones_battery_drain_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "ch6jm9a" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Lithium-ion batteries perform well at elevated temperatures; however, prolonged exposure to heat reduces longevity. You've probably shortened your battery's life permanently through excessive exposure to heat. Time to get a new one." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6mf9ro
why are governments often referred to by their country's capital in news articles?
For example, a news article might read "Moscow today announced..." or "Berlin says that...".
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6mf9ro/eli5_why_are_governments_often_referred_to_by/
{ "a_id": [ "dk13ard", "dk13jmh" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Because there are not enough government names. \"The Prime Minister said ...\" could be any of dozens of people. Using their given name sounds like they are just an opinionated person, it doesn't carry the prestige of thei...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4kkygu
why haven't avocados been bred to have tiny pits?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kkygu/eli5_why_havent_avocados_been_bred_to_have_tiny/
{ "a_id": [ "d3foy22", "d3fuieb", "d3fydik" ], "score": [ 45, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "You can't just \"breed\" things arbitrarily to have whatver quality you want. You have to find one that naturally mutated that feature, then breed that plant. For example, no one bred seeds out of grap...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/aug/30/avozilla-world-largest-avocado-sale" ] ]
z3ffe
is it better to put your computer on standby, hibernate or turn it off after every session?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/z3ffe/eli5_is_it_better_to_put_your_computer_on_standby/
{ "a_id": [ "c613y3f", "c614556", "c616dmk", "c616dqw", "c61720u", "c617iy5", "c6197cv", "c619kof", "c61bww7", "c61dqy6", "c61e9wx", "c61fgb7" ], "score": [ 27, 161, 6, 7, 3, 186, 5, 2, 10, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
f0qp4x
why do some playstation one game discs have a blue coloring while others are black?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f0qp4x/eli5_why_do_some_playstation_one_game_discs_have/
{ "a_id": [ "fgx14ex", "fgxc44q", "fgxg9br", "fgxge29" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "They just look cooler and made it easier to identify counterfeits. I very much doubt the PS2 can identify disc color.", "I don't remember those being blue, but some ps2 ones we...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.gamespot.com/forums/playstation-2-314159270/why-are-some-ps2-game-discs-blue-25534846/" ], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/retrogaming", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/409s05/eli5_why_are_playstation_1_discs_black_while/" ], [] ]
2qoa3h
what did de blasio say to piss of the cops that they turned their back on him?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qoa3h/eli5_what_did_de_blasio_say_to_piss_of_the_cops/
{ "a_id": [ "cn85sej" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "He said something mildly critical after the cops tackled and choked an unarmed fat black man to death for selling black market cigarettes." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2sl34f
how, when, and why did it seem everyone decided white was the go to color for toilets?
I know you can buy toilets in a vast range of colors, but why are white colored toilets, and to a lesser extent bathtubs and sinks always come stock in plain white?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sl34f/eli5_how_when_and_why_did_it_seem_everyone/
{ "a_id": [ "cnqhe4h", "cnqic6y", "cnqqna9" ], "score": [ 14, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Toilets are generally ceramic, and ceramic is white unless it's dyed some other. Dyeing ceramic is expensive, so a non-white toilet will be more expensive and is therefore more likely to be found in h...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/112/ladies-and-germs" ] ]
230gft
what would happen if i soaked my body in a tub of vodka?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/230gft/eli5_what_would_happen_if_i_soaked_my_body_in_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cgs5tv6", "cgs68s3", "cgs6xuj", "cgs7468", "cgs77ht", "cgs77wf", "cgs79po", "cgs7mm2", "cgs7oz0", "cgs7vt1", "cgs85lw", "cgs8hoq", "cgs8yzu", "cgs97gd", "cgs9m22", "cgs9xzd", "cgs9zsu", "cgsa0zw", "cgsa7wn", "cgsaeqp", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c6812" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9ayc01
what makes us emotionaly numb when we are depressed?
And how does it come back?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ayc01/eli5_what_makes_us_emotionaly_numb_when_we_are/
{ "a_id": [ "e4z3clk" ], "score": [ 39 ], "text": [ "Emotional numbness is one of the key markers in the first step of diagnosing things like major depression, but also PTSD and depersonalization disorders and they sometimes have different causes. \nWith depression, it's often heavily influenced b...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
wfe9z
why pug's tails curl.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wfe9z/eli5_why_pugs_tails_curl/
{ "a_id": [ "c5cuh7n", "c5cvgw3" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Some say humans bred them that way because we liked it and it has no other purpose.\n\nOthers say it's because pugs are short so we bred them to have curly tails so that it wont drag on the ground. This makes sense because a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
46pxv7
why is it that the larger dominoes fall slower?
Is it because the momentum given to the larger domino is lesser? But isn't the momentum compensated by the fact that the smaller domino has a greater velocity? & nbsp; [Domino Effect](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46pxv7/eli5_why_is_it_that_the_larger_dominoes_fall/
{ "a_id": [ "d06zm5p", "d070uw8" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The bigger something is, the more inertia it has. That is to say, the harder it is to get it to stop doing one thing and start doing another.\n\nIn this case it would be stopping it from just sitting there and making it fall...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/ExZxmNA.gifv" ]
[ [], [] ]
29ayra
why does some cheese cost so much more than others when they all seem be made of milk & bacteria and are made the same way?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29ayra/eli5_why_does_some_cheese_cost_so_much_more_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cij5gq5", "cij5m77" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Many time and resource consuming factors can go into making a cheese, and ultimately the price of a cheese. For example, some cheeses are aged, meaning they must be stored and preserved and therefore cannot be produced as qu...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4si9xa
how do the algorithms work that convert audio to a faster speed without changing pitch?
I know there are many explanations available online, but I have not found one that is truly ELI5 worthy.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4si9xa/eli5how_do_the_algorithms_work_that_convert_audio/
{ "a_id": [ "d59l1f6" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "Imagine you have a tape of someone playing a song on a piano. If you play the tape fast, the pitches are all higher, which you don't want.\n\nBut since you're a really excellent musician yourself, instead, you listen to the notes and write shee...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
787n5t
why do you see a normal picture after looking at a negative picture and then at a white background?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/787n5t/eli5why_do_you_see_a_normal_picture_after_looking/
{ "a_id": [ "doro2ud" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Your retina has light sensitive pigments. When light strikes them it causes a chemical reaction. The pigment is saying \"I have been struck by a beam of light to which I am sensitive. I am bent out of shape.\" Its nerve sends the signal to the br...
[]
[]
[ [] ]