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qh1zi
why are most asian people unable to handle alcohol?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qh1zi/eli5_why_are_most_asian_people_unable_to_handle/
{ "a_id": [ "c3xjoh7", "c3xjoy1", "c3xjphy", "c3xjuj6", "c3xkk0m" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 14, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "They lack an enzyme for breaking alcohol molecules apart", "What are you to referring to specifically? The \"asian glow\" or alcohol tolerance?", "Wh...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
8cc7j4
when you take pain medicine, how does your body know where the medicine should be applied? specifically for targeted pain or inflammation.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8cc7j4/eli5_when_you_take_pain_medicine_how_does_your/
{ "a_id": [ "dxds7de", "dxdscg4" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "To be blunt, it doesnt. Pain medications that target specific areas are snake oil, a marketing trick to make people buy the same stuff multiple times over thinking its different. Its only real benefit over the \"all purpose\...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2o37b4
what are corporate subsidies?
What are they? Where exactly does the money we give corporate subsidies go? I've been on google for like 30 minutes trying to figure it out and I can't find a straight-forward explanation. I can't even seem to find a clear explanation for why people are for or against them.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o37b4/eli5_what_are_corporate_subsidies/
{ "a_id": [ "cmjb3aw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Subsidizing is when someone pays for something on behalf of someone else. If you want to go to the movies and your friend doesn't want to spend the money to go but you pay for them you have subsidized their movie ticket. Your parents can subsidiz...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
22fj1h
why do teeth need to have sensory functions? what evolutionary purpose does that ability have?
Why wouldn't teeth have evolved to be a simple extension of the jaw made of bone rather than their anatomical makeup now? I feel like it's a disadvantage to be able to lose teeth and develop different dental issues like nerve damage.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22fj1h/eli5_why_do_teeth_need_to_have_sensory_functions/
{ "a_id": [ "cgmb5nc", "cgmb7o2", "cgmb9e1" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If you bite a metal bar you can tell it's too tough to chew. Without nerves you wouldn't be able to tell and would end up breaking your teeth", "Pain is actually a good thing, which is why it was on...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2gk3nj
in a non gay marrying state, if a married woman changed gender to a man would the marriage be nullified
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gk3nj/eli5_in_a_non_gay_marrying_state_if_a_married/
{ "a_id": [ "ckjtutv", "ckjtvjg", "ckjw14a" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Gender is how you identify. Sex is your anatomy, specifically your chromosomal sex or your sex organs. I believe you may be talking about sex change.\n\nAnd yes, the marriage *could* be nullified. Some ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1ivgko
what does radiation do to organic beings, and is it possible to evolve resistance to radiation?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ivgko/eli5_what_does_radiation_do_to_organic_beings_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cb8ffnw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It depends on the kind of radiation. What we call radioactive radiation basically consists of 3 kinds of radiation.\n\nAlpha rays: Relatively big charged particles with a positive electrical charge. The particles have a lot of mass and a lot of c...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
58qgb4
how do shotgun shells keep pressure?
How do shotgun shells fire multiple projectiles? What keeps the pressure from slipping through the gaps in projectiles and making a very weak blast?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/58qgb4/eli5_how_do_shotgun_shells_keep_pressure/
{ "a_id": [ "d92gvmz", "d92h2nn" ], "score": [ 5, 9 ], "text": [ "There's usually a thing called a shot cup that holds the pellets together. Its not really a full cup but it provides a sort of piston that makes a seal with the barrel and pushes the shot out.", "This cut away image will...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://possibleshop.com/s-s-wads-shotgun.html", "https://cdn.instructables.com/FIX/CRKY/I0R0YJ52/FIXCRKYI0R0YJ52.MEDIUM.jpg" ] ]
facgfm
even after having a huge r & d and workforce, why luxury car makers cannot make cars that are as reliable as toyota corolla?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/facgfm/eli5_even_after_having_a_huge_r_d_and_workforce/
{ "a_id": [ "fix4ii1", "fix4k5v", "fix7o8f", "fix8jb7", "fixa1ab", "fixafrp", "fixaxfj" ], "score": [ 17, 76, 24, 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Reliability is not commercially beneficial to the car makers. There has been a shift, from selling a car at a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5sf7xr
why we require license for alcohol but not for cigarettes (when in fact the latter has same bad effects)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5sf7xr/eli5_why_we_require_license_for_alcohol_but_not/
{ "a_id": [ "ddekg1u", "ddekii6", "ddekuj5", "ddemdjs" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Cigarettes certainly do not have the same bad effects alcohol does, though yes neither is good for your health.\n\nWhen a store, bar or restaurant starts selling liquor, it increas...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.illinois.gov/ilcc/Education/Pages/Cigarette-and-Tobacco-Retailer-License.aspx" ], [], [] ]
2fcko4
why is 1 written as 1 and 2 as 2 etc. when was it 'made'. in short: why do we write them they way we do.
Hey guys, I hope som1 can answer the title as an ELI5 answer :). So in short, my question is: why is 1 written as 1 2 written as 2 etc up untill 9. I found this video: _URL_0_ however im not sure if this is true. I think there is a way more complex thing behind than counting the angels.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fcko4/eli5why_is_1_written_as_1_and_2_as_2_etc_when_was/
{ "a_id": [ "ck7xovi", "ck7ycpb" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The evolution of numbers has changed throughout the beginning. As time and languages evolved, so did letters and numbers. This picture illustrates just how that could be. There are many different theories on how we came up w...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPPAgcImJ3c" ]
[ [ "http://www.mallstuffs.com/Blogs/BlogImages/ScienceinHinduism-PlacevalueandDecimalnumbersystem4.png" ], [ "http://goo.gl/UuXXue" ] ]
8u7s00
why do companies sometimes omit languages from their physical dvd/blu-ray releases?
As a European I'll often be checking out for the local regional release of a given TV-show/Movie and find that, even though I know a subtitled or dubbed version in my (and several other) languages exists, the DVD release only has "the big three" English/French/German releases on there. Why the omissions?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8u7s00/eli5_why_do_companies_sometimes_omit_languages/
{ "a_id": [ "e1d91gw" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "There's only so much room on a DVD, and you want your local regional release to make the most of that space.\n\nSome marketing person probably looked at the box-office sales for the movie when it was in theatres and saw that it did well in the UK...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
78iouj
is there a benefit to humans growing so slowly compared to other animals?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/78iouj/eli5is_there_a_benefit_to_humans_growing_so/
{ "a_id": [ "dou57ub", "douf86s", "dov7uog", "dovaa7c" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There is no benefit to us growing so slowly. Rather us growing so slowly is a side-effect of other traits (mainly walking upright and our big smart brains) that are a benefit and w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
23wqtu
why are cities that live near oceans reported as running out of drinking water?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23wqtu/eli5_why_are_cities_that_live_near_oceans/
{ "a_id": [ "ch1awux" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You cannot drink ocean water. The concentration of salt in it is greater than that in your blood and you actually *lose* water from drinking it, leading to kidney failure and other issues. Barring sources of fresh water like rainfall, many coasta...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3i24ot
why all semi-trucks look relatively the same. surely there are other practical designs (just like all the types of cars)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i24ot/eli5_why_all_semitrucks_look_relatively_the_same/
{ "a_id": [ "cucmuxf", "cucmylu", "cucnwy3", "cucooyu", "cucquoa", "cuctckx" ], "score": [ 33, 26, 4, 6, 9, 3 ], "text": [ "Personal cars have to fit a fickle consumer market, just like fashion. Semi-trucks just have to get the job done as reliably and effic...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://media.liveauctiongroup.net/i/7702/9357476_1.jpg?v=8CC9AFDD09BC470", "http://www.bellinghamauction.com/photoalbum/2012auctions/9sep12album/sep12photoalbum/1985VolvoSemi.JPG", "http://www2.gpmd.com/imagel/m/lmoes1301.jpg", "http://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2013...
