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4lq8jy
why are engines measured in 'horsepower'? what does it refer to and how is it calculated?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lq8jy/eli5_why_are_engines_measured_in_horsepower_what/
{ "a_id": [ "d3p9tyj", "d3p9xxd", "d3p9yrv", "d3p9za2", "d3pfsyb" ], "score": [ 10, 5, 15, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Horsepower is a measurement of power. How much work something can do. \n\nWhen the term was originally introduced, it was used as a comparison of what the e...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
eobid7
- when a person sweats, where does the fluid come from? for example, when you run and begin to sweat from your forehead, where was the sweat being kept before it comes to the surface and leaves your body?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eobid7/eli5_when_a_person_sweats_where_does_the_fluid/
{ "a_id": [ "febxer6", "feb572v", "feb5v9r" ], "score": [ 10, 25, 13 ], "text": [ "To help visualize how fluid gets from the blood to the outside of your body through sweat glands, [here is a diagram.](_URL_0_) The cells in the sweat gland take fluid out of the blood and then secre...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://images.wisegeek.com/human-skin-diagram.jpg" ], [], [] ]
3gi3xi
from what i've heard artists on spotify don't get allot of money from plays. then why do almost all artists put thier songs on it?
I just don't get it. Why wouldn't all artists just "protest" and remove thier music?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gi3xi/eli5_from_what_ive_heard_artists_on_spotify_dont/
{ "a_id": [ "ctybd2r", "ctycdvb", "ctydj71" ], "score": [ 6, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "The really big artists do get a decent paycheck from Spotify, so there's some financial incentive for them to stay on. Taylor Swift is the exception, because she has enough support and exposure throug...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
ebcazp
what exactly do the newly-released afghanistan papers reveal about the war over there?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ebcazp/eli5_what_exactly_do_the_newlyreleased/
{ "a_id": [ "fb3t8df" ], "score": [ 87 ], "text": [ "The \"Afghanistan Report\" is the nickname the Washington Post gave to something the Pentagon calls the Lessons Learned project. It's a 2000-page summary of 400 interviews conducted by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstructio...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5ust8j
what were airports like in the 1990s?
I was born in 1995, so most of my airport experience has been in a post-9/11 world. I also am used to using the internet to book travel, so I'm curious what airports and travel were like in the days of early internet and pre-9/11 world.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ust8j/eli5_what_were_airports_like_in_the_1990s/
{ "a_id": [ "ddwk67s", "ddwk9q8", "ddwkewr" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Pretty similar to today, the only real difference is amount security. In the 1990s there were only metal detectors (none of these millimeter wave scanners). Security was done by private companies contra...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/airports-before-911_us_57c85e17e4b078581f11a133" ], [] ]
4yywt1
how did russia draw the border for european russia and asian russia
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yywt1/eli5_how_did_russia_draw_the_border_for_european/
{ "a_id": [ "d6ri00r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Russia has [a lot](_URL_0_) of economic and political subdivisions.\n\nIf you're referring to the \"official\" line between Europe and Asia:\n\nThe boundary between the continents has been defined in [several](_URL_1_) different ways by a lots of...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdivisions_of_Russia", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boundaries_between_continents#/media/File:Historical_Europe-Asia_boundaries_1700_to_1900.png" ] ]
7avd3y
why is bob dylan regarded as one of the most influential artists?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7avd3y/eli5_why_is_bob_dylan_regarded_as_one_of_the_most/
{ "a_id": [ "dpd4plw" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Before Dylan and the scene he was associated with, music was sharply divided into generic pop music and much more obscure artistic music.\n\nIn pop, the usual way of doing things was similar to what it is now: You had a face or a group of faces w...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2eonzi
why is ddosing so hard to stop for big companies?
Right now Twitch is down after being DDoS'd by what seems to be some morons who don't like a particular show that airs at this time. Twitch was bought for 1 BILLION DOLLARS by one of the biggest websites Amazon. League of Legends has been getting DDoS'd every night and the servers goes down regularly even though it's o...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2eonzi/eli5_why_is_ddosing_so_hard_to_stop_for_big/
{ "a_id": [ "ck1h0sx", "ck1ib7s", "ck1j760" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 6 ], "text": [ "Because to a server, a ddos attack just looks like especially heavy traffic, even to a human looking at server logs, its hard to tell if its malicous traffic or legitimate traffic. There isn't really a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
205rgr
the "asian tigers" and why they became so successful in the mid-late 1900's.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/205rgr/eli5_the_asian_tigers_and_why_they_became_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cg02idg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The term refers primarily to Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea. Starting in the 1960's, they maintained high levels of economic growth, primarily through rapidly growing exports and industrialisation although a well educated workforce...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
81g11j
we are taught small associations from a young age. for example, we are taught that skunks stink. if we aren’t told that they stink by our parents/others, would those “bad” smells actually be repulsive? how do brains decipher what smells good/bad?
The title kind of says it all. If we aren’t taught or told that certain smells are repulsive (or even a good smell?) would we think that it actually stinks? Or is it just engrained in our brains that those smells are “bad” Sorry if this is confusing. Just curious as we have always told our kids “yuck! That skunk stink...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/81g11j/eli5_we_are_taught_small_associations_from_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dv2xrwk", "dv2y406", "dv2z02o" ], "score": [ 32, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Lots of smell preferences come from experience, it's true - my wife hates the smell of Earl Grey tea and I love it, for example, but some smells are simply \"programmed\" by your body to dislike, and i...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
36d6te
why is cricket so popular?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36d6te/eli5why_is_cricket_so_popular/
{ "a_id": [ "crcw9j0", "crcwo0o" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "You could literally ask that about any sport or other form of entertainment in the world, American football included. \n\nThe fact that you're American doesn't make this question any more justified. \n\n\nBut, fine, I'll pla...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8f3ywd
why do some numbers in a list end in st like 1st, and others end in nd and rd like, 2nd, and 3rd?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8f3ywd/eli5_why_do_some_numbers_in_a_list_end_in_st_like/
{ "a_id": [ "dy0cyrl", "dy0fv15" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "When considering the development of the numeral system, remember that many people in the middle ages during the development of the English language were effectively mathematically illiterate.\n\nWith no formal education syst...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cqxdxq
what is kabbalah?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cqxdxq/eli5_what_is_kabbalah/
{ "a_id": [ "ex0e8w1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "r/kabbalah might know better." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
609w9e
when something hits me in the nose but doesn't make me bleed, i smell something that i never smell in other situations. what is this smell?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/609w9e/eli5_when_something_hits_me_in_the_nose_but/
{ "a_id": [ "df4m8eb", "df4xtoe", "df5av40" ], "score": [ 12, 13, 3 ], "text": [ "Could be micro capillary bursts that means you bleed but not in any way that's going to be noticeable unless you use a fiber-optic scope and look.\n\nYou could be smelling that.\n\nCould be that after...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8tnrjb
why do our legs react and kick when hit on the knee on that special spot but nowhere else ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8tnrjb/eli5_why_do_our_legs_react_and_kick_when_hit_on/
{ "a_id": [ "e18wufo", "e18xtkn", "e193mxm" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a nervous system response (mono synaptic. No brain involved). This is from 9th grade, so I might be slightly wrong...\n\nBasically, the hit from the mallet pushes on a tendon. This causes the muscl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
29u36u
how does "glove mode" work on touch screen displays?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29u36u/eli5_how_does_glove_mode_work_on_touch_screen/
{ "a_id": [ "ciohjq4" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "It just decreases the threshold needed to register a touch on the touchscreen. It's essentially a high-sensitivity mode. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5cj43v
why couldn't someone just buy an anti-radiation suit to survive the fallout from a nuclear bomb?
