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7dvd9n
why is it so difficult to type (i.e. move your fingers quickly and precisely, or even at all) when your hands are very cold?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7dvd9n/eli5_why_is_it_so_difficult_to_type_ie_move_your/
{ "a_id": [ "dq0modo", "dq13xmf", "dq14130", "dq189fa", "dq1959p", "dq1f9sm", "dq1i6ub", "dq1kecj", "dq1m8y3", "dq1oa6l" ], "score": [ 5803, 384, 67, 3, 6, 7, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "When cold, your body reduces blood flow to...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2pv9lq
when certain drugs become legal will the drug dogs be able to be trained to not search for that scent?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pv9lq/eli5_when_certain_drugs_become_legal_will_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cn0chlb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "No. You can't train a dog to not search for a scent or train the to search for a scent. You need to understand they are trained to alert police of the scent, not to search for it. Dogs naturally search for scents. What will most likely happen is...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5kho0z
why do some words, such as queue, have "useless" letters behind the pronounced "q''
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5kho0z/eli5_why_do_some_words_such_as_queue_have_useless/
{ "a_id": [ "dbo12yi", "dbo1b13" ], "score": [ 16, 3 ], "text": [ "They're usually loanwords. Queue is a loanword from French, and French is absolutely chock full of silent letters. For example, \"qu'est-ce que c'est?\" (Literally \"What is it?\") is pronounced like \"keska say.\"", "S...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2730vv
how do old tv shows and commercials get onto youtube?
I'll take away the smartass answer first: yes I know they uploaded. My question is more how this old content is available in the first place. TV shows from the '60s or whenever make sense to me; there are seemingly DVDs of everything these days and I know the process of ripping DVDs is relatively easy. Commercials ar...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2730vv/eli5_how_do_old_tv_shows_and_commercials_get_onto/
{ "a_id": [ "chwwwa9", "chwx0oo" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Taking a video tape and digitizing it is as simple as putting it in a VCR that instead of having an output to a television, goes into a computer which can write it to disk. The cards that would handle such a conversion are n...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2cn8tw
why do people generally dislike piers morgan?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cn8tw/eli5_why_do_people_generally_dislike_piers_morgan/
{ "a_id": [ "cjh48ap", "cjh4o9u", "cjh4qab", "cjh52ix", "cjh6gj8", "cjh7tqw", "cjhca8u", "cjhdv34" ], "score": [ 15, 7, 9, 9, 2, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because he's a self-righteous idiot. Even when he's right, you still want to punch him in t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3wag3q
do police provide medical assistance immediately after shooting someone?
In several videos I've seen in the media, when police shoot or otherwise disable suspects they don't appear to render medical assistance once the suspect is down on the ground. Is this standard procedure for police departments? (Please keep responses non-political in keeping with the rules of this subreddit. I'm really...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3wag3q/eli5_do_police_provide_medical_assistance/
{ "a_id": [ "cxunp79", "cxunuvj", "cxuo6sq" ], "score": [ 12, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Police officers first attempt to make sure the area is secure, including that the suspect is no longer a danger, before calling for assistance and then rendering any medical assistance if possible. The...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
17p7z9
barometric pressure and old injuries
Why do some people feel (or claim to feel) changes in barometric pressure in their joints or in old injuries?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/17p7z9/barometric_pressure_and_old_injuries/
{ "a_id": [ "c87o2cm", "c87wp6e" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I am one of those people, i can feel it in my shoulder sometimes. normally, it's in a joint that is damaged, usually a type of arthritis. changes in barometric pressure make nerves more sensitive, and because those joints ar...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3c4wgc
what stops people with insurance on their phones from just saying they lost it and getting a new one for a friend?
T-Mobiles coverage covers lost phones. I lost mine and so I am filing a claim, but I was thinking. What would stop me from just saying that I lost it and getting a whole new iPhone 6 for my brother so we both have one? (Aside from moral integrity of course)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3c4wgc/eli5_what_stops_people_with_insurance_on_their/
{ "a_id": [ "css91ed", "css952d", "css9scl" ], "score": [ 11, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Because the phone goes into a stolen phone database that's shared among the carriers. \n\nSo, a couple of years ago, my daughter broke her phone. A friend of hers gave her an older iPhone to use, and s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2euv7g
in my country, low octane fuel (everything below 93-95) was discontinued 20 years ago for being 'low quality'. how come usa still sell it and use it for its cars?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2euv7g/eli5_in_my_country_low_octane_fuel_everything/
{ "a_id": [ "ck35gp8", "ck3612i", "ck37ir5" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "There are different methods of measuring octane in gasoline. It's quite likely your country and the US use differing methods, and thus use different numbers to describe the same thing. \n\n_URL_0_\n > ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating#Difference_between_RON.2C_MON.2C_and_AKI" ], [], [] ]
2wncxr
just like blindness, deafness are loss of senses, what are the conditions where the loss of other senses such as taste, smell, touch called? why is that we don't know much about them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wncxr/eli5_just_like_blindness_deafness_are_loss_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cosf0zn" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "Smell and taste are very closely associated. \"Anosmia\" is the loss of smell, and in reality this will make it very difficult to taste, too - as anyone who has ever had a cold knows, we taste mostly through our sense of smell.\n\nIt's also poss...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bl1s5c
how does one become a politician?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bl1s5c/eli5_how_does_one_become_a_politician/
{ "a_id": [ "emkwv0z", "emkyas1" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "This is dependent on laws and regulations in whichever jurisdiction. If you're in the US then [Ballotpedia](_URL_0_) probably knows more.", "In Britain, a lot of people interested in going higher join a student society ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page" ], [] ]
6rt4z0
how would human body react to hot water slowly rising in temperature?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6rt4z0/eli5_how_would_human_body_react_to_hot_water/
{ "a_id": [ "dl7jcqa", "dl7k3iu", "dl7nuhk" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The story about frogs is an old wives' tale as far as I know.\n\nI don't think a human would survive significantly longer if the change was gradual. The heat would feel lower at first since we primarily...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5o0y25
in the us, does the first amendment guarantee social freedom of speech?
From what I understand, the First Amendment is pretty clear on the fact that congress can do nothing to hinder your expression of your opinion so long at it's not "hate speech." I am wondering exactly how far these rights go into the social realm (see the Milo Yiannopoulos incident at UC Davis on 13 Jan).
