q_id
stringlengths
5
6
title
stringlengths
3
296
selftext
stringlengths
0
34k
document
stringclasses
1 value
subreddit
stringclasses
1 value
url
stringlengths
4
110
answers
dict
title_urls
list
selftext_urls
list
answers_urls
list
2evg0m
when i put my car in "eco" mode, what exactly is going on under the hood?
Tons of cars have an eco mode where it increases your gas mileage. What exactly does that switch do? I know for my car, it takes me a bit longer to get up to speed but is that all that's supposed to happen? A limit on my acceleration?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2evg0m/eli5_when_i_put_my_car_in_eco_mode_what_exactly/
{ "a_id": [ "ck3b5rk", "ck3bbm1", "ck3dtzr" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "depends on what car and how the engineers implemented \"eco mode\" button. there is no universal meaning to \"eco mode\"", "eco mode is just another throttle for fuel consumption. you need to dum...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
33jjgl
how are video games distributed and sold
Do stores buy game in a situation like X Dollars for Y Number of copies or is there another method. Who loses out when a game drops to the $40/$20 tiers
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33jjgl/eli5how_are_video_games_distributed_and_sold/
{ "a_id": [ "cqlqqa7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's not always straight forward that a retailer buys X number of copies from the publisher for Y price.\n\n1) A common thing is a retailer agrees to buy X number of games, but also has and agreement that the publisher will buy back games for a d...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1ral76
what is the immune system?
What is the immune system? What does it do and how?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ral76/eli5_what_is_the_immune_system/
{ "a_id": [ "cdl8v87", "cdl8xyp", "cdl9bgr" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The immune system is your bodies defense system against foreign pathogens. \n\nIt most notably consists of three 'defense systems':\n\n1) exterior protections, such as mucus that lines your insides or y...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6y4dl8
why does wifi not cause cancer?
Why does wifi not cause cancer? NOTE: this is for my mother as she thinks that it does
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6y4dl8/eli5_why_does_wifi_not_cause_cancer/
{ "a_id": [ "dmkkrfm", "dmkkv4x", "dmkkvi6", "dmkkz3n", "dml9kv7" ], "score": [ 3, 31, 4, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The radiation released from wireless devices is non-ionizing, which is a principal ingredient to creating tumors. You probably get a higher dose of radiation...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-ionizing_radiation" ], [ "https://www.google.com/search?q=electromagnetic+spectrum+wifi&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjvyJSk5ozWAhXJv1QKHXYuDHYQ_AUICigB&biw=1163&bih=694#imgrc=HEsGO-Tws_xMfM" ], [] ]
2m9w8m
multiple personality disorder vs. schizophrenia?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m9w8m/eli5_multiple_personality_disorder_vs/
{ "a_id": [ "cm28txu" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Dissociative Identity Disorder (the most current terminology for multiple personality disorder) is characterized by an individual having at least two distinct personalities that dictate their behavior. Schizophrenia, despite the frequent illustra...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
a65ccl
why are west virginia and mississippi always at the bottom of quality of life rankings?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a65ccl/eli5_why_are_west_virginia_and_mississippi_always/
{ "a_id": [ "ebruok2", "ebruxyv" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I would say a combination of lots of country folk who don't need no education, and love good food.", "Landlocked states get less shipping & trade. Both states got utterly buggered in the civil war, and they're electora...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1pskzz
how does edward snowden know so much information, and why is his word still relevant after so long being away from the country?
What the title says, basically. I'm mostly curious of how he can constantly be releasing information about the US's spying habits and capabilities, even being away from the country for so long.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pskzz/eli5_how_does_edward_snowden_know_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cd5kj1f", "cd5ljvf" ], "score": [ 12, 4 ], "text": [ "This is from memory so my facts may be a little off. \n\nHe was a systems administrator contractor at the NSA. Essentially, his job was to provide access to information to relevant people to ensure that no one had more info...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2ljik3
how does reddit secret santa work, and how can i get involved?
Apparently, I'm OLD and don't know anything. Doesn't matter...still want to contribute to secret santa. PLEASE-HALP. BIG BADDA-BOOM. (oh God I hope I haven't angered the MODS.) There's all this "Search First" stuff. I just want to send someone someone awesomeness...how to do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ljik3/eli5how_does_reddit_secret_santa_work_and_how_can/
{ "a_id": [ "clvdajn" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Go here _URL_0_ and register for an account using your current Reddit name. It will ask you to fill out some information and provide some things you like/dislike...etc \n\nOnce that's done it will throw you into queue. Then on Dec 1 you will be ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://redditgifts.com/exchanges/#/status/secret-santa-2014/" ] ]
7qdvn9
if light moves at a constant speed, does it never need to speed up? how can it be instantly at 300,000km/s?