edit: I am asking about the *fallout* of a nuclear attack, not the other effects (including the blast).
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cj43v/eli5_why_couldnt_someone_just_buy_an/
{ "a_id": [ "d9wwcyh", "d9wwghq", "d9wwis8", "d9wwjh4", "d9x5gxm" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 22, 27, 7 ], "text": [ "I mean, you could, but:\n\nYou need a supply of uncontaminated air, food, and water.\n\nUnless you want to wear it 24/7 you need an uncontaminated bunker or...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
2icuc9
what is the purpose of expiration dates more than a year away?
I'm currently eating a can of almonds that will expire on July 28, 2016. What would happen if I eat them on July 29, 2016? How does the company predict that date? Do almonds even expire and they just want to write a date on the can? Or do almonds just expire very slowly?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2icuc9/eli5_what_is_the_purpose_of_expiration_dates_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cl0z8u4", "cl1d0qv" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "There tends to be 2 forms of expiration date:\n\n\n* Use by dates - where the product is not considered safe for consumption after that date (e.g. milk that will have gone off).\n\n\n* Best before / expiration dates - dates ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.food.gov.uk/northern-ireland/nutritionni/niyoungpeople/survivorform/bestreadbefore/usebyandbestbefore" ], [ "http://io9.com/the-surprisingly-inexact-science-of-food-expiration-dat-1629542744" ] ]
6h6h44
why does your blood "run cold" after receiving devastating news?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6h6h44/eli5_why_does_your_blood_run_cold_after_receiving/
{ "a_id": [ "divvi4j" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "It's an early shock response, same as a traumatic injury. Our brain evidently interprets emotional pain to be similar to physical pain.\n\nBlood to your extremities is restricted to limit bleeding and conserve it to vital areas, this is why you ...
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[]
[ [] ]
24hscz
why is a sore throat the first symptom i get when i have a cold and also the first one to go away?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24hscz/eli5_why_is_a_sore_throat_the_first_symptom_i_get/
{ "a_id": [ "ch7ee9k" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The mouth is a major opening in your body, a lot of things can enter your body through it. A sore throat is caused when a virus or bacteria is killing the cells in your throat. When you get bacteria or viruses inside your mouth, your throat is pr...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41aqxcxsX2w" ] ]
2i6d9q
why do every rapper and electronic music producer (even no-so-successful one) seems to easily start his own label while rock and jazz musician seems not?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i6d9q/eli5why_do_every_rapper_and_electronic_music/
{ "a_id": [ "ckz8xvv", "ckzd6vl" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "In the beginning, a lot of individual labels were made for rap / hip hop / electronic music because no mainstream label would take the, didn't think it was commercially viable, or didn't want to be associated with controvers...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140319032606/adventuretimewithfinnandjake/images/f/f3/S5e52_Rap_Bear.png" ] ]
3tg0qo
how does a nuclear reaction work and how can it create so much destructive force?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tg0qo/eli5how_does_a_nuclear_reaction_work_and_how_can/
{ "a_id": [ "cx5sd9l", "cx5tj5u", "cx5tkkh", "cx66vv4" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 121, 2 ], "text": [ "When a large atom splits it gives off lots of energy, orders of magnitude more than when you break and rearrange bonds between atoms as in normal chemical reactions like combusti...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
8i029h
what's the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8i029h/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_type_1_and_type/
{ "a_id": [ "dynui9p", "dynuk6m", "dynuwme" ], "score": [ 7, 18, 4 ], "text": [ "Easiest way to explain is this: With Type 1, the body basically destroys it's insulin manufacturing cells so the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. Type 2 is when the pancreas still produces insu...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5srbfx
why do doctors tell us to not eat after we brush our teeth and vice versa?
You'll often hear this after you've gone to the dentist, where he'll tell you to not eat because he cleaned them, and online where they'll say the same thing as the title suggests. Why can't we do that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5srbfx/eli5_why_do_doctors_tell_us_to_not_eat_after_we/
{ "a_id": [ "ddh9b3o", "ddh9epr", "ddhgmbr" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Vice versa???? Why we dont brush our teeth after eating? Well I do.", "Basically because we attack the coating on our teeth with acids.\nIf you 'rub' those in the damage done could be much worse.\nT...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoride_varnish" ] ]
6ae40q
have we located a galaxy that was once two galaxies before colliding?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ae40q/eli5_have_we_located_a_galaxy_that_was_once_two/
{ "a_id": [ "dhds38g" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes. It's theorised that most elliptical galaxies arise from mergers - two spiral galaxies at different angles would combine to make a galaxy without an overall disk pattern. And there are numerous examples of galaxies that appear to have recentl...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_merger" ] ]
19g9a8
when do different parts of our bodies stop growing (like at what age does this body part stop growing, then this part, then so on and so forth)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19g9a8/when_do_different_parts_of_our_bodies_stop/
{ "a_id": [ "c8nsqcd", "c8nvtm3" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Let's start off with a mind-blower: your eyes never change size from the day you are born.", "/r/askscience will give you a real definitive answer with sources. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
aqrzb2
why aren't patents considered a breach of anti-monopoly laws?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aqrzb2/eli5_why_arent_patents_considered_a_breach_of/
{ "a_id": [ "egi6c9v" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "No, because anti-monopoly laws were not intended to prevent the ownership of a particular schematic or design but rather to prevent the ownership of an entire industry, eliminating competition. You can’t own every car company in America, but you ...