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5o0y25/eli5_in_the_us_does_the_first_amendment_guarantee/
{ "a_id": [ "dcfre83", "dcfup42" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The First Amendment guarantee absolutely nothing in the social realm. It only protect you from the governement. A company could limit your free speech as much as they want and so can an individual in their home.\n\nAnd like ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1rakcb
quaternions and octonions
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rakcb/eli5_quaternions_and_octonions/
{ "a_id": [ "cdlahw8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "If you are familiar with ~~imaginary~~ complex numbers that would be a great start. Imaginary numbers are used to keep track of an angle. You have the real and imaginary part. \n\n_URL_1_\n\nSo as you can see to get the angle you take the inverse...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotation_matrix", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imaginary_number", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimbal_lock" ] ]
7imues
why is there so little religion in china?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7imues/eli5_why_is_there_so_little_religion_in_china/
{ "a_id": [ "dqzvn5s", "dqzwkkg", "dr02o2t", "dr037hj", "dr06u3j", "dr0gi25" ], "score": [ 101, 15, 14, 12, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The other 75% isn't atheist, it's mostly [folk religion](_URL_1_)/[Taoist](_URL_0_). The Chinese generally don't consider them to ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism#Adherents", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_folk_religion#Mainland_China_and_Taiwan" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6fuybn
how artificial intelligence works in terms of programming?
###Fantastic answers from all you guys. THANKS!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fuybn/eli5_how_artificial_intelligence_works_in_terms/
{ "a_id": [ "dil5pdg", "dil7pi5", "dil7zqh", "dil89ec", "dilq2jv", "dilr33e", "dim18uu", "dim69gu" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 88, 202, 16, 10, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There is no one answer to this question as it is overly broad. \"Artificial Intelligenc...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/user/carykh", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILsA4nyG7I0" ], [], [], [], [] ]
4d1qx2
the north carolina gay rights laws.
What do they imply/mean?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4d1qx2/eli5_the_north_carolina_gay_rights_laws/
{ "a_id": [ "d1n08ei", "d1n0ecj", "d1n46mu" ], "score": [ 4, 20, 6 ], "text": [ "The state passed a law that invalidated all of the city/county protections for LGBT people (and prohibited any future ones), so they effectively don't have any (other than federal laws).", "[This i...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/04/01/the-cunning-trick-in-north-carolinas-radical-new-anti-lgbt-law/" ], [] ]
3jkjyr
why american people are afraid of a great state/government ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jkjyr/eli5_why_american_people_are_afraid_of_a_great/
{ "a_id": [ "cuq1eur" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It stems from how our country was formed and the political ideas behind it.\n\nFirst, we formed as a reaction to a tyrannical government, so from the very beginning we were opposed to a government telling us what to do. \n\nSecond, the political ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2u6i59
what is going on when singers move the microphone closer and further away while they are singing?
I have seen several singers who do it a lot, but I have never really understood why. Are they trying to manipulate the sound in some way? What effect does it have?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2u6i59/eli5_what_is_going_on_when_singers_move_the/
{ "a_id": [ "co5kgdg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They are trying to avoid clipping. See, a microphone can only handle so much pressure. So imagine a singer normally singing at a volume of 5 (just putting it in numbers so it's easier to understand). The sound guy will then adjust the volume of t...
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[]
[ [] ]
3ljejk
after years of huge online video game launches crashing servers & making the game unstable or unplayable for days & sometimes even takes down psn or xbl altogether, why can't sony & microsoft ever seem to anticipate server needs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ljejk/eli5_after_years_of_huge_online_video_game/
{ "a_id": [ "cv6sfnd", "cv6tdpn" ], "score": [ 5, 4 ], "text": [ "It's not necessarily the case that these companies can't anticipate the demand... it's often a decision based on logistics and cost-benefit analyses.\n\nHere's the deal. In order to support a game at launch you may need some...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
g32xse
so what is the difference between cloud and edge computing? actually, what is edge computing in concrete terms?
Been trying to wrap my head around it, read different articles but it sounds so vague to me.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g32xse/eli5_so_what_is_the_difference_between_cloud_and/
{ "a_id": [ "fnouwkd", "fnrh5hc" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Edge computing is data-driven computing that is done near the source of the data. For instance, a Street Light will have a sensor that determines the light level, but will also take into consideration things like the time of...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
168g8x
what are potential applications of molecular nanotechnology, and how is it even possible for man to create such small things?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/168g8x/eli5_what_are_potential_applications_of_molecular/
{ "a_id": [ "c7toq1d" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Maybe this was more of a /r/science post. Nanotechnology in general blows my mind and confuses me all at once. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
avjetw
why are pills 💊 multi colored? why not just have the entire pill be like one color?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/avjetw/eli5_why_are_pills_multi_colored_why_not_just/
{ "a_id": [ "ehfkyvn", "ehflco4" ], "score": [ 41, 6 ], "text": [ "Pills/capsules have to be different from other prescriptions so they can be identified if separated from packaging, even if it just means having a slightly different imprint on otherwise identical pills, the multi coloring ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
137jkw
what is the difference between a llc and a sole proprietor?
I am looking to start a local recycling business where I will pick up recyclable materials from the customer's homes. I am filling out my business application and am unsure which type of business entity I am, LLC or sole proprietor? Thanks in advance!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/137jkw/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_a_llc_and_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c71hpa5" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "If you don't know, you're probably a sole proprietor. You have to actually submit paperwork with your state specifically for an LLC. \n\n**Advantages of LLC:** \n\nYou can be the sole member (called the manager) and therefore take 100% of the p...
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[ [] ]
1gv9zr
why do electrons arrange themselves in shells of 2n^2 around the nucleus?
The maximum number of electrons in each shell around a nucleus is 2, 8, 8, 18, 18, 32..., where each pair is twice a square number. How do they know to do that? And why does each number occur twice?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gv9zr/eli5why_do_electrons_arrange_themselves_in_shells/
{ "a_id": [ "cao62rf" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The Pauli Exclusion Principle dictates how many electrons can exist in each shell. No two electrons can have the same four quantum numbers (n, l, ml, and ms). The different numbers of electrons in each shell correspond to the number of different ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3mmbvw
if movies and cameras were always in a wide aspect ratio why where tvs square (4:3) for so long?