5lqeto
why is forming chords on guitar different from other instruments, and how does it work?
Why exactly are the first/third/fifth notes in a scale used to form a chord repeated on guitar? For example, one would use c-e-g-c-e-g on a c chord on guitar when a c chord is just c-e-g. How do you know which exact notes to use (ie use this c on this string instead of that c on the other string)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5lqeto/eli5_why_is_forming_chords_on_guitar_different/
{ "a_id": [ "dbxosjn", "dbxq9wz" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It depends on voicing. The simplest guitar chords are all different voicing-wise, because it's all about the difficulty of the chord's geographic dexterity.\n\n\nFor example, on guitar: G Major is root, 3rd, 5th, root, 3rd,...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
45j7eq
the comparison, to help me understand, the difference between werhmacht, ss soldiers, and regular german army during wwii and what their american counterparts would be?
From my understanding the Wehrmacht is like our Green Berets, the SS like our CIA/FBI, and the Regular German Army is like our US Army. Not sure if this is correct but I would love to know :)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45j7eq/eli5_the_comparison_to_help_me_understand_the/
{ "a_id": [ "czya3be", "czya4ga", "czybaq4" ], "score": [ 24, 7, 5 ], "text": [ "* Wehrmacht - Literally translates to \"Defense Force.\" It was the unified armed forces of Germany. It included the Heer (army), Kreigsmarine (navy), and Luftwaffe (air force).\n\n* Schutzstaffel (SS)...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
dcdqrn
how does color on a computer screen work? i always thought that color was a way that light reflects on different materials/objects. how does this work on a tv/computer screen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dcdqrn/eli5_how_does_color_on_a_computer_screen_work_i/
{ "a_id": [ "f27igcj", "f27iqi4", "f27ix6p", "f27kzfv", "f27mmmw", "f28wou9" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2, 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They only use blue, green, and red. The saturation or amount of each, tricks your brain into thinking it is a particular color outside o...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://web.stanford.edu/class/cs101/image-rgb-explorer.html" ] ]
2bsmyg
why can't i ever think of anything to say during small talk?
I'm not particularly shy or anything, but when forced to speak to someone I don't know my mind goes blank.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bsmyg/eli5_why_cant_i_ever_think_of_anything_to_say/
{ "a_id": [ "cj8hsnr", "cj8i909" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Ask questions of the person or people you are talking to. People love to talk about themselves.", "A few basic things are talking about whatever situation you are both in.\n\nA good simple framework is this:\n\n**One. L...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2r8cz2
how does your cell phone know to automatically switch from cell data to wifi data when you arrive home?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2r8cz2/eli5_how_does_your_cell_phone_know_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cnddv8h", "cnde05h" ], "score": [ 14, 2 ], "text": [ "the wifi radio is constantly on and checking if it can connect to a wifi hotspot. \n\nif you turn off the wifi radio, your phone wouldn't know to switch", "If you have the wi-fi turned on on your phone, your phone is...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1hurwq
the pentagon papers and the history surrounding them.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hurwq/eli5_the_pentagon_papers_and_the_history/
{ "a_id": [ "cay4mtp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Back then we had a war in Vietnam known as well... the Vietnam War. One man called Mr. Robert McNamara who was our Secretary of Defence created the \"Pentagon Papers\" which were an encyclopedic history of the Vietnam War because he wanted to lea...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5qcaxv
what is the u.s. state department? what does it do? why is it such a big deal that it's senior members just resigned?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5qcaxv/eli5_what_is_the_us_state_department_what_does_it/
{ "a_id": [ "dcy286x", "dcy3d0k" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The state department is one of the oldest parts of the federal government. It is responsible for conducting the foreign affairs work of the United states, which covers everything from big time negotiations over war and peace...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4jve01
why does the fuel gauge seem to drop faster when the tank is only quarter full?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jve01/eli5why_does_the_fuel_gauge_seem_to_drop_faster/
{ "a_id": [ "d39xjgz", "d39y6ce" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "It's dictated by the shape of the fuel tank. Most are tapered, so that the bottom holds less than the top. It's not your imagination.", "The gas gauge works the same way as the water tank in the toilet. There's a float...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6rct7x
why do we need to be in a state of sleep to feel rested?
Why are we not be able to relax and do nothing for 8 hours to get that same rest? What does the actual physical action of sleeping do that helps compared to just "resting" for 8 hours?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6rct7x/eli5_why_do_we_need_to_be_in_a_state_of_sleep_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dl41nxv", "dl48wa3", "dl4z05f" ], "score": [ 75, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Think of our minds as an oven.\n\nWhen we are awake, the oven is turned on and is used for baking. However, splatters and drips from baking will accumulate throughout the day. Even though we are relaxi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://pavelfatin.com/images/sleeptracker/sleeptracker-pro-sleep-cycle-large.gif" ] ]
1xlotx
how does a criminal escape prosecution if they commit a crime in the usa, then escape to mexico?