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[]
[ [] ]
30gfoq
how is my electricity bill calculated? do i get charged less if i have burned out bulbs?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30gfoq/eli5_how_is_my_electricity_bill_calculated_do_i/
{ "a_id": [ "cps7nr7", "cps85mf", "cpsb1xq" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "At least in the United States, you're charged by the amount of electricity your house consumes, as measured in a unit called a Kilowatt Hour (KWH). You get billed less if you use less; it has nothing to...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30gndl/eli5_how_they_come_up_with_the_kwh_used_on_my/cpsakpw" ] ]
6gh5dr
how are people able to walk again after being paralyzed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gh5dr/eli5_how_are_people_able_to_walk_again_after/
{ "a_id": [ "diqbj40", "diqdqah", "diqsn8d", "dir3muo" ], "score": [ 7, 10, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "After being bedridden for a while due to an accident that caused damage to the lower spine, their muscles \"forget\" how to walk, but can can be trained to perform the action agai...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
9w86ki
why is there a deadline on recounting election ballots?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9w86ki/eli5_why_is_there_a_deadline_on_recounting/
{ "a_id": [ "e9ilkg8" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because otherwise someone can complain over and over until the total is never confirmed. The office will be vacant or appointed by the current Governor. \n\n\nIt never will be perfect. " ] }
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[ [] ]
6wby55
just like a lot of western languages are based around latin, are eastern languages based on a single language? specifically are there words in mandarin that you could understand if you spoke japanese?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wby55/eli5_just_like_a_lot_of_western_languages_are/
{ "a_id": [ "dm6uw8i", "dm6xr45" ], "score": [ 8, 38 ], "text": [ "Actually, only the Romance languages are based around Latin, a relatively small percentage of Western languages. That being said...\n\nJapanese and varieties of Chinese belong to two completely different language families. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
k0en2
difference between coke and crack?
Edit -- Ok. I am five. "The same but different" would not satisfy a five-year-old. Why did crack come about? Whose idea was it to "cook" crack up?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k0en2/difference_between_coke_and_crack/
{ "a_id": [ "c2gk397", "c2gkjdy", "c2glnwu", "c2gm33v", "c2gmcrk", "c2gk397", "c2gkjdy", "c2glnwu", "c2gm33v", "c2gmcrk" ], "score": [ 19, 54, 3, 2, 2, 19, 54, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Coke is short for cocaine. Crack is _also_ c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
n7err
american politics
Especially what "liberal" and "conservative" means.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/n7err/eli5_american_politics/
{ "a_id": [ "c36u9f8", "c36v07z", "c36u9f8", "c36v07z" ], "score": [ 30, 2, 30, 2 ], "text": [ "It has changed in the past so I'll describe the current situation, not the history of each party.\n\nLiberals are closely tied to the Democratic party, supposedly represent the i...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3a4bc3
my girlfriend gets super stuffed up when we sleep with the fan on. why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a4bc3/eli5_my_girlfriend_gets_super_stuffed_up_when_we/
{ "a_id": [ "cs96vua", "cs9731w" ], "score": [ 2, 21 ], "text": [ "My boyfriend and I are having this same issue... We live in FL, and it's pretty hot and humid here. We don't sleep with the A/C set super low to save on electricity, but we do keep the ceiling fans on since we'd overheat ot...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
3awyp3
why is it legal for anyone to buy products like mouthwash with pretty significant alcohol content, but illegal for minors to buy alcoholic beverages?
I just bought a 12oz bottle of Vanilla extract that was 41% alcohol by weight and the cashier didn't check my I.D. I've been doing this for years (I do a lot of baking), and not once has anyone asked for my I.D.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3awyp3/eli5_why_is_it_legal_for_anyone_to_buy_products/
{ "a_id": [ "csgqmso", "csgsbak", "csgsj8q", "csgsov6" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Baking vanilla and mouthwash are considered suitably deterrent in and of themselves. There is quite a bit of history going back to prohibition. Vanilla has to be judged as non-pota...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
u2f1a
about the taika reform in ancient japan
I'm currently doing a project on Japan's history but I do not understand the Taika Reform, It is not making sense for me although I've read the information about in many books.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/u2f1a/eli5_about_the_taika_reform_in_ancient_japan/
{ "a_id": [ "c4rsc2c" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Check out [r/AskHistorians](_URL_0_)" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/" ] ]
3mnthg
why is apple's shuffle not completely random?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mnthg/eli5_why_is_apples_shuffle_not_completely_random/
{ "a_id": [ "cvgl1gb", "cvgl21e", "cvgluab" ], "score": [ 17, 3, 9 ], "text": [ "Because when it was completely random, people complained that it wasn't random. People are actually pretty bad at judging randomness. For example, a truly random playlist can play the same song twice...
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[ [], [], [] ]
ov4nx
why are the credits on the back of dvd cases in that tall, stretched font?
Is it something to do with being able to read it at a low angle, or is it just some sort of tradition?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ov4nx/why_are_the_credits_on_the_back_of_dvd_cases_in/
{ "a_id": [ "c3kak1w", "c3kbxry", "c3kc6me" ], "score": [ 33, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "\"In the layout of film posters and other film advertising copy, the billing is usually placed at the bottom and set in a highly condensed typeface (one in which the height of characters is several tim...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billing_block#Billing_block" ], [], [] ]
yd6em
how truck drivers communicate with their lights?
I was driving down the interstate at night, and there was a semi beside me, and one right in front of me in my lane. Then the one beside me flashes his brights. When he does this, the semi in front of me merges into his lane. He completed his merge, then flashes his taillights a few times and flashes both blinkers a fe...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yd6em/eli5_how_truck_drivers_communicate_with_their/
{ "a_id": [ "c5ukkrr", "c5ux0ax" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Flashing your lights (preferably low beams) is a signal to someone attempting to merge into your lane that there is sufficient room for them to do so.\n\nThe merging truck flashed his taillights to say \"thank you.\"", "...
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[ [], [] ]
3q8sho
can someone tell me how drink menus and pricing works at bars?