A photon of light from the sun travelling at that speed passes me, as I turn on a torch. Each light photon hits the ground at the same time, right? Doesn't the torchlight need to accelerate to the 300,000km/s speed, so it should lag behind? Edit - Spelling
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7qdvn9/eli5_if_light_moves_at_a_constant_speed_does_it/
{ "a_id": [ "dsodsix", "dsoe33m", "dsoi8zl", "dsojl6y", "dsok1id", "dsopmbe", "dsor0dc", "dsoroca", "dsou5l2", "dsouqoj", "dsow8g2", "dsowda9", "dsoxycg", "dsoypjo", "dsp1025", "dsp112p", "dsp2lxt", "dsp2znk", "dsp3961", "dsp4biq", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_dilation#Velocity_time_dilation" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_light" ], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vac...
45vbxq
how do websites determine if an email address is real or fake without sending it an email?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45vbxq/eli5_how_do_websites_determine_if_an_email/
{ "a_id": [ "d00fsfx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " You can't, really, or at least well. There is a specification to which all email addresses must comply, but it allows so much and there are so many corner cases that the best, most painless, and most effective method is to send a confirmation em...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1r2loc
why are some people homosexual permanently and others in phases? is there a link with hormones?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r2loc/eli5_why_are_some_people_homosexual_permanently/
{ "a_id": [ "cdix9o6", "cdixy6y", "cdiylba", "cdj0v6l", "cdj1x6g", "cdj2447", "cdj2bxi" ], "score": [ 5, 7, 6, 13, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "At the moment it's completely unknown what makes a person have certain sexual tendencies towards the same sex, an...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674032262" ], [] ]
5lja4n
how do we know animals are not as self-conscious as humans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5lja4n/eli5_how_do_we_know_animals_are_not_as/
{ "a_id": [ "dbw5gll", "dbwjddb" ], "score": [ 26, 5 ], "text": [ "Consciousness tests. \n\nThings like setting up a mirror and watching to see if the critter figures out that they're seeing themselves or if they think they're seeing another critter. There are plenty of others, but that on...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_test" ] ]
1w41wd
how are cds burned? why can't you add and delete files like a usb once burned?
Just a thought when I was burning a playlist for my car. Thanks in advance!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1w41wd/eli5_how_are_cds_burned_why_cant_you_add_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ceyia2q" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "When you record in a USB drive, you're opening and closing switches. When you burn a CD, you punch holes into it." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
19fdjq
how to make small talk
I'm horrible at it. What the heck are you supposed to talk about? What if the other person is even more awkward than you?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19fdjq/eli5_how_to_make_small_talk/
{ "a_id": [ "c8niojp", "c8nita9", "c8njedu", "c8nk8xw", "c8nkge6", "c8nnr0o" ], "score": [ 4, 6, 3, 2, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Actually care about the person you're talking to. The rest will flow naturally. ", "talk about people and things, but not about idea...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
49ergk
how come babies don't get bad necks or backs from sleeping without pillows and in weird positions?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49ergk/eli5_how_come_babies_dont_get_bad_necks_or_backs/
{ "a_id": [ "d0r9g51", "d0r9h7e", "d0ra693" ], "score": [ 2, 9, 7 ], "text": [ "I believe it's because they don't have fully-formed bones at the time; it's all just a mess of bendy cartilage, which isn't too strong, but allows the baby to grow without having to worry for the bones ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
lmb8c
in lotr, what exactly made the one ring "powerful"?
I'm only familiar with the films, and in them, the ring only seems to grant invisibility. But the general tone associated with the One Ring is that it's very powerful and everyone wants them. Can someone who's familiar with the lore explain to me, what made the One Ring so powerful and coveted (and how might one us...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lmb8c/eli5_in_lotr_what_exactly_made_the_one_ring/
{ "a_id": [ "c2ttv6e", "c2ttwje", "c2tu36u", "c2tu558", "c2tuz20", "c2tv7al", "c2tv9zg", "c2tvpf0", "c2twlr9", "c2tx1rx", "c2u04sg", "c2ttv6e", "c2ttwje", "c2tu36u", "c2tu558", "c2tuz20", "c2tv7al", "c2tv9zg", "c2tvpf0", "c2twlr9", "c...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Ring" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_one_ring" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/j0619/lord_of_the_rings_question_what_exactly_can_you/" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/user/Comedian70", "http://www.reddit...
ewkab9
how can different types of clouds predict the weather?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ewkab9/eli5_how_can_different_types_of_clouds_predict/
{ "a_id": [ "fg2rjey" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Clouds get thicker as more of them begin to pile up. Cirrus Clouds for example often look like waves and from experience alone you can presume that it means rain is about to come. As the rain nears, clouds do get thicker. Though cirrus clouds are...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ln14u
if i eat 7000 calories in one sitting, do i immediately store 2 lbs of fat?