It's always depicted in films, but I never understood how they escape prosecution all together.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xlotx/eli5_how_does_a_criminal_escape_prosecution_if/
{ "a_id": [ "cfcgmga", "cfcgnjv", "cfcgzzi" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 8 ], "text": [ "Because contrary to many American's belief the laws of the US don't follow you around the world. If someone leaves the US and the US wants them back then the US needs to convince the government and/or ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.mcnabbassociates.com/Mexico%20International%20Extradition%20Treaty%20with%20the%20United%20States.pdf" ] ]
4otfyi
how a company can trademark a single word and prevent the word being used in anything?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4otfyi/eli5_how_a_company_can_trademark_a_single_word/
{ "a_id": [ "d4fdyu1", "d4fe5ew" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Trademarks are not that broad. They can only prevent a word from being used in a similar product line close enough to the original to cause confusion. So the \"Sky TV\" trademark going against \"No Man's Sky\" videogame is n...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
efq1gg
the torque number on the car
Everytime I see car ads they talk about horsepower and torque. I get horsepower being how fast a car is but what is the torque and why does it matter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/efq1gg/eli5_the_torque_number_on_the_car/
{ "a_id": [ "fc1vr8t", "fc24r26", "fc26u96" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Torque measures the foot-lbs of force that the engine is capable of applying to the front of the transmission. How hard the engine can turn the drive shaft. \n\nHP describes the duration of time ove...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1y25f4
why doesn't honey go off? on a documentary i watched they said that tutankhamun was buried with a jar of honey 2000 years old and it was still perfectly edible.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1y25f4/eli5_why_doesnt_honey_go_off_on_a_documentary_i/
{ "a_id": [ "cfgo7vy", "cfgp5s2", "cfgsmy6", "cfgsr4d", "cfgsu9z", "cfgva9w", "cfgxrca", "cfgy2it", "cfgz1my", "cfh7w2t" ], "score": [ 61, 68, 20, 6, 29, 7, 2, 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Honey that is not exposed to too much moistu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5upl74
why can humans digest a whole variety of plants, but not grass?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5upl74/eli5_why_can_humans_digest_a_whole_variety_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ddvv4rv", "ddvw8o4" ], "score": [ 36, 3 ], "text": [ "Humans actually can't digest a wide variety of plants. Our stomachs cannot break down cellulose, which means that there is no plant we can truly digest. The edible ones are just plants that we happen to be able to get nutri...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1oz82p
why are there still people living without fresh water?
Can't we use the airplanes that we built as a species for travel and build massive pipelines to transport water to these places? Or use vehicles to dig giant reservoirs to catch rainwater? I grew up in a developed country, and I know how the world works for the most part, but it has always seemed like a gross violat...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oz82p/eli5_why_are_there_still_people_living_without/
{ "a_id": [ "ccx3lye", "ccx3yua", "ccx4jin" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The issue isn't that people have no water, but that people don't have access to potable water that's safe to drink, and more usual that people don't have access to water to irrigate their land.\n\nIn mo...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010–13_Haiti_cholera_outbreak" ], [], [ "http://www.aquafornia.com/index.php/where-does-southern-californias-water-come-from/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogallala_Aquifer", "http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/basicinfo.html", "http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Pub...
fp1oh6
how does a good immune system keep you healthy?
I know that stuff like mucus and skin can keep germs physically away from the body, but why does a good immune system keep you healthy? Can a strong immune system make it so that you might not even feel symptoms of a disease in the first place, or is it just a matter of recovery and fighting off the illness?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fp1oh6/eli5_how_does_a_good_immune_system_keep_you/
{ "a_id": [ "fliiva0", "flij3ud", "fliljsv", "flim26o" ], "score": [ 2, 12, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "Disease symptoms are usually your body's way of fighting the pathogen (raising temperature to make your body a not hospitable environment, inflammation means cells are rushing to...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSypUV6QUNw", "https://youtube.com/watch?v=zQGOcOUBi6s" ], [], [] ]
9ivize
are thyroid problems a legitimate “excuse” to being overweight or is this just used by people who are uneducated on diet and exercise?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ivize/eli5_are_thyroid_problems_a_legitimate_excuse_to/
{ "a_id": [ "e6mp7gf", "e6mpmsk", "e6mq8yw", "e6mqowi" ], "score": [ 7, 10, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "yes, legit.\n\ni was 20 and fat as fuck. rode a bike to my classes, ate salads and walked a shit ton.\n\nwent to a doc, he was like WHOA DUDE, YOUR SHIT IS SO NONFUNCTIONING THAT ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2bia6j
why does ukraine not take over the malaysia flight 17 crash site from the rebels?
I understand Russia taking Crimea and not wanting to start a war against their forces, but what about the crash site?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bia6j/eli5_why_does_ukraine_not_take_over_the_malaysia/
{ "a_id": [ "cj5luad", "cj5o7fx" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "If Ukraine had the ability to walk into an area and force the rebels to bend to their will, then they wouldn't be in the war that they currently find themselves in.", "Rebels have big guns too. And they're already there...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
96ihc8
what causes cgi to look so markedly artificial?
I watched Black Panther and The Greatest Showman recently. The rhinos and elephants in each movie were shown only briefly, but they drew my eyes every time to their ridiculously unlifelike movements and textures. It’s 2018--In anime, movies, and TV, what is stoppling us from getting this perfect?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/96ihc8/eli5_what_causes_cgi_to_look_so_markedly/
{ "a_id": [ "e40oeap", "e40oedn", "e40oj8k", "e40oks5", "e40sk3y" ], "score": [ 7, 25, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "CGI of organic objects is difficult. The texture of the skin and hair is very detailed and difficult to get just right. Hair needs to be chaotic but not to...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
mwrm1
the uk sanctions on iran. the iranian attack on the british embassy
can somebody explain the UK sanctions on Iran, and The Iranian attack on the British Embassy?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mwrm1/eli5_the_uk_sanctions_on_iran_the_iranian_attack/
{ "a_id": [ "c34ilm9", "c34ilm9" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Well the UK is sanctioning Iran because pretty much everyone is due to the fact that they are pushing forward with a nuclear program which they say is for domestic energy but everyone else thinks is for developing nuclear we...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
ozfyv
communism is supposed to create a "classless utopia" but how come most communist countries are terrible places to live?
Places like the former USSR, North Korea, China, Cuba, North Korea, etc. are for the most part, are oppressive societies with power and wealth concentrated in the hands of a few. Communist philosophy, from what I understand, talks a lot about the excesses and greed associated with capitalism. Yet these "communist" coun...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ozfyv/eli5_communism_is_supposed_to_create_a_classless/
{ "a_id": [ "c3l9qdr", "c3l9uuq", "c3l9w3r", "c3la1mp", "c3la4gt", "c3laas3", "c3lag4n", "c3lag9b", "c3lagdn", "c3lb50b", "c3lbev9", "c3lbk70", "c3lbkpt", "c3lbv5t", "c3lbyhg", "c3lc0yu", "c3lc9xj", "c3lcgto", "c3lcnpn", "c3lcpvm", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_capitalism" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.steel.org/en/About%20AISI/Statistics/Market%20Applications%20in%20Steel.aspx" ], [], [ "http://s3-ak.buzzfed.com/static/imagebuzz/terminal05/2012/1/11/14/bad-joke-eel-go-wit...
2rmmx8
if most muslims disagree with the actions of violent fundamentalist extremists, why isn't there a stronger reaction against it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rmmx8/eli5_if_most_muslims_disagree_with_the_actions_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cnh8tud", "cnh8udo", "cnh923q", "cnh93j3", "cnh97co", "cnh9dsr", "cnh9ojl", "cnh9qlc", "cnh9qqp", "cnh9x8b", "cnhdg82", "cnhdgvp", "cnhecgf", "cnhei4c", "cnhewv5", "cnhf0e9", "cnhf72e", "cnhfhln", "cnhfpqg", "cnhg4lw", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2014/08/muslims-condemn-isis.html", "http://o.canada.com/news/muslim-canadian-community-denounces-violence-braces-for-backlash-533632", "https://www.journalism.co.uk/press-releases/uk-event-to-see-30-000-muslims-deno...