I have yet to find a bar with a drink menu, but I hear phrases like "wells" to refer to price ranges and I really have no idea what any of it means. Is there a standard vocabulary/pricing system? And how can I get a bartender to show me a menu with prices?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3q8sho/eli5_can_someone_tell_me_how_drink_menus_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cwd3iy8" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "You can ALWAYS ask how much something costs. Don't be afraid to ask!\n\nThere is no standard pricing, but there is some standard lingo that will tell you a lot.\n\nWhen you buy a drink at a bar, you are usually paying for the liquor portion. If y...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
g1yjr2
how does air suddenly change its direction? and keep changing?
I was watching a bonfire and the smoke was coming towards me then i changed my seat and the wind changed too, i tried another position but wind was just changing so much. Would love to know why and how?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g1yjr2/eli5_how_does_air_suddenly_change_its_direction/
{ "a_id": [ "fnie57k", "fnigmmr", "fnigqxf" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Airflow tends to be exceptionally chaotic due to all the possible sources of perterbations. Generally, it flows from areas of high pressure to low pressure, but those areas can move depending on climate...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/elements/citywind.htm" ] ]
4l92no
why are games being developed exclusively for tablets and phones? wouldn't it make more sense to cater to the pc audience as well?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4l92no/eli5_why_are_games_being_developed_exclusively/
{ "a_id": [ "d3ldfjb", "d3ldkzo" ], "score": [ 3, 9 ], "text": [ "Mobile games are typically designed for smaller screens and don't always translate well to a pc monitor size. They are also marketed and developed for a specific audience that tends to enjoy more casual free to play style ga...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
700peb
i've just watched an experiment on bell's theorem: the quantum venn diagram paradox. can someone please explain it better than in the video?
Here is the video in topic: [_URL_0_](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/700peb/eli5_ive_just_watched_an_experiment_on_bells/
{ "a_id": [ "dmzkse0" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Short answer: No. It concerns quantum physics, which even a quantum physicist will tell you is so weird, that if you think you've understood it, you haven't understood it.\n\nBasically, something really peculiar happens when you put three polaroi...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcqZHYo7ONs" ]
[ [] ]
jy1te
how my laptop can play a video at 1080p of a new game but can't handle physically playing the game at that definition
I am not a smart man.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jy1te/how_my_laptop_can_play_a_video_at_1080p_of_a_new/
{ "a_id": [ "c2g13y2", "c2g1a0u", "c2g13y2", "c2g1a0u" ], "score": [ 9, 8, 9, 8 ], "text": [ "A video is a series of pictures already put together to play on your computer.\n\nA video game has to make the world as you are playing it, and make changes based on what you do. T...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
aevkka
why does continuous stress deteriorate the brain and neural connections?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aevkka/eli5_why_does_continuous_stress_deteriorate_the/
{ "a_id": [ "edt1s8p", "edtdfrb" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "When you are stressed out your body and brain will release chemicals (stress hormones such as cortisol) which are meant to prepare your body for a fight or flight response. These chemicals break down tissues to increase blo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
clmu70
why do voices from same radio hosts sound so different on fm vs. am radio?
CBC radio is broadcasted on AM and FM in Canada. When flipping between the two, I notice a pretty significant difference in sound and pitch.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/clmu70/eli5_why_do_voices_from_same_radio_hosts_sound_so/
{ "a_id": [ "evwdi0g", "evwgjrp" ], "score": [ 6, 4 ], "text": [ "FM radio is much higher quality audio than AM. There’s a reason music and higher quality programming transitions to FM, it’s simply a way better quality to listen to.", "AM is pretty simple, has a lower carrier frequency...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2r9tbm
how do people get "upgraded" seats on planes?
I sometimes hear about people getting upgraded to business/first class seats. Is this something that happens randomly? Or does it have anything to do with being a frequent flyer?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2r9tbm/eli5_how_do_people_get_upgraded_seats_on_planes/
{ "a_id": [ "cndtbw1", "cndtc8f", "cndtpa3", "cndtqh8", "cndtxes", "cndu83c", "cndu85q", "cndyye7" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes has to do with frequent flier \nAlso has to do with luck. If you ask and they have extra...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4nxos4
what is the purpose of short urls and how can they direct me to a different website?
How do they work? I always end up on a different website than the text say when I click them. So confusing and irritating sometimes.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4nxos4/eli5_what_is_the_purpose_of_short_urls_and_how/
{ "a_id": [ "d47tbtb", "d47tbxz", "d47vb06", "d47y1sl", "d480ymb" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 12, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They take up less space in areas where character counts matter, like Twitter. Even when the character counts doesn't really matter, it is easier on your eye ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://bit.ly/18C5n03" ], [ "t.co" ], [], [ "www.buyme.com" ] ]
4wttd6
what part of our genes allow ancestry websites to determine which country we came from?
Are they able to differentiate between a Swiss background and an Italian background (two bordering countries)? Have our genes changed so much that each country has a certain difference?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wttd6/eli5what_part_of_our_genes_allow_ancestry/
{ "a_id": [ "d69ynau", "d69ztje" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "What they do is collect your data, provide you with the results and try to match sequences with other dna worldwide. However, I don't think they are very accurate. I also don't think that they have big enough sample sizes wo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8ym5d4
what's the difference between say, a 16gb micro sd card vs a 256gb micro sd card from a physical standpoint?
Obviously the 256gb one can hold more data, but how does it do that if they're exactly the same size (and weight to my knowledge). Does the 256gb one have more places to store data inside? Does the 16gb one intentionally block off storage that could otherwise be used in larger capacity cards?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ym5d4/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_say_a_16gb/
{ "a_id": [ "e2bxxo1", "e2byer6", "e2byfyt" ], "score": [ 8, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The rectangular plastic thing you see from outside is just the \"shell\". Inside, there are a series of solid state memory chips, that hold the data. Higher capacity sd cards just have more and/or highe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1ko1rm
why do some people toss and turn while sleeping, while others will stay relatively still?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ko1rm/eli5_why_do_some_people_toss_and_turn_while/
{ "a_id": [ "cbqybbn", "cbr8977" ], "score": [ 32, 3 ], "text": [ "When you dream, many things happen! First thing to happen is that your mind runs subconscious 'checks' to see if you're actually out (sends twitches down limbs and stuff). When your body stops responding, your brain begins ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
91mibq
why aren't 2x4s, 1.75x3.5, or 1.5x3, so that when you put 2 of them together in framing they are square?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/91mibq/eli5_why_arent_2x4s_175x35_or_15x3_so_that_when/
{ "a_id": [ "e2z4ouo", "e2z4y6t" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "A 2×4 is rough-cut to 2\" by 4\". Then they take off the same amount on each side to smooth it. If they take off a quarter inch on each side, you end up with 1.5\" thick and 3.5\" wide.", "In the old days they dried the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7xrfq5
why can't/don't laptops use cell service?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7xrfq5/eli5_why_cantdont_laptops_use_cell_service/
{ "a_id": [ "duaikgg", "duaimoj" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ " > Why can't/don't laptops use cell service?\n\nSome can and some do. There is a cellular card available for most kinds of laptops. The issue is that in order to connect to cell towers there is a specific kind of antenna ne...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
32stlq
how does a person typically study?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32stlq/eli5_how_does_a_person_typically_study/
{ "a_id": [ "cqe9ycc", "cqebcli", "cqecpxd" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 8 ], "text": [ "This is really more of a survey type of question, that might be suited to /r/askreddit more than here.\n\nBut the answer not only varies from person to person. It also depends what type of thing you're ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/o0z2n/how_do_you_study_what_techniques_do_you_use/" ], [] ]
1mxr9b
why are racial slurs offensive to most people?