Or does my body get overwhelmed and fail to store some of those calories?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ln14u/eli5_if_i_eat_7000_calories_in_one_sitting_do_i/
{ "a_id": [ "c2u0007", "c2u0ekl", "c2u0j4p", "c2u16r5", "c2ug7bo", "c2u0007", "c2u0ekl", "c2u0j4p", "c2u16r5", "c2ug7bo" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 4, 2, 2, 4, 2, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Your body has an upper bound on how many calorie...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_of_mass" ], [], [], [], [], [ "http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_of_mass" ], [], [] ]
5nifby
why does cooling my face down (eg with a fan) cause my whole body to cool down and quickly?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nifby/eli5_why_does_cooling_my_face_down_eg_with_a_fan/
{ "a_id": [ "dcbq14w" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yet, you could be walking through the snow with your whole body except your face covered and be okay. But if you stick one hand out of the glove you'll be freezing. Hmmm" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
41ztjg
why do slow motion cameras need so much light. even in broad daylight it looks like night time.
Exactly what the title says. I was watching a bunch of slow motion videos on youtube and they were very dark. Even in the day time they came out looking like night. I did search and I couldn't find anything on here, my apologize if it has already been asked.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41ztjg/eli5_why_do_slow_motion_cameras_need_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cz6fj6o" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Slow motion camera works by capturing images at very very fast speed; say 1000 frames per second (fps) instead of say 30 fps. This means that the exposure that the sensor has for each frame is only 1/1000 of a second for a 1000fps example. When t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
nqt2a
why is bob dylan considered to be such a transcendental songwriter?
I've been a fan of the Beatles, Billy Joel, and Paul Simon my whole life, but I've struggled to have such a connection with Bob. What is your take on his appeal/his position in popular music?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/nqt2a/eli5_why_is_bob_dylan_considered_to_be_such_a/
{ "a_id": [ "c3db6ra", "c3b799k", "c3b7at0", "c3b7g62", "c3b7i6c", "c3b7ndm", "c3b7phf", "c3b7uju", "c3b92ke", "c3b9rh1", "c3bahag", "c3baz3s", "c3b799k", "c3b7at0", "c3b7g62", "c3b7i6c", "c3b7ndm", "c3b7phf", "c3b7uju", "c3b92ke", "c...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I'm_Not_There", "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/nqt2a/eli5_why_is_bob_dylan_considered_to_be_such_a/c3datck", "http://grooveshark.com/s/Visions+Of+Johanna/2TCi2j?src=5" ], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dylan#1960s" ], ...
do33yc
why dont our phones stop charging when they’re full to improve battery health?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/do33yc/eli5_why_dont_our_phones_stop_charging_when/
{ "a_id": [ "f5jkpp9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They do. Sort of. The battery will naturally drain on its own and the charger replenishes it. The problem is that charge/discharge when the battery is full is much less healthy for it then when it is at half energy." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4n8ca4
why do we only name an element after it is synthesized when we knew it could in theory exist?
Why can't we name elements that are found in nature and just refer to all other elements by their atomic number like Element 113 before it got renamed? The idea that an element is discovered when it's made by smashing other stuff together baffles me. We know in theory it's possible because Element 114 exists. Why can't...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4n8ca4/eli5_why_do_we_only_name_an_element_after_it_is/
{ "a_id": [ "d41oesj", "d41oncx" ], "score": [ 6, 4 ], "text": [ "The idea is that whoever synthesizes the element first gets to name it. A bit of a \"reward\" for \"winning the race\" on getting it together, really. ", "Well, according to IUPAC, a new element is only considered an ele...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6lirji
how do grown up (no longer in school) "bullies" work?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6lirji/eli5_how_do_grown_up_no_longer_in_school_bullies/
{ "a_id": [ "dju56dx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Well, its probably not a good idea to think of \"bullies\" like they are a separate population with their own tactics and strategy. Most people that we would consider bullies are just regular people like you or me, and I can guarantee that we've ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2ncger
why do some led displays seem to "jiggle" if i make a low growling noise with my throat or chew crunchy food?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ncger/eli5_why_do_some_led_displays_seem_to_jiggle_if_i/
{ "a_id": [ "cmcdc4b", "cmcfjy9", "cmch2sc" ], "score": [ 9, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "You're causing your eyes to vibrate, which leads to the illusion that the LED display is actually vibrating. ", "Holy shit someone else has noticed this too?\n\nI thought I went insane.", "LED d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2didy2
what happens if you managed to trap light inside a cube of mirrors?