You know... Cause
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mmbvw/eli5_if_movies_and_cameras_were_always_in_a_wide/
{ "a_id": [ "cvg7idr", "cvg7kvu", "cvg7u8r" ], "score": [ 31, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "This is an easy one. Movies only went to a wide aspect ratio in response to the initial waves of televisions becoming popular in the early 1950s. \n & nbsp; \nSilent films were in 4:3 ratio, and when...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_ratio" ], [], [] ]
agkt0a
if alcohol burns off during the cooking process, why do recipes not use cheaper non-alcoholic alternatives?
For instance, is there any reason why non-alcoholic wine (or even grape juice) couldn't be used in place of white wine for a cooking sauce?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/agkt0a/eli5_if_alcohol_burns_off_during_the_cooking/
{ "a_id": [ "ee6vjyw" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Alcohol *doesn't* completely cook off when you add it to a dish. The bit that remains is an important solvent for helping some flavor chemicals spread around the dish.\n\nGrape juice is too sweet. Non-alcoholic wine is expensive & generally ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2k1bc7
why does dr. oz still have his m.d.?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k1bc7/eli5_why_does_dr_oz_still_have_his_md/
{ "a_id": [ "clgzmn1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Once you have a MD, you will have it forever. A medical degree does not, however, guarantee that you can practice medicine. For that you need to be licensed by an accreditation board for your specific specialty. That does need to be constantly re...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6ebosc
why milk expires, but baked goods that have milk as an ingredient don't expire when the milk used to bake them would have.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ebosc/eli5_why_milk_expires_but_baked_goods_that_have/
{ "a_id": [ "di949fz", "di94ap3", "di94ctl" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Milk goes bad from bacteria which will cause it to get sour and cause other by products. The bacteria start multiplying in the milk pretty much from the moment you open it up.\n\nBaking something will ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1podbx
when censoring nudity and such, how does the pixelation work?
How is it placed and kept in just the right area on moving objects, and what are the pixels doing exactly? Any other interesting info would be cool too.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1podbx/eli5_when_censoring_nudity_and_such_how_does_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cd4i1x5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Image you have an 1000x1000 pixel image, it is going to show a picture pretty clearly.\n\nLet's say you take every 2x2 square, find the average color of those 4 pixels, and set them all the same color. Your 1000x1000 image will now effectively b...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6dbgpe
is zero considered a real number since it is technically the absence or placeholder when there is no number?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6dbgpe/eli5is_zero_considered_a_real_number_since_it_is/
{ "a_id": [ "di1ecpu" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "There's a distinction here which I'm not sure you know.\n\nIn mathematics, there are plenty of different kinds of numbers. There are counting numbers, there are integers, there are rational numbers, and then there are real numbers.\n\n0 is part o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1wzvmh
can semen clog pipes?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wzvmh/eli5_can_semen_clog_pipes/
{ "a_id": [ "cf6uzc1", "cf6vd8y", "cf6vgr0", "cf6vz9a" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 19, 12 ], "text": [ "I'm not a plumber, but I'm pretty sure it can. Whenever semen meets water, it gets that thick Elmer's glue consistency to it. If that were to get mixed with hair or similar drain...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
6ia8ig
why do our arms bend up when we run? is this a physical reaction or a learned one?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ia8ig/eli5_why_do_our_arms_bend_up_when_we_run_is_this/
{ "a_id": [ "dj4nj3y", "dj4szo1" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "It's both. If you whip your hips, your arm will fly out straight and then crumple in on itself when the upper arm can't move.\n\nIt's also inherent to good running. If your arms are straight, they generate more torque and th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6cdwfc
why does each electron spinning around the nucleus of an atom do so in several different axes, but planets orbiting the sun all rotate together in a flat plane?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6cdwfc/eli5why_does_each_electron_spinning_around_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dhtwbuq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Electrons in an atom acutally *don't* orbit like that. Electron orbitals are a complicated thing, and their shape has nothing at all to do with the physics that govern how larger objects work as a result of gravity.\n\nThe reason the solar syste...
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[]
[ [] ]
ktg13
how does teflon have the same static and kinetic coefficient of friction?
Just what the title says.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ktg13/eli5_how_does_teflon_have_the_same_static_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c2n41x8", "c2n41x8" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Static friction is generally higher due to surface roughness as well as very weak bonding between the two surfaces. \n\nTeflon generally has a very smooth surface, and is so inert that there is no bonding at all between it ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2vq7ja
why is the usa failing at rebuilding the middle east into allies? didn't they succeed with japan and germany after ww2? what are they doing different and why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vq7ja/eli5why_is_the_usa_failing_at_rebuilding_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cojy78b", "cojyc70", "cojyf6g", "cojz2sj" ], "score": [ 5, 5, 14, 3 ], "text": [ "One of the big considerations with the rebuilding efforts is how many of the local people perceive the foreign presence. After WWII, the governments and peoples of both Germany a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5wo7vi
why can humans only hold their breath for a few minutes while, say, marine iguanas, with their tiny lungs, can hold it for about 30 minutes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5wo7vi/eli5_why_can_humans_only_hold_their_breath_for_a/
{ "a_id": [ "debkpcl", "debl6t4", "deblh4e", "debs8tk", "dec2039", "deca6c3" ], "score": [ 15, 3, 17, 29, 2, 8 ], "text": [ "Sounds like iguanas have been covered already. In case anybody is wondering how mammals can hold their breath longer, they have a lot...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://i.stuff.co.nz/science/9526909/Lizards-breathe-more-efficiently-than-humans-do" ], [], [], [ "http://www.emperordivers.com/blog/2009/07/how-air-breathing-diving-animals-hold-their-breath.html" ] ]
4adfq4
why do people get motion sick when wearing vr-headsets, but drone pilots never seem to be bothered by their fpv-googles?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4adfq4/eli5why_do_people_get_motion_sick_when_wearing/
{ "a_id": [ "d0ze6ev" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The reason you can get motion sick from VR headsets is because your brain thinks you are being poisoned, your eyes are experiencing movement when your ears and the rest of your body is not. \n \nThe reason \"drones\" pilots do not experience t...
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[ [] ]
1yq3r1
what alternatives to binary do we have?