Maybe I'm just not sensitive enough, but I never get offended when people try to insult me, much less when they call me a name that describes something I'm not. So why do so many people get upset when certain words are said?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mxr9b/eli5_why_are_racial_slurs_offensive_to_most_people/
{ "a_id": [ "ccdn1wm" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "there's a few reasons.\n\nfirstly, people generally don't like to be insulted. secondly, using a derogatory slur is saying 'you are less of a person than i am', which sucks. similarly, it's dehumanising, 'you aren't a person, but a label'. and...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3qinjo
how did the spanish language spread around south america with such prominence?
The British colonized India but Indians still retained their own language. The Dutch colonized Indonesia but the Indonesians still retained theirs, too. Same with the Spanish in the Philippines, most still use Tagalog.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qinjo/eli5_how_did_the_spanish_language_spread_around/
{ "a_id": [ "cwfjnqy", "cwfm60k" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Believe it or not, Racism is actually a relatively modern invention. In the early days of colonialism, religious discrimination was the only way that populations justified things like slavery and genocide.\n\nSpanish colonia...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8bxyyw
why are northern coastlines absolute messes compared smooth non-northern ones? eg scotland and canada vs india and somalia coastlines
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8bxyyw/eli5_why_are_northern_coastlines_absolute_messes/
{ "a_id": [ "dxaj4oy", "dxaj525" ], "score": [ 15, 3 ], "text": [ "India and Somalia were never under polar caps and multi-kilometers high glaciers. \n\nIn the northern climes during the last Ice Age, the Arctic polar cap went down south to the great lakes in America and almost to the Ne...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
5zypbq
why an individual's condition rapidly deteriorates after being diagnosed with a disease
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zypbq/eli5_why_an_individuals_condition_rapidly/
{ "a_id": [ "df237it" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Certain diseases can only be properly diagnosed once they hit a critical stage, so by the time they find out someone is infected, it may already be very severe. It may also be something as simple as the placebo effect; by knowing you have a serio...
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[]
[ [] ]
51v1hs
why is it darker when the sun is closer to (but fully above) the horizon?
What I think I know: that sensation of "brightness" is the result of electromagnetic radiation from the sun (in our visible spectrum) stimulating optical nerve structures, and that our eyes receive this EMR directly (by looking at the sun) or indirectly (via unabsorbed wave lengths reflected off of surroundings like le...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51v1hs/eli5_why_is_it_darker_when_the_sun_is_closer_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d7f4iue" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You're basically right; light traveling through more atmosphere at dusk/dawn means more light is diffused in to the atmosphere and less directly shines in to your eyes straight from the sun.\n\nOn the moon where there is basically no atmosphere, ...
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[]
[ [] ]
6f5t1i
how do some kids hit high school barely literate?
Their spelling is atrocious and they struggle to read. If you assume they've been attending school regularly, shouldn't students be able to read and write at roughly the same level?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6f5t1i/eli5_how_do_some_kids_hit_high_school_barely/
{ "a_id": [ "difnieb", "difokz8", "difoqa7", "difpk7x", "difqoeb", "difs7gh", "difsoti", "difu3ph", "difuch7" ], "score": [ 4, 17, 2, 30, 3, 4, 5, 3, 11 ], "text": [ "It's called social promotion. A way for teachers to pass the buck w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/600x315/1c/09/78/1c09788af7a85dc03ff7c62fcfbe6db2.jpg" ] ]
3z10q0
how would the limit age for any human to live be calculated?
Basically, is there a definite limit to how long a human can live?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3z10q0/eli5_how_would_the_limit_age_for_any_human_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cyicykr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There are limits right now. But there's nothing saying we won't eventually find ways to overcome them. We've overcome a *lot* of things in the past, and there's little doubt we'll be able to solve and overcome a lot more in the future. \n\nAt som...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
69r7n6
what is the difference between a rechargeable battery and a capacitor?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69r7n6/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dh8q34w", "dh8q7ex", "dh8sz0k", "dh91373" ], "score": [ 26, 23, 10, 7 ], "text": [ "A battery stores energy to be released relatively slowly and stored for extended periods of time. A capacitor is exactly the opposite. It stores energy for short periods of time...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
22cq3b
why does it seem like computers lose performance when the memory has a lot of stuff on it?
My phone was running really slow when I had a lot of music on it, then I deleted a bunch and now it runs normally. Does inactive memory take up processing power?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22cq3b/eli5_why_does_it_seem_like_computers_lose/
{ "a_id": [ "cglicl7", "cglo3pg", "cgltv1u" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically, you're working at a really cluttered desk. And you keep having to shuffle papers around just to jot something down. Your computer goes through this same process. Clear up more room for it to ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_hierarchy", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_memory" ] ]
2zglw0
do we still need toenails?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zglw0/eli5do_we_still_need_toenails/
{ "a_id": [ "cpip9ot", "cpipsyy" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Many people could probably get by just fine without them. Too bad that doesn't have any impact on our daily lives.", "Something I can answer! So more likely than not, we'd be fine without toenails. They don't offer much ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5i290t
how do space probes such as vogager 1 and pioneer 10 operate for such a long period of time in space?