94vp80
why do some apps require fb to login when that just turns away potential users who avoid that platform?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/94vp80/eli5_why_do_some_apps_require_fb_to_login_when/
{ "a_id": [ "e3o424b" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Rather than worry about hackers, who tend to be one step ahead of programmers, smaller publishers, or those who don’t think they can keep up with changing security processes, use Facebook or Google to login users. This pushes the onus for having ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3619hl
why did the earliest settlers decide to breed and form communities in third world countries where land is infertile and water is rare?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3619hl/eli5_why_did_the_earliest_settlers_decide_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cr9s01f", "cr9si44" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Uh...they didn't. The first civilizations were in the Fertile Crescent in Mesopotamia, and along the Nile in Egypt. Both extremely fertile lands.", "One day Papa Settler was walking along and he spotted a river, so he we...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
pcxor
what geological transition allowed for the oceans to form?
I'm reading in my Introduction to Geology textbook that Oceanic crust is about 180 million years old, whereas Continental crust is 4 billion years old. It also says that Oceanic crust is much thinner. What made that transition? Why is it so much thinner and newer?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pcxor/what_geological_transition_allowed_for_the_oceans/
{ "a_id": [ "c3oe0aq" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Oceanic crust is generally basalt, which is denser than the majority of continental crust (I forget the exact numbers, sorry). Once oceans get sufficiently wide, the cooler, denser edges \"break\" and start to subduct under the lighter, more buoy...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
68972m
the business model behind those handwritten signs on the side of the road that offer to pay cash for your house. are they as much of a scam as they seem?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68972m/eli5_the_business_model_behind_those_handwritten/
{ "a_id": [ "dgwp29j", "dgwp504" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Since they offer \"cash\", they are seeking people who want to sell fast and easily. Their plan is to offer far below market value, so they can resell and make a nice profit. It's possible once they show up at your door th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1tv5yi
what is the healthcare system like in countries like america, canada, sweeden, denmark, austrailia, etc? and how does obamacare compare?
Living in America, our healthcare system is (from what I've read about) is vastly different from other countries (in the sense where it is strictly a ploy for money). Can somebody explain the similarities/differences? Why can't America have more affordable healthcare, especially when other countries have more affordabl...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tv5yi/what_is_the_healthcare_system_like_in_countries/
{ "a_id": [ "cebr1k7", "cebsmxk", "cebszsb", "cebt44p", "cebtctv", "cebte27", "cebto7h", "cebtq5a", "cebtykl", "cebtz31", "cebu0up", "cebujv5", "cebxktp", "cebxugi", "cebz2k7", "cebzjcm", "cec09es", "cec1ox2" ], "score": [ 45, 26, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
cycxwv
- the voice giving directions on gps - how do they create it ?
ELI5 - My son and I have just driven back from south of France to Switzerland (we are English) and were chuckling about how ‘Emily’ (English voice) pronounces the Italian and French towns and roads. We are guessing that it’s not possible to have someone record all the directions, roads names, towns and cities etc. So c...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cycxwv/eli5_the_voice_giving_directions_on_gps_how_do/
{ "a_id": [ "eyr2xu3" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Essentially correct. Something called a Voice Bank is recorded, where some person, often a voice actor, is paid to simply say words and syllables in quite a neutral tone. Words are recorded for common phrases to make them easy to understand (whic...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2wwxhz
how do people edit gifs/video or things in motion?
If you look at this gif: _URL_0_ Did they go frame by frame and like use the erase button and delete all the parts of the bike? How do they do that!?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wwxhz/eli5_how_do_people_edit_gifsvideo_or_things_in/
{ "a_id": [ "couusdm", "couuxp8" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes you have to edit every single frame. Its usually done with adobe after effect or Sony Vegas. There are plenty tutorials around the web if you are interested in that yourself. ", "Animated Gifs are old technology, so ...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/TxOFmhY.gif" ]
[ [], [] ]
4ifk4a
why do computers sometimes lag between opening a program and it actually running?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ifk4a/eli5why_do_computers_sometimes_lag_between/
{ "a_id": [ "d2xmv1r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The program is loading libraries into RAM for faster access when the program is in use. The more features the program has, the more libraries it needs read off the disc and load into RAM. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5vq9vo
how interruptive are the effects of wireless and electromagnetic waves on living organisms?
I recently had the wild realization that for the most part, the vast majority of the population lives in neighborhoods and houses surrounded to the brim with Power-lines and loads of gadgets inside. Are living organisms (such as forests or animals) affected by these waves and if so what exactly is happening? Have th...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vq9vo/eli5_how_interruptive_are_the_effects_of_wireless/
{ "a_id": [ "de3xhce" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It's important to realize even without gadgets, powerlines, and wi-fi, you are *still* and *always* being bombarded by electromagnetic waves. Essentially every object in the universe is emitting electromagnetic radiation, including you, rocks, te...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2v8p1g
why do some animated shows look "better" after they have been on the air for a while?