Machines understand information as 0's (no signal) and 1's (signal). Why don't we modulate the intensity of the signal to give us more options (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, etc.) ?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yq3r1/eli5_what_alternatives_to_binary_do_we_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cfmqmqe", "cfmw66h", "cfn6e4b" ], "score": [ 5, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "In theory any number system could be used. Transistors, however, work on an on-off system. Either they let current through, or they don't. While in theory a ternary computer (-1,0,1) could be more effic...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_theory", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Error-correcting_code" ], [] ]
2a9u4j
why can't surgeons "fix" paralysis?
We can have your heart beating outside your body, shave off pieces of your cornea with a laser, and pull an arm outside of an alligator and reattach it to your body. So why exactly can't we fix someone who has broken their back or neck?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a9u4j/eli5_why_cant_surgeons_fix_paralysis/
{ "a_id": [ "ciswfpw", "ciswgzr" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I believe it's because surgeons can't hook up nerves together. Otherwise we would be able to have many other arms. Surgeons would be able to hook up nerves ti mechanical devices to act as arms.", "Complexity. We don't kn...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
b0be5h
helicopter maneuvers
Can helicopters do flips, sustained side angles or fly upside down?? If so, how. If not, why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b0be5h/eli5_helicopter_maneuvers/
{ "a_id": [ "eidtdvt", "eidu7xi" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Ex Helicopter engineer here. I'll try to keep it as ELi5 as possible. \n\nYes, Helicopters can do loops and barrel rolls. \n\nThe rotors are not big fan blades as some people think, they are wings. While a plane (fixed-wing)...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
85n6tw
why you're supposed to back into a space when you parallel park
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/85n6tw/eli5_why_youre_supposed_to_back_into_a_space_when/
{ "a_id": [ "dvympa1", "dvymv8n", "dvyn5ci" ], "score": [ 5, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "It tightens your turning radius. Making it easier to get into a space instead of constantly readjusting.", "The way most cars steer, there's an effect called \"front-end swing\" where the front end ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4i3h59
why do some medications cause different kinds of dreams? night terrors, hyper sexualized dreams, vivid deams etc.
I know some medications cause weird dreams. But what happens to cause night terrors vs. the sexualized dreams etc. Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4i3h59/eli5_why_do_some_medications_cause_different/
{ "a_id": [ "d2uqlkb", "d2usvpg", "d2uu4s7", "d2uuk9t", "d2uvbhc", "d2uwexv", "d2uxg61", "d2v40rr", "d2vks3r", "d2vl9ty", "d2vqxjj", "d2wfz1r" ], "score": [ 722, 6, 25, 30, 522, 28, 2, 11, 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://mnphysicalmedicine.com/2014/01/21/how-do-pain-medications-impact-your-dreams/" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3026477/", "http://web.mst.edu/~rhall/neuroscience/03_sleep/sleepneuro.pdf" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
226zdm
it's spring time again! why the hell am i getting allergies?
My nose is always stuffy, eyes watery, and throught iches . I'm taking Allegra and Claritin multiple times a day. It sucks and barely works. Please explain this to me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/226zdm/eli5_its_spring_time_again_why_the_hell_am_i/
{ "a_id": [ "cgjzk64" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Your body is CONSTANTLY being bombarded with microbes, dust particles, varying gases. Most of them either get filtered out by your nose hair and mucus and become boogers, which you dispose of in whatever way you see fit. However, the smaller part...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9s91lz
what is the significance of a mersenne prime number?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9s91lz/eli5_what_is_the_significance_of_a_mersenne_prime/
{ "a_id": [ "e8n39pe" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "The big thing that makes them special is that they're fairly easy to find, all things considered, and consequently the biggest known prime numbers are Mersenne primes.\n\nIf you grab a random large number then it's difficult to check to see if it...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bi2fra
does increased brain usage (i.e., studying/working) lead to increased caloric usage?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bi2fra/eli5_does_increased_brain_usage_ie/
{ "a_id": [ "elxinh9" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The brain uses a huge amount of energy, per unit volume, all the time. While studying or taking an exam might seem like it's making your brain work harder, the percentage change is usually pretty small. Really sensitive functional MRI machines ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cof7nk
did cavemen really live in caves?
We often depict prehistoric humans as living in caves with a fire and potentially some drawings on the walls but, realistically, how many of us live anywhere near caves like that. Did early man live in other basic shelter or is that a later period of history?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cof7nk/eli5_did_cavemen_really_live_in_caves/
{ "a_id": [ "ewin5fw" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ " > Well, not exactly. According to archeological evidence, prehistoric human ancestors such as Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo ergaster were nomadic. The caves often lay on valley slopes and provided excellent views of animal migration rout...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/sometime-cavemen/" ] ]
2a7rwf
why do i have to download an installer to download a program's .exe file?