I know it's NASA magic, but how does NASA do this magic?!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5i290t/eli5_how_do_space_probes_such_as_vogager_1_and/
{ "a_id": [ "db4tlux", "db4v5tt", "db53dna" ], "score": [ 9, 17, 2 ], "text": [ "Voyager 1 has three radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) mounted on a boom. Each MHW-RTG contains 24 pressed plutonium-238 oxide spheres.The RTGs generated about 470 watts of electric power at...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocouple" ] ]
4ezmck
why are lenses necessary to form an image in cameras and eyeballs?
Why do the eyeballs of organisms and cameras have lenses on them? Why can't the cells or sensors just get an image of the world directly from light shining on them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ezmck/eli5_why_are_lenses_necessary_to_form_an_image_in/
{ "a_id": [ "d24pnk8", "d24tic8" ], "score": [ 11, 4 ], "text": [ "You have a 'smart phone', right?\n\nIn a dark room, point the screen at a wall. You'll see a dimly lit patch of wall, but with no real indication of what the screen displays.\n\nNow hold a magnifying glass between your sma...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7a7na2
why are these frog legs twitching when salt is sprinkled on them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7a7na2/eli5_why_are_these_frog_legs_twitching_when_salt/
{ "a_id": [ "dp7r7ww" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Salt has sodium in it, and sodium is an electrolyte, which lets signals and impulses travel along nerves. When you put salt on fresh muscle it twitches because there's still some potential left to carry into activity." ] }
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[ [] ]
ar8snz
if you have adrenaline in your body all the time, why cant you for lack of a better term just "adrenaline up?"
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ar8snz/eli5_if_you_have_adrenaline_in_your_body_all_the/
{ "a_id": [ "eglhdpf", "eglhr7m" ], "score": [ 8, 4 ], "text": [ "Too much adrenaline is dangerous to the body and dramatically increases wear and tear on the organs. Think about a car which can cope with travelling at 70 MPH for long periods, but take it up to 100 MPH and it starts overh...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
632oa4
why is it that, humans, who are (arguably) the most advanced species on the planet, produce offspring that are virtually helpless for several years. meanwhile, many or most other species can survive or fend for themselves almost immediately after birth, if not shortly after?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/632oa4/eli5_why_is_it_that_humans_who_are_arguably_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dfqtp4h", "dfqtxwe" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "There are 2 reasons:\n\n1. Human women have smaller birth canals than other animals. This is because of the bone structure needed to allow us to walk upright on 2 legs instead of 4.\n\n2. We have relatively big brains and he...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
e2tnj4
disc brakes.
I observed disc brakes of vehicles. There are two tiny plates that copmress and make the moving disc of wheel to stop. I can't understand how such a large vehicle having a huge inertia is stopped by applying a gentle pressure on brake step paddle?? Why it is not to press the step with huge force to do so? Is it due to ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e2tnj4/eli5_disc_brakes/
{ "a_id": [ "f8xjuxw", "f8xkg1x", "f8xkp6p", "f8xm4ws" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It isn’t gentle pressure. The calipers are full of pistons that are hydraulically activated- you press down and tons of force can be applied to the discs, creating friction between...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1l188k
what would the universe be like if causality or relativity were traded for faster-than-light travel?
I remember in my old Usenet days every other conjecture about faster than light travel was shot down by the comment: "Causality, relativity, faster-than-light travel. A universe can only have two of the three." My question is: what would a universe be like if it had causality and faster-than-light travel, but not rela...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1l188k/eli5_what_would_the_universe_be_like_if_causality/
{ "a_id": [ "cbuqday", "cbuqpfb", "cbuw31y" ], "score": [ 25, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Believe it or not, Greg Egan is the authority to which you want to turn on that question. He's a writer of science fiction books, but he's also extremely educated in theoretical physics. He sat down an...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://gregegan.customer.netspace.net.au/ORTHOGONAL/ORTHOGONAL.html" ], [ "http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/52249/how-does-faster-than-light-travel-violate-causality" ], [] ]
dfjpnb
what are moons spherical
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dfjpnb/eli5_what_are_moons_spherical/
{ "a_id": [ "f33jzwb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Smaller objects actually don't become spheres. In general, the cause of spherification (not a technical term) is gravity. Any big bumps end up falling down one way or another. The result is spheres. This is why many asteroids *aren't* spheres - t...
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[]
[ [] ]
5a2fir
is there a limit on the energy we can draw from geothermal sources?
Geothermal seems like a clean and sustainable energy, but is there a limit to what we can draw? If there is a limit (thermodynamics would suggest that a there is), is it beyond our world-wide energy needs? What would happen if we were to over-draw from geothermal sources?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5a2fir/eli5_is_there_a_limit_on_the_energy_we_can_draw/
{ "a_id": [ "d9dpbyc" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Not an expert here, but it seems that there could be localized limits. If all the buildings in a city downtown tried to use the ground directly beneath them as a heat sink for their air-conditioning systems, I would think that they could end up p...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6mt95u
how have humans survived for so long?
I'm thinking back to the tribal ages. If our offspring takes 9 months to birth, then takes an additonal 10-20 years (give or take) to even become physically strong enough to help out the other members of the group. Another thing to consider is that back then the life expectancy of humans were drastically shorter as we...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6mt95u/eli5how_have_humans_survived_for_so_long/
{ "a_id": [ "dk44gpb", "dk44sb2" ], "score": [ 6, 4 ], "text": [ " > back then the life expectancy of humans were drastically shorter as well\n\nThis is a myth that really needs to stop. It's true that the *average* life expectancy was terrible previously, but that's because there was a hu...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_expectancy" ], [] ]
6gj1v8
if 1=single, 2=double, and so one, is there one for 0?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gj1v8/eli5_if_1single_2double_and_so_one_is_there_one/
{ "a_id": [ "diqnfsu", "diqnj35" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nNull-tuple or empty Tuple", "Not really. In math it's known as an \"empty tuple\" or \"empty sequence.\" Colloquially there was never a need to come up with a term for a 0-tuple." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuple" ], [] ]
3fp2os
what makes tech different than other fields that women have entered into succesfully
Excuse me if my sentence structure is off, but I'm a little tired right now. We always hear about the problem with a "lack of women in tech". Well in the past when feminism wasn't even as strong as it was today, women were able to enter into many eternally male dominated fields, many of which are now divided relativel...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fp2os/eli5_what_makes_tech_different_than_other_fields/
{ "a_id": [ "ctqo5h5" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "STEM jobs require STEM degrees. You can hardly blame the tech industry for hiring 95% men when the graduating CS majors are 95% male.\n\nFor some reason women are not entering STEM programs in college. \n\nSome people think it is because women ar...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1qxb0b
why international accents sound charming, but regional ones usually sound awful?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qxb0b/eli5_why_international_accents_sound_charming_but/
{ "a_id": [ "cdhg5z4" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Most often foreigners are exposed to a more elegant upper class accent/dialect/slang. They don't get to see the working class people who use a cruder accent/dialect/slang, as often." ] }
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[ [] ]
3gdewi
would you die if you injected water into your bloodstream?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gdewi/eli5_would_you_die_if_you_injected_water_into/
{ "a_id": [ "ctx32nk", "ctx7sdf", "ctxahup", "ctxhymp" ], "score": [ 68, 3, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "Depends on how much water you injected. A small amount (a drop or so) probably won't kill you. A larger amount would cause your blood cells to rupture because the concentration of...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
5jnf52
why does tobasco or products like tobasco stop congestion of the sinuses?