For example, Family Guy's first couple of episodes were very rough. Lines didn't seem well defined and actions weren't as crisp and smooth as they are now. Suddenly though it improved? Is it that they just get better animators? or better software? What exactly happens on the first episodes from the most current tha...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2v8p1g/eli5_why_do_some_animated_shows_look_better_after/
{ "a_id": [ "coffa7d", "coffaft", "cofg1hf" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If a show has been on the air for a while, that means it gets good ratings. A show with good ratings makes money, which they can use to increase the labor spent on producing the show.", "The first s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2rn9nf
will working with my laptop on my lap increase my chance of cancer? if so, why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rn9nf/eli5_will_working_with_my_laptop_on_my_lap/
{ "a_id": [ "cnhf2o9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "We have no reason to believe it has a non-trivial effect on your chance of getting cancer. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
mtyb2
dimples on a golf ball, how do they work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mtyb2/eli5_dimples_on_a_golf_ball_how_do_they_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c33tsyf", "c33uxxw", "c33tsyf", "c33uxxw" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 3, 7 ], "text": [ "There was a wonderful mythbusters on this, I can't quite remember the mechanics however. The dimples reduce drag, which is a force in opposition to the balls movement caused by the...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/aerodynamics/sports/sphere-flow-comparison.jpg" ], [], [ "http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/aerodynamics/sports/sphere-flow-comparison.jpg" ] ]
2ec9hv
the halting problem in computer science
I just watched a [video](_URL_0_) on the Halting problem and normally Computerphile is clear, but I jsut don't see it. So, can someone explain the Halting problem thoroughly in an understandable manner?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ec9hv/eli5_the_halting_problem_in_computer_science/
{ "a_id": [ "cjy3o53", "cjy73zh" ], "score": [ 3, 7 ], "text": [ "Can a single computer program determine if any other computer program will run forever? No", "The halting problem is this: it is not possible to say in advance whether an arbitrary computer program will terminate.\n\nThe...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=macM_MtS_w4&list=UU9-y-6csu5WGm29I7JiwpnA" ]
[ [], [] ]
agjye9
why is depression more prevalent in richer countries?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/agjye9/eli5_why_is_depression_more_prevalent_in_richer/
{ "a_id": [ "ee6q4if", "ee6q5c1", "ee6q9j1", "ee6qh8x", "ee6rtaa", "ee6sr08", "ee6yl7i" ], "score": [ 22, 24, 5, 6, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Poor countries also have high rates of depression, it's just it does not being reported. And many people there s...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
62li29
when under anesthesia, do we actually experience pain but just unable to feel it because we are sedated, or does the "pain receptors" not send signals to the brain at all?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62li29/eli5_when_under_anesthesia_do_we_actually/
{ "a_id": [ "dfngeid", "dfngek5" ], "score": [ 18, 2 ], "text": [ "It's important to remember that 'pain' is a subjective experience created by the brain. The nerves that detect 'pain' are actually just detecting potentially harmful stimuli. They send that information to the brain, which t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
218ivi
prime numbers and cryptography
ELI5: Can someone explain how prime numbers are significant in cryptography? I know that a prime number is a number divisible only by itself and one and that the largest prime is very significant in cryptography.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/218ivi/eli5prime_numbers_and_cryptography/
{ "a_id": [ "cgam6ve", "cgam9w8", "cgar1o4" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, for one there is no \"largest prime\", but *large primes* are extremely important. The math is a bit complicated, but many cryptographic algorithms are based on the fact that it is much much easie...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.khanacademy.org/math/applied-math/cryptography/modern-crypt/v/the-fundamental-theorem-of-arithmetic-1" ] ]
2bs034
how getty images owns the rights to so many pictures.
Do they take the pictures and retain ownership or do they purchase the rights to them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bs034/eli5how_getty_images_owns_the_rights_to_so_many/
{ "a_id": [ "cj8bc4b", "cj8djhk", "cj8wt53" ], "score": [ 25, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "For myself they just sent me an email that basically 'we want to sell these, if we do we will send you wads of cash. Please sign this contract if you agree' ", "Both, it depends on the picture. I ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4c4lef
why is it that one piece of paper will burn just fine, but, if i throw a big stack of papers into a fire, there will still be plenty of pages in the middle that never burn?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4c4lef/eli5_why_is_it_that_one_piece_of_paper_will_burn/
{ "a_id": [ "d1ezs2s", "d1ezt9x" ], "score": [ 5, 6 ], "text": [ "Because one piece of paper gets air easier. When there's a huge stack, there might not be enough air for those in the middle.\n", "Their surfaces aren't exposed to the oxygen or fire. Same reason food cooks from the outs...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4ducnx
what do "it works" wraps do, and what "science" is behind them to help you lose weight.
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ducnx/eli5_what_do_it_works_wraps_do_and_what_science/
{ "a_id": [ "d1uf1nl" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "They do nothing and there is no science.\n\nYou may experience temporary narrowing due to water loss and compression, but it's just another fake miracle product.\n\nIf you want to lose weight you need to eat less and move more." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4irvpv
when school busses are driving with no students in them, why do they have that sign in the back that says : "this bus is empty"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4irvpv/eli5when_school_busses_are_driving_with_no/
{ "a_id": [ "d30lfuj", "d30r73f", "d30y8vo", "d311xz3", "d314dgn" ], "score": [ 197, 55, 26, 16, 2 ], "text": [ "Safety precaution. \n\nWhen you see the sign you know the bus driver went through the bus and checked to make sure that no children were on the bus. This...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
2gozbl
is there any reason for me to vote in national elections?
I'm sorry if this sounds stupid as I'm not very educated in the matter, but from what I've read, your vote means virtually nothing because of the electoral college. So what is actually the point of voting at all? And for that matter, can I actually make a difference in smaller elections by voting?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gozbl/eli5is_there_any_reason_for_me_to_vote_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ckl5zzp", "ckl61yd", "ckl6eol", "ckl7ntf", "ckl99d9" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "the thing is, votes as a whole are still important. elections are still controlled by people who vote.", "Because we vote to decide who will be in the ele...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
bnm4vt
why do all soda companies have the same size and shape of can/bottle?
Wouldn’t companies have variance between products? Or is there some sort of standard that causes all of these cans and bottles to be manufactured the exact same way? There are some other examples of this but soda is just the first that comes to mind.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bnm4vt/eli5_why_do_all_soda_companies_have_the_same_size/
{ "a_id": [ "en6xs83", "en6yomf", "en700fv", "en70g4a", "en71f8c", "en73rqt", "en77zxv", "en78xv6" ], "score": [ 4, 20, 2, 4, 2, 9, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "The soda companies only really make the drink that goes inside the bottle. A different com...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://previews.123rf.com/images/kornienko/kornienko1512/kornienko151200020/51774356-chisinau-moldova-november14-2015-coca-cola-fanta-and-sprite-bottles-isolated-on-white-the-three-drin.jpg" ], [ "https://www.crowncork.com/beverage-packaging/beverage-cans" ], [] ]
2o2k4i
how does 10 degrees plus or minus on the oven make a difference?
When recipes specify that the oven should be heated to 190 or 210 instead of 200, I always scoff a little. How does this make such a big difference when cooking?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o2k4i/eli5_how_does_10_degrees_plus_or_minus_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cmj3o14" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Why would you scoff? You would've scoff at the final step when it says \"caution: will be hot\"?\n\nThey're not rules, they are recipes and they are the ideal instructions to prepare the prepare that meal. If you want to increase the temperature ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
43hq3v
what does it mean when it feels like your heart is pounding harder versus faster
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43hq3v/eli5what_does_it_mean_when_it_feels_like_your/
{ "a_id": [ "czibyt6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A heart pumping \"harder\" is filling with more blood and ejecting more of the blood out of it. Beating faster is controlled by electrical waves traveling through the heart muscle, causing the muscle contractions to speed up. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4t2nsm
a neutral explanation of jihadism.
Hey there; What is jihadism, explained simply, without any biased opinion on the matter? Generally speaking, most people I know would refer to terrorism, martyr, etc. What does it really mean?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4t2nsm/eli5_a_neutral_explanation_of_jihadism/
{ "a_id": [ "d5e58wk", "d5e5jpx", "d5e5rgn" ], "score": [ 19, 2, 9 ], "text": [ "Jihad means struggle or battle. Some Muslims take this as a call to self improvement. Some take it as a call to change the world through nonviolent conflict. Some take it to mean changing the world thr...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7yab5j
we know today that humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor and that one does not derive from the other. do we know what this common ancestor is and why / why not?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7yab5j/eli5_we_know_today_that_humans_and_chimpanzees/
{ "a_id": [ "dueszcu", "duf6oan" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nWe can't really pinpoint an *exact* moment when chimpanzees and humans would have diverged from each other back when we were the same species. But it was around six million years ago or so, and likely *fairly* re...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimpanzee%E2%80%93human_last_common_ancestor" ], [] ]
3r9qjk
how do casinos have the "house advantage" when the player is the one who decides when to stop and walk away?