e.g. I want to install Google Chrome, but first I have to download this 65KB downloader to download my download.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a7rwf/eli5why_do_i_have_to_download_an_installer_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cisbqem", "cisbrir" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "The 65KB downloader will always fetch the latest version of Chrome, if there are any specifics (Windows version, CPU type, and so on) it will also account for that. This is so you can use the installer on any computer and it...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
kxmhr
how is it that astronauts aren't blinded by the brightness of the sun?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kxmhr/eli5_how_is_it_that_astronauts_arent_blinded_by/
{ "a_id": [ "c2o24mh", "c2o24vk", "c2o5fc8", "c2o24mh", "c2o24vk", "c2o5fc8" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Those visors: a real thin layer of gold on there.", "Their helmets have a visor the block the majority of the harmful rays.", "T...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2cs7w1
why are many se asian countries mainly muslim, when they were colonised by european countries?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cs7w1/eli5why_are_many_se_asian_countries_mainly_muslim/
{ "a_id": [ "cjigppj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Those countries had Muslims well before Europeans arrived. Before the Europeans spread all over the world and gobbled up all the land they could take, merchants and sailors from the Middle East had already spread out to distant regions in Eurasia...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1qe0j0
social contract theory
If anyone could kindly explain this to me, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qe0j0/eli5_social_contract_theory/
{ "a_id": [ "cdby8tn" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Social Contract Theories tries to explain why people get together and form societies. They try to explain why a group of seperate people will give up some of their individual/personal freedom to gain benefits that can only be given to them by a l...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3ozl8u
why do human beings occasionally need "alone time" or solitude when other social animals like dogs never want to leave their packs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ozl8u/eli5_why_do_human_beings_occasionally_need_alone/
{ "a_id": [ "cw1t648", "cw1vbb9", "cw1zhcl" ], "score": [ 16, 5, 6 ], "text": [ "Because we are much more complicated than dogs. And because we have bred dogs who are particularly reliant on their owners in order to foster a strong relationship. If you're referring to wolves, and o...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7tway5
why do washing machines have glass windows whereas the dishwashers don’t?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7tway5/eli5_why_do_washing_machines_have_glass_windows/
{ "a_id": [ "dtfpv3h", "dtfukj8" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Washer machines has a load level, also, requires some supervision of the activity [i.e. Trying to open the door when water level is hight]. Dishwashers can't be \"overloaded\" neither visual inspection is needed.", "One ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
33iha3
cyclotron particle accelerator
I have to do a project on something with an electromagnet, so my partner and I chose a cyclotron. We're highschoolers, so we need to explain this to other highschoolers. Help?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33iha3/eli5_cyclotron_particle_accelerator/
{ "a_id": [ "cql8wza", "cqls477" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "A cyclotron is a particle accelerator. It's circular in shape, and contains two \"D\" shaped electrodes, back to back ([see diagram](_URL_0_)). \n\nA strong magnetic field passes normal to the circle. This magnetic field for...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclotron#/media/File:Cyclotron_patent.png" ], [ "http://www.cyberphysics.co.uk/topics/atomic/Accelerators/Cyclotron/cycfig.gif" ] ]
aopbl8
why is the tiananmen square massacre such a sensitive topic in china, to the point of records of the events being suppressed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aopbl8/eli5_why_is_the_tiananmen_square_massacre_such_a/
{ "a_id": [ "eg2li1y", "eg2mh16", "eg2nhoj" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "[\"Students linked arms but were mown down including soldiers. APCs then ran over bodies time and time again to make 'pie' and remains collected by bulldozer. Remains incinerated and then hosed down dra...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-42465516" ], [], [] ]
34ujws
why was the ps2 backwards compatible but no other system has been?
Couldnt we just do whatever we did in the ps2 in the ps4 or xbox 1?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34ujws/eli5why_was_the_ps2_backwards_compatible_but_no/
{ "a_id": [ "cqy6fr0", "cqy6g6u", "cqy6iwp", "cqy6kjr", "cqy6mhc", "cqybbyz" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because Sony thought that was important for marketing the PS2. \n\nBecause it turns out that it wasn't important enough to be worth the...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9bytv4
what’s the relation of black american culture and the barbershops as an important social space ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9bytv4/eli5_whats_the_relation_of_black_american_culture/
{ "a_id": [ "e56s458" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It is a space where black people can communicate freely.  Problems can be articulated and solutions discussed.  Narratives about events in society can be constucted.\nThe need for the barbershop is historical.  For much of world history, disadvan...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1zm5at
why is it taking so long to determine if e-cigarettes are better/worse/as bad for you as actual cigarettes?
I've Googled it but all I can find are pretty much opinions by some people saying they're worse and others saying they're better..
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zm5at/eli5_why_is_it_taking_so_long_to_determine_if/
{ "a_id": [ "cfuv72v", "cfuva2g" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "Because health effects can only be determined after a while; after all, normal cigarettes will not kill you instantly either but make you sick after some decades.", "It's known they are healthier than cigarettes. They c...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
37u6zo
why can we only focus on one part of an image
When we see an image our focus draws instantly onto a part of the image like a face but then blurs out the surroundings or you look at two people but when you focus on one the other person blurs out. What is that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37u6zo/eli5_why_can_we_only_focus_on_one_part_of_an_image/
{ "a_id": [ "crputuv", "crpuv58" ], "score": [ 9, 3 ], "text": [ "Your eyes have a spot right in the middle that has a lot more sensors than the rest of your eye. It's called the fovea. It's a little pit and that shape let's the eye pack even more light sensors right there than if it was ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fovea_centralis", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cone_cell" ] ]
4i3c3f
what is the point of those spam calls where the line immediately hangs up?
Like telemarketers will often try to get information from you or sell you something, but what about those callers that always immediately hang up? Do they get some type of information from the 1 second connection?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4i3c3f/eli5what_is_the_point_of_those_spam_calls_where/
{ "a_id": [ "d2up1sw", "d2up2zz" ], "score": [ 39, 5 ], "text": [ "They're using what's known as a predictive dialer. It dials numbers en masse and when it detects a live person on the line, it attempts to connect the line to an available operator. If no operator is available, the line han...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
d36suu
i'm new to flying, can someone explain how passports and boarding a new country work?
Never flown as a adult before. Also, do not have a passport. Can someone explain how they work, in basic terms? Do I buy a passport, fly, have the country stamp it which shown that I have permission to enter? What is a Visa?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d36suu/eli5_im_new_to_flying_can_someone_explain_how/
{ "a_id": [ "ezzn1vw", "ezzn6ng", "ezznbhg", "ezzo7w9" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "A passport is a form of identity that's internationally accepted and essentially gives authority to leave your own country.\n\nA Visa is authority to temporarily enter a country a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/how-to-apply.html" ], [ "https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/PDF-other/DS-160-Example_07292019.pdf" ] ]
1rix34
why can i still smell foul stuff from hours ago, yet i stop smelling pleasant things within minutes?