I'm not sure if it's scientifically proven, but Tobasco mixed in with water makes me feel like I breath normally when my nose is congested. Maybe it's a placebo effect, but at least it works. If tobasco sauce does serve as a decongestant, than why? If it is not, then my dreams are ruined.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jnf52/eli5why_does_tobasco_or_products_like_tobasco/
{ "a_id": [ "dbhj06q", "dbhlcv8" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Spicy things are measured in Scoville heat units or SHUS. When something is spicy to us our body tries to cool the internal heat the only way it knows how, mucus. Much like when hot wings make your nose run, so will Tabasco ...
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394qws
can someone explain how fluid passes through the kidneys?
I'm a bit confused on how the fluid goes to the renal tubules (PCT, DCT, Collecting duct). Because solutes (and water follows) goes to the afferent arterioles and into the glomerulus. This is where I am confused: my book says that filtration is the process of filtering solutes across a membrane, from the glomerular cap...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/394qws/eli5_can_someone_explain_how_fluid_passes_through/
{ "a_id": [ "cs0cow5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You're confusing yourself man. It's much more simple than this. The glomerulus removes all of the cells and proteins from the blood (this includes fats as well since they are bound by protein carriers). The glomerulus contains 2 barriers: fenestr...
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7uwlnf
why we can not see the colour red after we reach a certain depth in the ocean?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7uwlnf/eli5_why_we_can_not_see_the_colour_red_after_we/
{ "a_id": [ "dtnq436", "dtnqavi" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Does this mean that even a light shined on a red object would not show red?", "The answer is very simple: because water absorbs the colour red more than it absorbs any other visible light.\n\nWater absorbs light the leas...
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[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_absorption_by_water#/media/File:Absorption_spectrum_of_liquid_water.png" ] ]
kczf6
magnus effect
The way it was explained to me when I was a child was that the spinning of a ball would pile up air pressure on one side of the ball causing it to curve. What I really want to know is why does a ball with a lot of top spin go down and back spin go up? It's a sphere. If the description above is correct, shouldn't they ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kczf6/eli5_magnus_effect/
{ "a_id": [ "c2j9ykk", "c2j9ykk" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "The ball is _travelling through the fluid_ as well. If it's a stationary ball that's spinning, you're correct in that there's no overall force that results because of the spherical symmetry. However, the ball travels through...
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9xrw4x
f you have an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks itself, would boosting your immune system (diet, vitamin, supplements) make your symptoms worse?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9xrw4x/eli5f_you_have_an_autoimmune_disease_where_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e9upqhs", "e9uqqaf", "e9urgph" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Nope. These would likely to help the immune system restore its reserves to fight infections, which are a mian trigger of autoimmune diseases.", "Follow-up question: would suppressing your immune sys...
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[ [], [], [] ]
8ce92q
why are all bodybuilders too tanned when most don't find this aesthetically pleasing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ce92q/eli5why_are_all_bodybuilders_too_tanned_when_most/
{ "a_id": [ "dxe94qa", "dxe980e", "dxemb43", "dxf7itt" ], "score": [ 16, 77, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "In most cases it is tanning cream applied just before the contest. Apart the oily and shinny look, i suppose it makes a better contrast on the photos to a white skin.", "Dark...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
1bw8zc
explain to me why some tvs require such an absurd amount of time to change a channel, whereas others are almost instant.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1bw8zc/explain_to_me_why_some_tvs_require_such_an_absurd/
{ "a_id": [ "c9ap9h7", "c9apg89", "c9ar744", "c9at49b", "c9atri4" ], "score": [ 7, 9, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It might be the cable service. My house had the regular cable and it changed pretty quickly. Once we got a cable box (the one with thousands of channels) that...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
4yqoc0
amber alerts: how does one get to my phone?
I **do not** have a smart phone; rather, I have a $20 phone and a $20/mo plan. I no longer live in the area code that my phone "belongs" to; and I'm pretty sure my phone doesn't actually know where I am geographically. Nonetheless, I just received an alert, for an abduction 200 miles away. How was it sorted out that...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yqoc0/eli5_amber_alerts_how_does_one_get_to_my_phone/
{ "a_id": [ "d6ppngg", "d6pptg9" ], "score": [ 6, 10 ], "text": [ " > How was it sorted out that such a message should be sent to MY phone?\n\nYour phone must connect to the nearest cell tower so it is easy to know your phone is within a certain geographic area. Pushing the alert to all p...
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6bslr1
whats the feeling of weightlessness you feel before asking an important question?
Like if you ask someone out on a date (which i was horrible at) or what reminded me of it, proposing to my girlfriend (now fiance 😊)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6bslr1/eli5_whats_the_feeling_of_weightlessness_you_feel/
{ "a_id": [ "dhp7sai" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "This is your body's 'fight or flight' response. When your body is under stressful conditions, whether it is physical, or emotional, your body reacts by sending blood to the extremities to allow it to either flee from, or fight with, an element. Y...
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co9c4m
why do some businesses make you call to get prices for their products/services?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/co9c4m/eli5_why_do_some_businesses_make_you_call_to_get/
{ "a_id": [ "ewgrj1l" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "When I encounter that, it’s usually wholesalers/quantities for mass production. You call in because it’s usually salespeople negotiating prices for multiple lots. There’s no option to order because they’re just dealing with larger clients and for...
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fmxg1i
what is a dipole (chemistry)?