Do you get infinite light?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2didy2/eli5_what_happens_if_you_managed_to_trap_light/
{ "a_id": [ "cjpruhx", "cjptmlr", "cjpxb1v" ], "score": [ 7, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Assuming 100% perfect mirrors, yes. Those however don't exist - no mirror can reflect 100% of the light that hits it. So while the light would bounce around for awhile, it would rapidly fade out (quicke...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.ringlaser.org.nz/content/c-2.php" ] ]
3fgps1
if remote controls use infrared light, why does it appear blueish when recorded on a cellphone?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fgps1/eli5_if_remote_controls_use_infrared_light_why/
{ "a_id": [ "ctofrzj", "ctog69i" ], "score": [ 60, 14 ], "text": [ "Near-Infrared light, such as what is used by infrared LED remote controls, appears purple/indigo/blueish when recorded by a lot of cameras because the engineers who programmed the image processing algorithms for those came...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://qph.is.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-22b76250d2385ed985e973ec191508e3?convert_to_webp=true" ] ]
aabev0
how does the machine at the optometrist’s with the scene that self focuses to determine prescription work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aabev0/eli5_how_does_the_machine_at_the_optometrists/
{ "a_id": [ "ecqirsh", "ecqjapa" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I believe it looks at the image projected onto your retina. \n\nLight goes through your eye's lens in both directions, just like a camera lens, and your retina doesn't absorb all of the light that hits it.", "It has a ca...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
90l687
why do humans generally perceive themselves more attractive in the mirror rather than the front cameras of their phones?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/90l687/eli5_why_do_humans_generally_perceive_themselves/
{ "a_id": [ "e2r92x0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's the angle: we look straight on in a mirror whereas in photos /selfies the camera is usually angled showing lines, bulges, etc." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3vc6t6
what is it that is so hard to duplicate about salt, that we haven't found a healthy substitute for it yet?
If salt is bad for your health, then surely a substitute which had the same effects on taste but not the undesired effects on health (such as artificial sweeteners for sugar) would but an instant success. Yet no such artificial salt seems to exist, at least not that I know of. My guess would be that it has something t...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vc6t6/eli5_what_is_it_that_is_so_hard_to_duplicate/
{ "a_id": [ "cxm79sx", "cxm9pv6", "cxm9sdt", "cxm9v77", "cxm9x9y", "cxma33w", "cxmbapc", "cxmcaly", "cxmj61u" ], "score": [ 104, 7, 38, 2, 2, 6, 2, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Why do you think salt is unhealthy?", "[Here is an article with...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11148/" ], [], [], [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Saccharose.svg/320px-Saccharose.svg.png", "https://dr282zn36sxxg.cloudfront.net/datastreams/f-d%3A86f62426d8181c11bf8a492571ee99f9e81a3b525fa7a3b7fe94c04a%2BIMAGE%2BIMAGE...
6ru5k7
do historians claims' on historical information from years bc hold the same level of validity as the bible?
We have information from BC, like "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu and information about early Roman times and what life was like. But do we actually know what's true and what were just stories? Are we relying on storytelling for most of our historical documentation? Surely some of the Bible is true. But it's mixed in wit...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ru5k7/eli5_do_historians_claims_on_historical/
{ "a_id": [ "dl7qumh", "dl7qy0b", "dl7r0jj", "dl7t10k", "dl7t400" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 7, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "The difference is generally the verification of information. The bible is the only place that talks about things like the great flood or Jesus walking on wate...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6rrcy7/historians_use_facts_and_evidence_to_construct/dl77a3c/" ], [] ]
5xea76
why is media so much more resistant to show vaginas than it is to show penisis?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xea76/eli5_why_is_media_so_much_more_resistant_to_show/
{ "a_id": [ "dehetx4", "deheu49", "dehfcox", "dehfqa3", "dehljg5", "dehlu94", "dehmdgs", "dehova8", "dehs2qr", "dehtwoc", "dehwopq", "dehxxjq", "dei87hz" ], "score": [ 36, 15, 40, 30, 35, 2, 2, 12, 2, 12, 2, 5, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://d2jv9003bew7ag.cloudfront.net/uploads/Wanksy-Penis-Graffiti.jpg", "http://i40.tinypic.com/2uz9gjl.jpg", "https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ba/a5/96/baa5961ef132ec4584be87b79f214e6a.jpg", "https://youtu.be/DAB0WzTnMl4?t=92" ], ...