I get that statistically, in a given number of plays, the casino always sets the odds in its favor. So as an example I'll use 51% to 49% that the casino wins. Wouldn't it be possible for someone to step up to the roulette table and bet $5 on red, then triple their bet every time they lose? So if they lose the first ti...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3r9qjk/eli5_how_do_casinos_have_the_house_advantage_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cwm4n7e", "cwm65ps" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The casino has a bigger bankroll. They never have to stop, plus people don't quit when they're ahead. ", "Your proposed strategy will not work because in real life the players money is finite, and therefore you will stil...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a9wme8
why can tv antenna's reception be improved by adding a dish around it but the same won’t work for wifi antennas and cellphone antennas?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a9wme8/eli5_why_can_tv_antennas_reception_be_improved_by/
{ "a_id": [ "ecn2kz6", "ecn2s2o", "ecn36e2" ], "score": [ 12, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Your premise is false. It *does* work for these other antennas, as long as you know the direction of the device you are communicating with.", "They *can* be improved by adding a dish, provided of c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantenna" ] ]
2oda3t
how does an electric guitar works
I started playing acoustic last year, and I'm thinking about starting electric soon. But I have been wondering how an electric works? How does it make that sound?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oda3t/eli5_how_does_an_electric_guitar_works/
{ "a_id": [ "cmm0oz2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Some of my physics may be a bit rusty, but it's all to do with the generator effect, in which electricity is generated when a wire moves through a magnetic field.\n\nThe pickups are basically little magnetic poles wrapped in copper wire, and when...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2ofuvc
why does nasa need to study the ability to go through through the van allen radiation belt with orion since that was accomplished during the apollo missions
_URL_0_ I am not a moon conspiracy person but this is one of the reasons the idea NASA never landed on the moon exist.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ofuvc/eli5why_does_nasa_need_to_study_the_ability_to_go/
{ "a_id": [ "cmmr119" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "They tested the apollo capsule.\n\nThis is a completely different machine, with alot more tech on it and in it. " ] }
[]
[ "http://youtu.be/gjglwMPvzVo?t=3m2s" ]
[ [] ]
4wwz7r
dashes and semicolons
Whats the use and purposes of the two? I always seem to get them mixed up.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wwz7r/eli5dashes_and_semicolons/
{ "a_id": [ "d6ak84g", "d6akvqh", "d6awwhj" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Semicolons are used for separation. It can be used to combine two sentences that can stand on their own.\n\n\ne.g. I'm going out to eat; however, I'll be home by midnight.\n\n\nIt can be used to separat...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1nep7f
why does popularity (being popular) feels so good?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nep7f/eli5_why_does_popularity_being_popular_feels_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cchw19u" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It's other people telling that what we're doing and the way we are is okay. More popular = more people giving us a \"thumbs up\" on who we are. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
d696xh
what determines the portion of light spectrum that we can see ?
Human can only see a certain portion of the entire light spectrum (400nm-750nm I think), while some animals see less or more than us. What determines the range of perception of each species ? Extra question: Would it be possible to make a pair of glasses that increases that range ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d696xh/eli5_what_determines_the_portion_of_light/
{ "a_id": [ "f0qycy7", "f0r1k82", "f0roul9", "f0s2e9j" ], "score": [ 5, 8, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Evolution. Every animal evolved to be able to see what is best for its sytle. That's why a lot of animals that hunt in the dark are able to see infrared.\n\nIf we could make glasse...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrKZBh8BL\\_U", "https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1204401", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrKZBh8BL_U", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygdE93SdBCY", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyespot_apparatus" ] ]
3vz6dj
how and why does the us constitution apply to and/or protect non us citizens.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vz6dj/eli5_how_and_why_does_the_us_constitution_apply/
{ "a_id": [ "cxrykpw", "cxrz011" ], "score": [ 9, 3 ], "text": [ "The rights in the Constitution aren't things specifically for citizens -- they are *restrictions on the government*. That's a very important distinction.\n\nSo, for example, the First Amendment right of free speech isn't som...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
37ticc
how can mass excape a black hole?
From what I understand, a black hole is an object that it so massive that its gravitation stops light from excaping. And light is a massless particle so it would require the least amount of energy to travel fast enough to break that gravitational pull. But I just read an article about some black holes expelling huge am...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37ticc/elif_how_can_mass_excape_a_black_hole/
{ "a_id": [ "crpprbj", "crppx8g", "crpq5b3" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I think you may be asking about Hawking Radiation. Simply put: if a particle/anti-particle pair form as a result of a random quantum fluctuation on the black hole's point of no return (known as the eve...
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[ [ "http://m.space.com/261-twisted-physics-black-holes-spout.html" ], [], [] ]
r4c01
why do we avoid teaching young kids about sex?
Why not just tell them straight up what sex is? Edit: To clarify, why do many parents avoid describing to their kids what sex actually is? They use all kind of strange allusions or made up stories to describe it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/r4c01/eli5_why_do_we_avoid_teaching_young_kids_about_sex/
{ "a_id": [ "c42srcw", "c42su7d", "c42tyrz", "c42v8g2", "c42vbyr", "c42ve2z", "c42vfiv", "c42vlps", "c42vlqt", "c42vohc", "c42vqh1", "c42vrfi", "c42vv2g", "c42w1bd", "c42w84h", "c42wh8s", "c42wkl4", "c42wmdn", "c42wnz9", "c42wqqx", "c...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6cdgqv
how does the magnetic field work on a spherical magnet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6cdgqv/eli5_how_does_the_magnetic_field_work_on_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dhtsgd0", "dhttq0m" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "The same as any other magnet - spherical magnets still have north poles and south poles. Most often, they're just split roughly down the middle, like the equator dividing the earth into two halves. The top half acts like mag...
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[ [], [] ]
37gr9i
what causes that unmistakable and unique bin smell?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37gr9i/eli5_what_causes_that_unmistakable_and_unique_bin/
{ "a_id": [ "crmjk2p" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's because it is the same bacteria breaking down the garbage, and what you are smelling is the result of that. Technically, it doesn't all smell the same, but when you are talking about a bin (we call those dumpsters or garbage cans here), you'...
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[ [] ]
3zfvsx
why do the heavier elements have so many 'un's in the name?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zfvsx/eli5_why_do_the_heavier_elements_have_so_many_uns/
{ "a_id": [ "cylqoxl", "cylqq0p" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "\"Un\" means '1'. \nSo \"ununtrium\" is literally \"113\" \nThey name elements after their atomic number before they come up with a 'real' name.", "It's just their literal number until they are officially named\n\nUnUn...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
alz5f6
how are televisions in showroom in perfect sync ?