Hi I really don't understand this part. It isn't in my Grade 9 syllabus but alot of points in my notes touch on dipole in atoms. Can someone explain it to me using analogies or just simple words? For example, heres an extract from my notes: 1. Most ionic compounds are soluble due to favourable ion-dipole interaction...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fmxg1i/eli5_what_is_a_dipole_chemistry/
{ "a_id": [ "fl6japg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Every atom in a molecule has an electronegativity. The electrons between two atoms are nearer to the atom with the higher electronegativity. If every electron in a molecule go in the same direction, there are two magnetic poles, because of the ne...
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1q1bse
i just got a new job, and won't be offered benefits for 3 months. how will aca affect me, if at all?
I've heard about being penalized for not having health insurance. When would that kick in? My employer doesn't provide insurance until I've been here 3 months. Will this automatically cause me to have to pay a fine?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q1bse/eli5_i_just_got_a_new_job_and_wont_be_offered/
{ "a_id": [ "cd85fyl", "cd85kkn" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It's baked into the law already. They can require up to a 90-day introductory period before they start providing benefits and during that period you're considered covered by an eligible plan (assuming you're going to be eli...
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1pp5ql
why animals can only hear within certain frequencies.
Sound is essentially compression waves, no matter what type of sound it may be right? If that's the case, shouldn't all frequencies cause the hearing apparatus (whether its cilia or some type of membrane) of living things to vibrate (and consequently, allow us to hear sound)? I assume that our eardrums are actually vib...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pp5ql/eli5_why_animals_can_only_hear_within_certain/
{ "a_id": [ "cd4kzxo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Our eardrums vibrate - but that's not how our brain senses sound. The eardrum only transfers the sound from the outer ear to the inner ear.\n\nWithin the inner ear is the cochlea, the part that actually senses the sound. The cochlea is filled wit...
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f6afi8
why can't wind turbine blades be recycled?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f6afi8/eli5_why_cant_wind_turbine_blades_be_recycled/
{ "a_id": [ "fi3h139", "fi3h2oq", "fi3i832", "fi3vzd1", "fi3w0a1" ], "score": [ 29, 2, 4, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Because they are made from composite materials. That means they put layers of a a cloth like material made from glass fibers into a mold, and glue them toget...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.globalfiberglassinc.com/" ] ]
42ouj6
why does your appetite basically become non existent when you get cancer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42ouj6/eli5_why_does_your_appetite_basically_become_non/
{ "a_id": [ "czbxqrh", "czby0fh" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on the type of cancer, and where it's located, but it's entirely possible that you don't lose your appetite.\n\nChemotherapy, on the other hand, is a poison that makes you feel so cruddy that you don't want to eat...
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ch2m9u
why do containers such as wine and beer bottles do the whole “glug glug glug” thing when being emptied?
Every time there’s a full bottle (which typically seem to be glass in this case) being emptied out, they make that “glug glug glug” sound and you can feel it too. Why doesn’t it just pour straight out? Does it have to do with the rate of liquid and the size of the opening? Maybe I’m searching for a more complex answer ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ch2m9u/eli5_why_do_containers_such_as_wine_and_beer/
{ "a_id": [ "euo6xcz", "euo7gco", "euo87sk" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Air displacement. When pouring a bottle upside down or covering the entire seal as it empties it creates a vacuum. The positive pressure from outside moves to the low pressure inside the bottle.", "...
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2gl9vs
why does it hurt significantly more standing on a 10 min bus ride, over walking for 20 minutes when commuting?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gl9vs/eli5_why_does_it_hurt_significantly_more_standing/
{ "a_id": [ "ckk65rg", "ckk675z" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Standing tends to strain the same muscles over a long period of time. Walking spreads the load over several sets of muscles, so that while you're technically expending more energy no one set of muscles have to bear the load ...
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2i40bc
how does groups like vice, get interviews with high profile criminals?
How do they manage to arrange meetings that are video taped with criminals around the world? Why do they even agree to be filmed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i40bc/eli5_how_does_groups_like_vice_get_interviews/
{ "a_id": [ "ckyllaa", "ckyp7ex", "ckyy3hb" ], "score": [ 5, 22, 14 ], "text": [ "Lots of bribes. Though I would also think that since much of the VICE reporting is as close to neutral as you'll see these days, those criminals perhaps give them a bit more credit.", "I'd imagine...
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36udp3
why can't humans become immune to poisoning from undercooked foods, if animals can by puking bacteria into the mouths of their young?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36udp3/eli5_why_cant_humans_become_immune_to_poisoning/
{ "a_id": [ "crh5y6j" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Animals die from infections due to poisonous or decaying food all the time. \n\nWolf puppies nurse until they are old enough to eat solid food then they brought food until they are old enough to follow the pack while it hunts, then they will even...
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3fejgc
why do goods seem to be much more expensive than they were 100 years ago?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fejgc/eli5_why_do_goods_seem_to_be_much_more_expensive/
{ "a_id": [ "ctnvb2r", "ctnykyp", "cto0w0c" ], "score": [ 25, 14, 3 ], "text": [ "Because of inflation probably? \n \nIn the U.S., $1 in 1915 has the same buying power as $23.63 today. Inversely, $1 today has the same buying power of less than 5¢ in 1915.", "They weren't actu...
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[ [], [ "http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2015/01/02/a-glimpse-at-your-expenses-100-years-ago" ], [] ]
1ymkx6
what is all of this stuff happening with netflix and fcc and everything to do with isp's?
I'd like someone to take the time to explain what exactly is happening; and preferably, with citation.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ymkx6/eli5_what_is_all_of_this_stuff_happening_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cflutom" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The FCC had been pushing for \"net neutrality\" which meant ISP's had to treat all data the same. Recently the Appeals court shot down net neutrality so now ISP's are free to do as they please. \n_URL_0_\n\nNow why would the ISP's purposefully de...
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[ [ "http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/14/5307650/federal-court-strikes-down-net-neutrality-rules" ] ]
j3bbq
why television production companies don't want me to watch their shows because i'm in a foreign country?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j3bbq/eli5_why_television_production_companies_dont/
{ "a_id": [ "c28s0sz", "c28s152", "c28s4ff", "c28s5ep", "c28s6rc" ], "score": [ 4, 4, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm thinking you are referring to streaming websites like Hulu. If that is the case, Hulu pays networks for licensing rights. The rights are negotiated to i...
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[ [ "http://www.hulu.com/support/content_faq" ], [], [], [], [] ]