83scv8
why didn't unionized workers get wages tied to inflation?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/83scv8/eli5_why_didnt_unionized_workers_get_wages_tied/
{ "a_id": [ "dvk7srw" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Union contracts are heavily negotiated between the unions and their employers. They get whatever they negotiate for. They have reasons for negotiating different things and getting and agreeing on some items and not on others." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2pwzz8
what's with the smaller orange growing inside my orange?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pwzz8/eli5_whats_with_the_smaller_orange_growing_inside/
{ "a_id": [ "cn0qupn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "That's the \"navel\" in a Navel Orange. It is caused by a genetic mutation. That particular variant proved popular and cuttings of the tree were spread throughout the world. All Navel Oranges are graftings/cuttings from the original tree." ]...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3hic45
can male animals not be attracted to a female and not want to have sex with them as in humans, or will they basically have sex with anyone?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hic45/eli5_can_male_animals_not_be_attracted_to_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cu7n7eg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You're ascribing human emotions to animals. Animal minds don’t work that way. While my dog certainly *behaves* as though she’s happy to see me and while I think of it that way myself I have no way of knowing if that’s exactly what’s going on in h...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pair_bond", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4z2Ey4PYT4" ] ]
2e5qy6
why do you get giggly sometimes when you're really tired?
sometimes when I'm really tired I'll get giggly and evertthing seems hilarious. why does this happen?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2e5qy6/eli5why_do_you_get_giggly_sometimes_when_youre/
{ "a_id": [ "cjwd1hh", "cjwf391", "cjwfa6l", "cjwg0rk" ], "score": [ 10, 55, 5, 7 ], "text": [ "Because you're tired your ability to inhibit certain activities lessens, in other words you're too tired to bother switching it off. ", "Humour is based on surprise: Laughing...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://quicklol.com/why-is-everything-funny-when-youre-tired/" ], [ "http://life-engineering.com/sleep-deprivation-like-being-legally-drunk/", "http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080819213033.htm", "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ssmzl/eli5why_do_thi...
jen70
why has the cost of education outpaced inflation across all goods, healthcare, housing, and energy?
I was reading [this link](_URL_0_) and saw that the cost of education has dramatically outpaced most other goods and services. Reddit, explain it to me like I'm five as to what has happened to cause this result.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jen70/elif_why_has_the_cost_of_education_outpaced/
{ "a_id": [ "c2bgmnh", "c2bgyq5", "c2bht3m", "c2bgmnh", "c2bgyq5", "c2bht3m" ], "score": [ 18, 7, 11, 18, 7, 11 ], "text": [ "One reason is an economic phenomenon called \"Baumol's disease\" or the \"Baumol effect.\" It says things that we do that do NOT ben...
[]
[ "http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/09/moodys-student-loans-bubble-burst_n_922646.html" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
e1m2zt
how do mushrooms get their energy and glucose without photosynthesis?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e1m2zt/eli5_how_do_mushrooms_get_their_energy_and/
{ "a_id": [ "f8q8k9i", "f8q8x0t" ], "score": [ 10, 7 ], "text": [ "Same way we do: by eating dead organic matter. The underground mycelium (the body of the fungus in a sense) sends out something called hypha which are basically roots which secrete acids and enzymes that break the surroundi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3meylh
why does the inside of an empty conch shell sound like a calm sea?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3meylh/eli5_why_does_the_inside_of_an_empty_conch_shell/
{ "a_id": [ "cvefwwr" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "That sound is the fluids naturally in your ears, moving around. The empty shell makes it echo and easier to hear." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6q6bn3
bulking vs strength training.
bulking: so if my understanding is correct low reps with heavy weights + eating a lot is best for bulking? strength training: if i just want to get stronger i need lighter weights with higher reps?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6q6bn3/eli5_bulking_vs_strength_training/
{ "a_id": [ "dkuwi1t" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Bulking is going into caloric surplus. Basically eating more food than you need to get bigger faster. \n\nStrength training is basically just lifting weights to get stronger. You would do lower reps but using heavier weights. \n\nYou don't really...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://stronglifts.com/5x5/" ] ]
8cigcv
why do hot drinks taste “hotter” after eating a spice like ginger or pepper?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8cigcv/eli5_why_do_hot_drinks_taste_hotter_after_eating/
{ "a_id": [ "dxf8cra", "dxf8dlx", "dxfauj0" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm not sure if 6-Shogaol, Zingerone, and Gingerone, the compounds in ginger responsible for the feeling of heat, work in the same was as capsaicin, but I do know how the latter works and will go off th...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-is-it-that-eating-spi/" ], [] ]
2o8hpn
why did it take so long for led light bulbs?