I smelled a container that had a rotten egg in it this morning to see what it smelled like. It smelled bad but the weird thing is that I still smell it some 8 hours later. This isn't the first time that I could still smell something hours or even days later. Why is this? It seems to be worse when I'm tired for some rea...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rix34/eli5_why_can_i_still_smell_foul_stuff_from_hours/
{ "a_id": [ "cdnvdde" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I was taught that it has to do with what your body perceives as a threat to health. So stuff that smells good and poses no threat will be ignored. The stuff that can be harmful, the body makes a continuous aversion." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3b1m83
can we plant seeds into deserts which then can turn deserts into having lots of trees and jungle like feel?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3b1m83/eli5can_we_plant_seeds_into_deserts_which_then/
{ "a_id": [ "cshzm34", "cshzse4" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "If you replaced all the soil in a desert and watered it, it would cease to be a desert, yes.\n\nDeserts spread by desertification - the soil dries out, and the silt and clay turn to a fine dust and are blown away, leaving on...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a388ae
how come our brain can remember the things that we were thinking about or doing during the day with ease, but when we are about to fall asleep it is so hard to remember what we were thinking about seconds before?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a388ae/eli5_how_come_our_brain_can_remember_the_things/
{ "a_id": [ "eb45mnd" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Maybe when you get your answer I will get mine as to why mine thoughts are the exact opposite. I can't remember anything all day long and the second I want to lay down and go to sleep I remember everything I have ever done I don't want to think a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aih6kp
1st and 2nd order mechanical/electrical systems
Studying engineering at the moment and having trouble grasping this concept. I understand that mass and Spring store energy and the Damper dissapates (mass is inductance, Spring is capacitance and Damper is resistance - I think) but I'm a bit lost on how to tell the difference between a 1st and 2nd order system
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aih6kp/eli5_1st_and_2nd_order_mechanicalelectrical/
{ "a_id": [ "eenp92x", "eenpnqb" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "So, you know how velocity is the derivative of position? That's a first-order equation. Most damping forces are found from velocity, making them first-order elements. A system with one of those is a first-order system.\n\nAc...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4vqjnu
how does drinking water coming into nyc not get dirty from the pipes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vqjnu/eli5_how_does_drinking_water_coming_into_nyc_not/
{ "a_id": [ "d60kyig", "d60l3d9", "d60mcz5", "d60msv3" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Why would the pipes be dirty?\n\nWater utility workers will occasionally open valves and hydrants to blow sediment out of the mains, but for the most part they stay pretty clean un...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
d85hzd
how are streetlights on highways that stretch for miles powered and how does the government ensure that it doesn't suddenly cut in the middle of the night?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d85hzd/eli5_how_are_streetlights_on_highways_that/
{ "a_id": [ "f17cug6" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "These days, street lights are usually powered from cables that run underground. trenches are dug and pipes laid while they are constructing the road, wires are pulled through them, and tapped in to by the street lights. If street lights are added...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2rbd4p
why do we have differing "strengths" of orgasms and what is it that makes them better/worse
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rbd4p/eli5_why_do_we_have_differing_strengths_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cnea6yy", "cneawp8", "cnefnzq", "cnej7tj", "cnejf0j", "cnek38u", "cneklpu", "cnen4vk", "cneo8di", "cnep909", "cnepp0u", "cnet33g", "cnet8re", "cneujce", "cneuk14" ], "score": [ 12, 398, 354, 73, 11, 17, 14, 3,...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5kegly
what is the economic importance of dairy?
So, I stumbled across an article about how someone in Congress thinks labeling Almond Milk, Soy Milk, Cashew Milk, etc. is wrong and making the dairy industry suffer. Their conclusion was that we should not allow them to be called "Milk". This made me wonder, "Why is it such an issue that milk sales fall?" Or "Why do...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5kegly/eli5_what_is_the_economic_importance_of_dairy/
{ "a_id": [ "dbnbr03" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Welcome to true politics. The milk industry has more money and has been around longer than the soy/almond milk industries and therefore can out lobby them in Washington." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1i7fq4
why did janet napolitano resign?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1i7fq4/eli5why_did_janet_napolitano_resign/
{ "a_id": [ "cb1qkre" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Because she got a job heading up the University of California system. Her salary probably quintupled. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8l53zg
do synthesizers have an infinite number of sounds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8l53zg/eli5_do_synthesizers_have_an_infinite_number_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dzcwcto" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "No. The tones created by a synthesizer are encoded with data. That data can have a stupidly big number of possible states, each of which correspond to a different synthesizer noise, but it is not infinite." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2mucx3
when i apply moisturizer to my skin, what is the 'moisture'?
If it's actually water, why doesn't water fix dry skin?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mucx3/eli5_when_i_apply_moisturizer_to_my_skin_what_is/
{ "a_id": [ "cm7o2rr" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ " > what is the 'moisture'?\n\ntypically it's replacing oily substances in your skin that's lost from soaps\n\n > why doesn't water fix dry skin?\n\nDry skin is skin that has lost much of it's natural oils for whatever reason. It becomes \"chap...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
63kot5
how does whatsapp's end-to-end-encryption work, and how do we know that it really is ecrypted all the way through?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/63kot5/eli5_how_does_whatsapps_endtoendencryption_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dfuv164", "dfuvs8g", "dfvfskg" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The way end-to-end encryption works (not only whatsapp's encryption but pretty much any end-to-end encryption algorithm) is the following: Every \"thing\" you want to encrypt (chat messages in this case...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://github.com/WhisperSystems", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signal_Protocol" ] ]
4lwmr9
how classical music can be so complex and engaging, but also serve as perfect study music that isn't distracting
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lwmr9/eli5_how_classical_music_can_be_so_complex_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d3re0h5", "d3qru5w", "d3r0xzh", "d3r276k" ], "score": [ 2, 14, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Im suprised nobody has mentioned baroque music. The idea is that it assists you in focusing. Something about this type of music assists you. Perhaps look into it OP", "All of ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3845co
how is it that public servants who vow to protect and uphold the constitution are allowed to get away with doing the exact opposite?
I'm thinking specifically of the 4th Amendment, which has been systematically chipped away at by the Department of Justice and others.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3845co/eli5_how_is_it_that_public_servants_who_vow_to/
{ "a_id": [ "crs45au" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Because, in the end, it doesn't matter what *you* think is a violation, it matters what the courts think.\n\nThere are more than a few areas that people believe is their own private business where both statutory and case law disagree." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
a2cvi8
i was watching the steam from my boiler leave the pipe outside my apartment and wondered why they don’t attach some turbine to capture all that steam energy
Why can’t I use that steam to power my apartment, just a little bit? Or at the very least, use the power to make the boiler use less electricity. What else could the steam be used for? Additional info, the boiler uses both gas and electric to make hot water for the kitchen sink and for the central heating in the apar...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a2cvi8/eli5_i_was_watching_the_steam_from_my_boiler/
{ "a_id": [ "eax22m1", "eax28qt", "eax3f6p", "eax6a71" ], "score": [ 11, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It’s not very much energy to recover. Steam power works on backpressure, like when it comes out of a tea kettle spout. Holding back the steam makes it hotter and more humid inside...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_recovery_ventilation", "http://renewability.com/" ] ]
4jc6o5
how is macroevolution advantageous to a species?