Upto 30+ televisions in showroom display the same video in perfect synchronisation. How do they do it ? Do they use a special device which can give output to so many monitors in Full HD ? Asking this cause even my Surface Book with best specs can't power more than 2-3 monitors.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/alz5f6/eli5_how_are_televisions_in_showroom_in_perfect/
{ "a_id": [ "efi3sci", "efi441h", "efi6tgb" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There is a huge difference between having multiple monitors on a computer with different output on each like if you use a computer compared to duplicate a signal to multiple display. \n\nThere are HDMI ...
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[ [ "https://www.amazon.com/avedio-links-Certified-Splitter-Resolutions/dp/B01A6VELVQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549003056&sr=8-4&keywords=1x8+HDMI+Splitter-Full+3D%2C+Ultra+HD%2C+4K" ], [], [] ]
zbw0r
how come america can't just drill our way out of this oil crisis?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zbw0r/how_come_america_cant_just_drill_our_way_out_of/
{ "a_id": [ "c638b4x", "c638bci", "c638d0v", "c638oew", "c638zxe", "c639cwv" ], "score": [ 17, 11, 3, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "This is a chart from the U.S. Department of Energy showing how much oil the US produces per month: [About 200,000,000 barrels.](_URL_2...
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[ [ "http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_move_impcus_a2_nus_ep00_im0_mbbl_m.htm", "https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2174rank.html", "http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/leafhandler.ashx?n=pet&s=mcrfpus1&f=m" ], [], [], [ "http://www.economist.com/blogs/dai...
1mmrup
please explain me how the string theory suggests the theoretical existence of the multiverse?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mmrup/eli5_please_explain_me_how_the_string_theory/
{ "a_id": [ "ccaoy3j" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's not so much string theory as it's about interpretations of how quantum mechanics works. \nIn QM the world we see is fundamentally based upon chance; the waveform determines the chance the particle can be found at that state, but once we've ...
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[ [] ]
byquad
why does the zigzag pattern on packages (chip bags, chocolate bars,etc) make it easier to tear the plastic?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/byquad/eli5_why_does_the_zigzag_pattern_on_packages_chip/
{ "a_id": [ "eqkqm8d" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It does two things. Plastic is made of very long stands of molecules called polymers, must like a fabric is made if long threads. It's just a lot smaller, and not really woven together (though there can be a grain to it).\n\nThe ridges first be...
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[ [] ]
5uw6md
why are certain fruits, such as grapefruit and cranberries, dangerous to eat whilst taking blood thinning medication like warfarin?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5uw6md/eli5_why_are_certain_fruits_such_as_grapefruit/
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.ihtc.org/patient/blood-disorders/clotting-disorders/coumadin-interactions-with-food/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.cranberryinstitute.org/HCP/New%20The%20Evidence%20for%20the%20Safe%20Consumption%20of%20Cranberries%20with%20Warfarin%20Therapy...
1z6g4o
how does covering your mouth and nose with simple cloth work as a filter?
i.e. pulling your shirt up over your nose. I would think most stuff you can breathe in would be too microscopic for it to work.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z6g4o/eli5_how_does_covering_your_mouth_and_nose_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cfqx9ta", "cfr1wm6" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Think of the cloth like a maze. Yes the particles can get through, but it isn't a straight shot.", "It will not stop actual pathogens (Bacteria and Viruses) but will stop droplets of mucus which are saturated with these ...
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[ [], [] ]
2kqu3m
why are medical professionals so against being quarantined after possibly being exposed to ebola?
I understand that people don't want to be immediately shoved into a plastic cage upon returning from doing aid work in an infected country, but I don't see what the issue is with being quarantined in a dedicated hospital room or in their own home. Before you tell me that they don't need to be quarantined if they don't...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kqu3m/eli5_why_are_medical_professionals_so_against/
{ "a_id": [ "clnuk2h", "clnv6pm", "clnv947", "clnwja5", "clnxa3k" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 5, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The biggest problem for the current batch is that they weren't expecting the quarantine. Probably really throws a wrench in their scheduled plans.", "A q...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza#Transmission", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebola_virus_disease#Pathophysiology" ] ]
2e223g
what is "latency" and how does it affect my internet?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2e223g/eli5_what_is_latency_and_how_does_it_affect_my/
{ "a_id": [ "cjvbb3n", "cjvbbja", "cjvfagm" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "latency is the speed that two parties can 'talk' to each other at, read in ms (milliseconds). The higher the latency, the less reactive your internet experience. Online gaming is the best example of thi...
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[ [], [], [] ]
cunn05
what is the end-game of a trade war?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cunn05/eli5_what_is_the_endgame_of_a_trade_war/
{ "a_id": [ "exw7a8o" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Countries have trade agreements with each other that dictate the terms under which they can do business with each other. In general, more open trade tends to be more beneficial for both parties, but you can have specific agreements which benefit ...
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[ [] ]
4vvsjn
what is the "science" that is being shown in this xkcd comic?
[Here's the comic](_URL_0_). What is this referring to and what's being proven/demonstrated?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vvsjn/eli5_what_is_the_science_that_is_being_shown_in/
{ "a_id": [ "d61tp18", "d629l33", "d62g1i5", "d62hqfu" ], "score": [ 189, 130, 15, 2 ], "text": [ "It's the theoretical spectral graph of blackbody radiation of an object at around 2.7 K, as per Planck's Law. It's special because it was at around this temperature that the U...
[]
[ "https://xkcd.com/54/" ]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php/54:_Science" ], [] ]
33wwai
why can we not see the source code of a compiled program?
I've always wondered why we cannot see the source code of a program such as a compiled .exe file. I mean, to make the program you need to write the code, so if the program runs the code how can we not see what is being run if the program knows what to do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33wwai/eli5_why_can_we_not_see_the_source_code_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cqp3y8b", "cqp5tqq", "cqpdtsd" ], "score": [ 13, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "There are two types of language, those that are interpreted and those that are compiled. The term *compiled* refers the turning the high-level human-readable programme language into a low-level compu...
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[ [], [], [ "http://ilspy.net/" ] ]
2henpw
what happened to ancient roman polytheism?
I know that before Christianity, we had Judaism and such, but what happened to completely phase out such a major religion like Polytheism?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2henpw/eli5what_happened_to_ancient_roman_polytheism/
{ "a_id": [ "ckryu1u", "cks09ej" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Sorry, not a complete answer, but a language correction: polytheism means \"more than one god\", and applies to many many different religions (Norse, Greek and Hindu are other examples). \n\n", "It all went on remarkably...
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[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenius", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_of_Greco-Roman_polytheism#Julian_the_Apostate", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_%28emperor%29", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Thessalonica", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_the_Great_an...
3kasfp
why is the 3.5" floppy disk still being used as the save icon in programs? hasn't an entire generation now been raised that has never seen, used or had knowledge of a floppy disk?