LEDs have been around for a long time, why is it that just recently LED light bulbs for standard light sockets have become available?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o8hpn/eli5_why_did_it_take_so_long_for_led_light_bulbs/
{ "a_id": [ "cmkq16o", "cmkqpfl" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "A combination of price point and incentives to buy and sell them. \n\nLED lightbulbs are expensive, much more expensive than incandescents. It wasn't until the last decade or so that they became cheap enough to justify buyin...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2w9djz
when somebody swims, how does the water not go through the various open holes in the body and fill their body with water?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2w9djz/eli5_when_somebody_swims_how_does_the_water_not/
{ "a_id": [ "cooqyyb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In the mouth/nose, because your lips keep the mouth sealed, there's a flap in your nose to keep that sealed, and a small air bubble trapped in your nose helps too. The same with your urethra and anus.\n\nOtherwise you'd be leaking urine and feces...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
74blhl
why do so many viruses have similar symptoms?
I was reading about how there are many different viruses that cause the common cold...why do all these viruses share the same symptoms? What makes a cold virus different from one that causes another viral infection?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/74blhl/eli5_why_do_so_many_viruses_have_similar_symptoms/
{ "a_id": [ "dnx0cee", "dnx0eqe", "dnx7pwm", "dnxu7tw" ], "score": [ 11, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Different viruses can have a common tropism, i.e. the type of host cells they infect. In the case of the cold viruses they recognise the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
j36z8
the difference between a switch and a router
One of my co-workers asked me to explain this to her and I realized it's pretty hard to do without using a bunch of technical jargon.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j36z8/the_difference_between_a_switch_and_a_router/
{ "a_id": [ "c28qz8u" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I would say that a router designates where network traffic is going. A switch just helps the traffic get to its assigned destination.\n\nIt is the difference between the person who makes the train schedule(router), and the person who switches the...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1athky
flash memory
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1athky/eli5flash_memory/
{ "a_id": [ "c90okh9" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Alright, since you haven't stated any specifics, I imagine you want to know all about flash memory.\n\nFirst of all, it's important to tell you what we mean when we talk about \"memory\". In computers, all data comes as either a 1 (one) or 0 (ze...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2917nm
say we were able to teleport a video camera, one light year away 5 seconds faster than the speed of light, would the camera see itself being teleported?
Hypothetically say we were able to teleport a video camera (that could see Earth and people on it in stunning 4k) one light year away 5 seconds faster than the speed of light, would the camera see itself being teleported? While having a discussion on this topic I was stubbornly refusing to accept that we "see the past"...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2917nm/eli5_say_we_were_able_to_teleport_a_video_camera/
{ "a_id": [ "ciggmej", "ciggodn", "ciggp17", "ciggrkz", "cigjho0" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "This makes my brain hurt. Good question.", "If the camera is powerful enough to see light years yes. It would be able to see itself not because it can see...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
c0gev8
why are many fantasy creatures depicted with narrower eyes than their real life counterpart?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c0gev8/eli5_why_are_many_fantasy_creatures_depicted_with/
{ "a_id": [ "er4gd97", "er4gfcs", "er4huva" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I believe it is to give the creature a more sinister, untrustworthy look, as if they are eyeing down their prey. As you said, this does not mean they are always snarling, but the narrow eyes are seen to...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2icys6
the differences between the major christian religions (e.g. baptist, catholic, methodist, protestant, pentecostal, etc.)
Include any other major ones I didn't list.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2icys6/eli5_the_differences_between_the_major_christian/
{ "a_id": [ "cl120e6", "cl1225l", "cl125cq", "cl13iur", "cl151n5", "cl153e2", "cl15jt0", "cl16cos", "cl16gff", "cl16gy0", "cl16l0n", "cl16uzp", "cl1762h", "cl17flq", "cl17x2p", "cl185sb", "cl18edz", "cl18fm9", "cl18xm9", "cl19q1p", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1njxrb/eli5_the_theological_differences_between/", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denominations_by_number_of_members", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categorization", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism", "...
b1p1gu
if an astronaut took a mason jar on an eva and screwed the lid on, what at a microscopic level would be in the jar?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b1p1gu/eli5_if_an_astronaut_took_a_mason_jar_on_an_eva/
{ "a_id": [ "ein8ma9", "eina407" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "\nAs long as the astronaut wasnt close to any massive objects:\nA whole lot of nothing with a sprinkling of hydrogen and helium molecules ", "A tiny bit of earth atmosphere. Because EVAs happen at low earth orbit where t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9anpwg
how does pressing down on the accelerator make a car move forward?