I understand how microevolution is advantageous due to a species being able to adapt to the environment much more easily, but I don't understand how macro works. So the only advantage is that it stops a species from evolving?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jc6o5/eli5_how_is_macroevolution_advantageous_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d35ejwc", "d35ekxi", "d35f3db" ], "score": [ 9, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Macro-evolution (if you wanna use the term) is just the accumulation of all those small changes and adaptations across a long timeline. ", "Macroevolution is just the name for what happens when you ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_transmissible_venereal_tumor" ], [ "https://twitter.com/richarddawkins/status/670868700787056640", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macroevolution#Misuse" ] ]
2huoyy
what percentage of the worlds trees would we have to lose before we started having breathing problems?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2huoyy/eli5_what_percentage_of_the_worlds_trees_would_we/
{ "a_id": [ "ckw6w2v" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "I'm no scientist. But I'm pretty sure trees actually produce very little percentage of the air we breathe. I think most is from algae and similar things like that. " ] }
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[ [] ]
2cw820
the pros and cons of an independent scotland using a) the pound b) the euro c) a new currency
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cw820/eli5_the_pros_and_cons_of_an_independent_scotland/
{ "a_id": [ "cjjmk46" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "**Pound**\n\nPros: Scotland doesn't have to deal with making a new currency.\n\nCons: Scotland's monetary policy is *completely* beyond its own control, and those that do control the currency (England) are not going to be terribly sympathetic. Al...
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30hwuz
if recording artists are not selling music because everybody steals it, how do they afford multi-million dollars mansions and private jets?
Just curious. We are constantly hit with this barrage of claims about how the recording industry is being wiped-out by theft. Yet, Gulfstream and Bentley seem to be selling tons of their products to these same broke-ass singers. Are they making 10's of millions per year just doing concerts and selling t-shirts?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30hwuz/eli5_if_recording_artists_are_not_selling_music/
{ "a_id": [ "cpska38", "cpskvda", "cpsrda4", "cpsxt00", "cpszrhi" ], "score": [ 35, 9, 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Artists have rarely made money from record sales themselves. That money has almost always gone to the record companies. Recording contracts are structured ...
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[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af0wXeN6_FY" ], [], [] ]
56jmlf
why is it that when you close you're eyes you can imagine, but in a room void of light it's harder to?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56jmlf/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_you_close_youre_eyes_you/
{ "a_id": [ "d8k2uer" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Because your eyes are still trying to focus on something. If you try to imagine the image of a lion let's say, you can do so while staring off into space because you're brain isn't focusing on what you're seeing. If you close your eyes the same i...
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42qrsj
why are the motors used in kitchen blenders still so noisy in an age when you can barely hear an electric car?
EDIT: wow front page...thanks! EDIT: so a few things I've learnt. 1) Everyone would like a quieter blender 2) there are some very expensive blenders 3) the noise appears to be caused by the much higher RPM of around 20,000 compared to comparable much quieter appliances 4) the need for torque also increases the noise 5)...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42qrsj/eli5_why_are_the_motors_used_in_kitchen_blenders/
{ "a_id": [ "czcd8il", "czcdqxb", "czcfy39", "czchsxq", "czchzmm", "czcikbw", "czcl8r1", "czcl91v", "czcla36", "czcld12", "czclfqu", "czclpqn", "czclqeu", "czclvf3", "czcmhne", "czcng72", "czcnphh", "czco5ep", "czcpegc", "czcsg9d", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/blenders.htm" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "Www.YouTube.Com/watch?v=M34Ctws_7Og" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://image.streetrodderwe...
3d7j7z
why people still think that the physical act of printing money is the same as creating wealth?
How does the concept of it being a physical representation of credit within our banking system miss so many people? And why does it seem to miss people who are obsessed with monetary stability?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d7j7z/eli5_why_people_still_think_that_the_physical_act/
{ "a_id": [ "ct2iu8d" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Well, society puts a huge focus on actual paper bills being worth something, so if you don't understand the economics behind it, it seems obvious that more bills = more value." ] }
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85cupl
why are signed contracts admissible in court when signatures can easily be faked/manipulated?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/85cupl/eli5_why_are_signed_contracts_admissible_in_court/
{ "a_id": [ "dvwg01o", "dvwg2lf", "dvwg5kj" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Because they CAN\"T easily be faked/manipulated. That's the whole point. If someone screws with the paper, it will leave signs. And forging a signature is not nearly as easy as you think. Any expert on ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
ewczx0
why are my fingers, when my hand is laying relaxed with its knuckles on a surface, not straight but curled up?
Is this also when you're asleep or dead? Why is it like this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ewczx0/eli5_why_are_my_fingers_when_my_hand_is_laying/
{ "a_id": [ "fg169n7", "fg1fn8z" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "your finger is moved by two sets of muscles that act opposite to each other, one set extends your finger while the other folds it\n\nusually those muscles are in balance, so it is sort of a middle ground, half curled\n\nsame...
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[ [], [] ]
2imv0u
why do we have to pay to convert money between currencies in online purchases?
Why can't the servers just take my 10 USD and convert that into whatever amount of any other currency it's equal to?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2imv0u/eli5_why_do_we_have_to_pay_to_convert_money/
{ "a_id": [ "cl3jjuz" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Because you can't convert currencies, only sell it. If I want 10 USD and all I have is CAD I need to find someone to sell me 10 USD. It's not worth their time to give me what it's worth, they need something to make it worth their time and effort....
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2zq1qs
how did "ass" become an adjective? i.e. "that's a big ass pimple" or "that's fly ass ride"
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zq1qs/eli5how_did_ass_become_an_adjective_ie_thats_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cpl8mpj", "cpla87n", "cplbri6", "cplen8a" ], "score": [ 3, 45, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It possibly is a derivation (through shortening and rearranging) of the phrase \"noun is adjective as blank,\" as in \"that ride is fly as fuck\" or \"that Russian is strong as an...
[]
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[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intensifier", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expletive_attributive" ], [], [] ]
8q62a8
what exactly is cerebral palsy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8q62a8/eli5_what_exactly_is_cerebral_palsy/
{ "a_id": [ "e0gre9a" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that are discovered at young age and lasts for life. It is caused by an underdevelopment or damage to the part of the brain that control movements, balance, and posture.\n\nPeople with Cerebral Palsy may ha...