Wouldn't an icon of a usb thumbdrive, SD card, external HD be more appropriate and culturally relevant?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kasfp/eli5why_is_the_35_floppy_disk_still_being_used_as/
{ "a_id": [ "cuw22oo", "cuw22qr", "cuw25d5", "cuw27uv", "cuw2ej4", "cuw2flo", "cuw2h63", "cuw3rsq", "cuwaeaa", "cuwgo04", "cuwkhej", "cuwm9ah", "cuwpb81" ], "score": [ 91, 5, 3, 22, 11, 42, 24, 5, 4, 2, 2, 2, 2...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://xkcd.com/927/", "http://www.iconattitude.com/icons/open_icon_library/actions/png/256/document-save-3.png" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3ggy62
why do heavy elements, such as gold, appear to be concentrated in particular parts of the earth's crust and not distributed evenly throughout?
(I posted this a few days ago on AskScience but got nothing. Maybe someone here can help.) As I understand it, the all the heavy elements that we see in the universe are created inside stars. The incredible pressures and temperatures within the core of a star enables elements to fuse together. The huge explosion that ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ggy62/eli5_why_do_heavy_elements_such_as_gold_appear_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ctxztgo", "cty0bmu", "cty6gon" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "A rocky planet doesn't coalesce from space dust, it takes a very long time but asteroids and planetoids keep colliding and jostling until a body with enough gravity to make it spherical forms. \n\nBeca...
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[ [], [], [] ]
42p2s2
why society accepts women wearing trousers, while men can not wear skirts (unless they are traditional clothing) (also, no pun intended, i really would like to know the logic)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42p2s2/eli5_why_society_accepts_women_wearing_trousers/
{ "a_id": [ "czbz8s2", "czbzujl", "czbzw8u", "czcmm6b" ], "score": [ 7, 45, 11, 4 ], "text": [ "theres no reason, its just culture, why dont you wear a skirt? \n\nno one would stop you, be a trend setter.", "There is no special reason why men couldn't wear \"skirts\" o...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
8z69zz
why do retailers charge $2.99 instead of say, $3.00 flat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8z69zz/eli5_why_do_retailers_charge_299_instead_of_say/
{ "a_id": [ "e2ge6dv" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A form of marketing since people would focus on the 2 instead of 3 and feel they got it for cheaper when in essence it is of relatively same value. " ] }
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[ [] ]
24vt65
how come i can stream hd video instantly, but if i want to look at an image or a gif from imgur, for example, i have time to raise a small family while i wait?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24vt65/eli5_how_come_i_can_stream_hd_video_instantly_but/
{ "a_id": [ "chb4vqf", "chb54fj" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "_URL_0_\n\nBecause GIFs aren't compressed.", "Videos, even in HD, are vastly more space-efficient than GIFs in most cases. A typical GIF lasting for about 5 seconds is at least 2 MB - the same amount of space could hold ...
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/search?q=gif+slow&restrict_sr=on" ], [] ]
1qtvx6
why can't aids be cured with a vaccine
Vaccines to my understanding are just weak viruses, so why can't we inject a weak HIV virus so our inmune system fights it back?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qtvx6/eli5why_cant_aids_be_cured_with_a_vaccine/
{ "a_id": [ "cdgf2aj", "cdgfs01" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "In order to make a vaccine in the first place, it has to be something your body can fight if exposed to a weakened, dead, or chemically similar substance. The reason a flu vaccine works is because we can naturally fight the...
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[ [], [] ]
8bsknq
why did a bunch of spit droplets squirt out of the bottom of my tongue?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8bsknq/eli5_why_did_a_bunch_of_spit_droplets_squirt_out/
{ "a_id": [ "dx99vqo", "dx99w2q", "dx99xqr", "dx9iz2a", "dx9l7mv", "dx9lobq", "dx9mxi1", "dx9te4k", "dx9ui9p", "dx9xq2j", "dx9y9l1" ], "score": [ 624, 3410, 429, 35, 2, 175, 4, 3, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You squirted it ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3rv1gd
slow charging. is there a legitimate reason for this or is it something phone companies design into the phones?
Edit: I should clarify. When I don't use the original charger for my phone, I get a popup saying that it's gonna take longer to charge unless I use the original charger. Why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rv1gd/eli5_slow_charging_is_there_a_legitimate_reason/
{ "a_id": [ "cwrlvw2" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "If you've bought a cheap charger, the phone has no way of knowing if the charger will regulate the power to the phone. So, instead of just giving it a try and either exploding or not, the phone tends to limit the power input itself to avoid becom...
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[ [] ]
4bj9zs
why does water give some people acid reflux?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bj9zs/eli5_why_does_water_give_some_people_acid_reflux/
{ "a_id": [ "d19ma8w" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Acid reflux is caused by the dysfunction of the o-shaped muscle that keeps stomach acid from getting into your esophagus. For some people, the physical act of swallowing when they drink water is enough to irritate that muscle, or cause it to seal...
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[ [] ]
83lz1j
how does android know/approximate how much battery is used by each individual app?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/83lz1j/eli5_how_does_android_knowapproximate_how_much/
{ "a_id": [ "dvitten" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "There's a file in your phone provided by your phone's manufacturer that has a list of the battery drain rates for all sorts of components and states, such as display, radios, or various levels of processor activity. Each of these values are measu...
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[]
[ [ "https://source.android.com/devices/tech/power/values" ] ]
6n8aia
how is ventilation handled in tunnels filled with running vehicles to prevent carbon monoxide build-up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6n8aia/eli5_how_is_ventilation_handled_in_tunnels_filled/
{ "a_id": [ "dk7h71j" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Tunnels usually have huge extraction fans. The size and configuration is dependent on the design of the tunnel. On most tunnels this is just fans in the tunnel ceiling forcing airflow though the tunnel in one direction. In longer tunnels there ma...
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[ [] ]
473z2n
is there an actual method to find a number's square root?
I've never learned how to manually find a number's square root, just to recognize the common ones or use a calculator.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/473z2n/eli5_is_there_an_actual_method_to_find_a_numbers/
{ "a_id": [ "d09zcib", "d0a3uhr", "d0a6kko", "d0a6ty9", "d0aa5te" ], "score": [ 172, 3, 3, 16, 4 ], "text": [ "Fit non infinite series you can try this:\nThe square root of a number is just the number which when multiplied by itself gives the first number. So 2 is t...
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[ [], [ "https://xlinux.nist.gov/dads//" ], [], [ "https://xlinux.nist.gov/dads//HTML/squareRoot.html" ], [] ]
7m2tpr
how do the bets in the middle of a craps table work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7m2tpr/eli5how_do_the_bets_in_the_middle_of_a_craps/
{ "a_id": [ "drqxc5d", "drrgua2" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "There are two basic bets in the center: the hard way and proposition bets. \n\nThe hard way bet is that the shooter will roll a certain combination of dice faces before rolling a 7 or any other combination. For example, the ...
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[ [], [] ]