Seriously, no idea.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9anpwg/eli5_how_does_pressing_down_on_the_accelerator/
{ "a_id": [ "e4wq8so", "e4wqbtt", "e4wuwdk" ], "score": [ 2, 10, 16 ], "text": [ "The gas pedal is connected to a valve that controls how much fuel is injected into the engine at any given time. More fuel allows the engine to cycle faster, which allows it to deliver more power to t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
fbx89f
what determines the time signature of a piece of music?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fbx89f/eli5_what_determines_the_time_signature_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "fj70959", "fj70qkm" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Nothing technically prevents it, but the emphasis changes. In 4/4 there is a hard emphasis on 1 and a soft emphasis on 3.", "You could absolutely do that. In fact, with enough effort any piece of music could be written i...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2wthu1
why is it so controversial that no black actors or actresses were nominated for oscars, but not at all controversial that no hispanic, asian, native american, indian actors were?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wthu1/eli5_why_is_it_so_controversial_that_no_black/
{ "a_id": [ "cotyune", "cou1bg0", "couftse" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Because those groups dont have a professional grievance industry. Well, hispanics have \"The Race\", which is pretty despicable, but there is no Alfonso Sharpton, or Jesus Jackson to measure talent by ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2cd7bp
why does radio shack need more than $62 million to close its stores?
According to an article on CNN Money, "The chain of 4,000 stores has just $62 million in cash left - a figure that is rapidly approaching zero. Things are so dire that it actually doesn't have enough money to close the 1,100 locations management says it needs to shutter. " edit: RadioShack's days are numbered By Chri...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cd7bp/eli5_why_does_radio_shack_need_more_than_62/
{ "a_id": [ "cjeakgb" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "OP, they have contractual obligations that thy must meet. Such as: leases of stores, local vendor contracts, utility obligations. Et cetera. " ] }
[]
[ "http://money.cnn.com/2014/07/31/news/companies/radioshack-future/index.html" ]
[ [] ]
65yhqi
why is it easier to carry a 50kg human than a 50kg dumbbell?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/65yhqi/eli5_why_is_it_easier_to_carry_a_50kg_human_than/
{ "a_id": [ "dge5qap", "dge5rs3" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Because the weight in the human would be spread over 5-6 feet. The weight in the dumbbell would be in the 12-18 inches. Also it's more common to pick up a dumbbell with one hand. ", "There are two parts to this problem.\...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9z02ub
when navigators, sailors and conquerers of the 15th century discovered islands and cities in america after blindly sailing for months at a time, how were they able to return to the same ports later in their lives?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9z02ub/eli5_when_navigators_sailors_and_conquerers_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ea5dofj", "ea5g8l9" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "They knew exactly what latitude it was at based on the stars, and a very rough estimate of longitude based on how long they had to sail west from a known starting point to get there.", "Besides latitude sailings, as the ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1p9ay3
why do i see tiny white spots darting around my vision every time i look at the sky?
I don't understand eyes. At all.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1p9ay3/eli5_why_do_i_see_tiny_white_spots_darting_around/
{ "a_id": [ "cd015ma", "cd01cfp", "cd01zt4", "cd02ki9", "cd06iiq", "cd0cc07" ], "score": [ 49, 37, 19, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Do they resemble electric sperm?", "First: _URL_1_\nFinally: _URL_0_\nBlue Field Entoptic Phenomenon. When I first noticed it I t...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_field_entoptic_phenomenon", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entoptic_phenomenon" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floater" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mEA7KiZ2vI" ], [] ]
2oqpl0
are quantum particles truly random or is it us who can't understand the logic behind it?
If true random doesn't exist, does it mean we would be able to "calculate" the past, current and future state of everything? - including our own thoughts and actions. Ps. Excuse my English.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oqpl0/eli5_are_quantum_particles_truly_random_or_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cmprqti" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Your idea is called *hidden variable theory* -- the idea that there are other variables that we can't yet see that control \"random\" outcomes of QM.\n\nScientists have actually *proven* that [hidden variable theory is untrue on a local level](_U...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell%27s_theorem" ] ]
8aouqd
how did people in the stone age manage to hydrate themselves daily if the daily minimum is so high?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8aouqd/eli5_how_did_people_in_the_stone_age_manage_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dx0ddym" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "\"Daily minimum is so high\" is a rather arbitrary statement. There are animals that require more water for survival than humans. However, our ability to sweat does make us need water more.\n\nAnd the real answer to that question is that we are s...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3uttkr
how's it possible for all the planets to be at the same height with respect to the sun?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3uttkr/eli5_hows_it_possible_for_all_the_planets_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "cxhqlrs", "cxhqo2m", "cxhqx9r" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They all formed out a disc that orbited the sun in an almost-flat plane. As a result, they also orbit in that plane.", "That's just the most stable composition. If they tumbled around and about on ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/PWxcgJUCDxg" ] ]
2bwp33
why had things changed more in the years 1900 to 1950 than from 1950 to 2000?