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3tapp3
in movie credits, why are some names coupled with the word "and" while others get ampersands?
[Topical visual example.](_URL_0_) Why are the first two names joined by an ampersand but the word **AND** separates the other names? Why wouldn't it be one or the other the whole way through the credits?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tapp3/eli5_in_movie_credits_why_are_some_names_coupled/
{ "a_id": [ "cx4j9i3", "cx4xc07" ], "score": [ 28, 8 ], "text": [ "Usually, ampersands are intended to join two things that worked as one unit; the word \"and\" is to join units. In your example, the team of Justin Theroux and Ben Stiller worked with Nick Stoller and John Hamburg to write ...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/pvb0bpu.png" ]
[ [], [] ]
asd24n
gold leaf. how do you get real gold so thin
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/asd24n/eli5_gold_leaf_how_do_you_get_real_gold_so_thin/
{ "a_id": [ "egtdjji", "egtdqml", "egteiku", "egtenb3" ], "score": [ 7, 9, 15, 6 ], "text": [ "Ever play with play doh and roll it out real thin? Basically the same principle!", "The traditional technique involves pounding the foils out in a stack, interleaved with parc...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
4x2n79
at the risk of sounding really ignorant, is is homosexuality gender dysphoria?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4x2n79/eli5at_the_risk_of_sounding_really_ignorant_is_is/
{ "a_id": [ "d6bwcp6", "d6bwda8", "d6bwh18", "d6bx0iu", "d6c8z8w" ], "score": [ 5, 8, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Not necessarily.\n\nHomosexuality is a preference for your partner's gender. Gender dysphoria is a perceived inconsistency with your current gender hardware....
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_inversion_%28sexology%29" ] ]
erjobx
after spilling a liquid or mopping/steam cleaning, how does blowing a fan on the damp area speed up the drying process?
I know about basic evaporation of water into the air, is it the same concept if the liquid is not water? I was under the impression that heat was what sped up evaporation, not increased airflow.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/erjobx/eli5_after_spilling_a_liquid_or_moppingsteam/
{ "a_id": [ "ff4438y", "ff44ax9" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Air absorbs moisture from objects based on the moisture level of the object, and the moisture level of the air. The more moist the air is, the slower it pulls in moisture from other objects.\n\nWhen you run a fan over it, yo...
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[ [], [] ]
dyb2xd
how do stenographers catch every word in court?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dyb2xd/eli5_how_do_stenographers_catch_every_word_in/
{ "a_id": [ "f7zyqaq", "f7zyseh", "f7zzhk8", "f807imp", "f80i9fp", "f80ub6u", "f80wnv0", "f80wp46", "f817et0", "f81alh3" ], "score": [ 225, 5, 49, 28, 309, 16, 2, 5, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "They have special keyboards and a shortha...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stenotype" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
l6067
how do you buy a house?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l6067/eli5_how_do_you_buy_a_house/
{ "a_id": [ "c2q31wm", "c2q31wm" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "Find house that has been foreclosed on. remove for sale sign. move in.", "Find house that has been foreclosed on. remove for sale sign. move in." ] }
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[ [], [] ]
3zi0n3
why do people sometimes make odd noises after they misspeak in order to re-attempt speaking and why does it so often work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zi0n3/eli5_why_do_people_sometimes_make_odd_noises/
{ "a_id": [ "cymbjh3", "cymf3sy", "cymot7h" ], "score": [ 13, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "Short answer, recalibration.\n\nYou kinda try to reset. Do various noises to check your voice, see if they came out ok then try again.", "Its to draw attention to the fact that they're aware they ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
3g27qf
if all people openly know that most our top leaders are corrupt, why don't we just get rid of them and get new ones?
Every day you hear someone widely making a comment about the corrupt Government officials just making all the money and leaving the rest of us like crap, and we just accept it. With this information being so open, why don't we do something about it? In every country this is true. It's even the butt of most jokes that ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g27qf/eli5_if_all_people_openly_know_that_most_our_top/
{ "a_id": [ "ctu5caj", "ctu6i1p", "ctu6oyz", "ctu7665", "ctu8k5t", "ctucwnr", "ctuczsz" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 3, 11, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a combination of people knowing that the new guy probably won't be much different and just plain not caring ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2013/04/25/the-disturbing-link-between-psychopathy-and-leadership/" ], [] ]
4fh50x
how do people make money off buying and selling currency?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4fh50x/eli5_how_do_people_make_money_off_buying_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d28qou1", "d28qv45" ], "score": [ 14, 2 ], "text": [ "It works fairly similar to stocks. Lots of currencies fluctuate in value with respect to the US dollar. And just like stocks, you'll buy it at a low value and hope it's value increases. Using the Euro as an example, back...
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[ [], [] ]
9piggq
how is deleting old emails good for the environment?
Edit: _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9piggq/eli5_how_is_deleting_old_emails_good_for_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e81y6r3", "e820gak", "e822mwt" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "I'm not sure that it is, particularly. In theory, deleting old emails frees up space on the server or the PC, so maybe the computers won't need to be upgraded so often if everyone keeps deleting old me...
[]
[ "https://en.reset.org/blog/save-planet-clean-your-inbox-12242015" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
8d4hsx
when the air is humid and sticky, it feels heavy and makes you feel tired and sleepy. why is this the case?
In most cases, I even start to feel physically weak and unable to think properly. Sometimes even constipated too
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8d4hsx/eli5_when_the_air_is_humid_and_sticky_it_feels/
{ "a_id": [ "dxkch2b", "dxkepd8" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "When the air is warm and the humidity is high, your sweat will have a harder time evaporating. Evaporation is a cooling process (heat from your body is transferred to the water to make the phase change). With less evaporat...
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[ [], [] ]
5wli7x
it is possible for music to have any drug like effects on the body?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5wli7x/eli5_it_is_possible_for_music_to_have_any_drug/
{ "a_id": [ "deb0v9i" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Henry Rollins says it does. He says something about how he tried drugs, he hated it, but music was so much better for him. \"Why should I do drugs when music can give me the same effect but without risks?\"\n\nI'm inclined to agree. There are som...
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