It seems like society and technology has evolved much more in the years 1900 to 1950 than from 1950 to the year 2000. I would like to know why is that? Why did things change between 1900 to 1950 than from 1950 to 2000?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bwp33/eli5_why_had_things_changed_more_in_the_years/
{ "a_id": [ "cj9n8z3", "cj9nhul", "cj9qqgq" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "That isn't the case, it just looks that way because the types of technologies were more physical and more differentiated, so the changes are easier to spot.\n\nIt's easier to point out, for instance, th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3l1qlv
why the right-hand rule?
Hey folks, So following up on yesterday's thread about gyroscopes and gyroscopic precession, I am pretty confused about some of the fundamental physics. I think I understand gyroscopes in general, and that their angular momentum makes it hard for them to change direction. We did that experiment in high school where...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3l1qlv/eli5_why_the_righthand_rule/
{ "a_id": [ "cv2dstx", "cv2eud5", "cv2xbca" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I watched that video too and (IMO) it was poorly presented. Nothing they said was wrong, but they over-emphasized certain unimportant things and ignored other important things. \n\nFirst, I'm going to c...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3j8ol1/eli5_torque_how_it_is_measured_and_works/cun6u62", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_of_inertia" ], [], [] ]
ljhie
subsidies
What are they? And why are they so important to have?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ljhie/eli5_subsidies/
{ "a_id": [ "c2t70ti", "c2t70ti" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Subsidies are basically money given to make something cheaper or to make doing something more profitable. Usually by the government.\n\nImagine a situation where the government decides they want kids to drink lots of milk, b...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
l67d0
what an html doctype is and why i need one.
Seriously, I've been coding and designing for months upon months and I still have no clue what the thing does.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l67d0/eli5_what_an_html_doctype_is_and_why_i_need_one/
{ "a_id": [ "c2q4331", "c2q85c1", "c2q4331", "c2q85c1" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "You know there has been a lot of version of html, like HTML5 or xHTML? There are also XML (which html is based upon) and SVG which uses almost the same syntax. \n\nWell the doctype...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5cia02
why does eating a pomegranate, a very dark red staining fruit, turn my hands a slight yellow color after a while?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cia02/eli5_why_does_eating_a_pomegranate_a_very_dark/
{ "a_id": [ "d9wry60" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Leftover pigment staining your skin. Certain colors fade to a different color as they wear away. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1yj8v6
do people in coma's no longer need constant food and water intake to survive?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yj8v6/eli5_do_people_in_comas_no_longer_need_constant/
{ "a_id": [ "cfkzl4j", "cfkzlu6", "cfkznu4" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They do still need it. They just don't need as much because their bodies are not doing anything to burn calories. And yes, slipping into a coma was much worse before modern technology and medicine wer...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070305161441AAAvukD" ] ]
8dq80g
how some stars become pulsars?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dq80g/eli5how_some_stars_become_pulsars/
{ "a_id": [ "dxr276r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Pulsars are essentially rapidly rotating, Neutron stars. A Neutron star forms at the death of a star. For example, When the Sun dies it will swell large enough to completely swallow Earth. After that, It explodes \\(Supernova\\) and creates a gia...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3n0yam
how do email providers make money?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n0yam/eli5_how_do_email_providers_make_money/
{ "a_id": [ "cvjv8id" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Depends on the provider. For most -- and are there any independent ones left, really? -- it's just another service they provide and helps drive people to their other services. Some (most?) providers also have ads on their mail service - some coul...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
369fvp
how do rich people and corporations get away with things because "they have an army of lawyers"?
Theoretically the law is written the same for everyone. What can $100 million worth of lawyers do, that $100k worth of lawyers cannot?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/369fvp/eli5_how_do_rich_people_and_corporations_get_away/
{ "a_id": [ "crbwx5a", "crc41f3" ], "score": [ 11, 8 ], "text": [ "Part of it is that having more/better lawyers allows you to to find loopholes in laws, legal precedent that supports you, etc. that others might not know about. There is also some amount of brute force tactics that goes on,...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
56mjsr
how do we know the exact position of our solar system in the milky way?
I have always been amazed by this pictures portraying our location in the Universe. I know that this pictures are representations but, how the scientists know in fact that we are located in that exact place in the Galaxy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56mjsr/eli5_how_do_we_know_the_exact_position_of_our/
{ "a_id": [ "d8kidqs", "d8kjyv8", "d8kn149", "d8ktyhm", "d8kyv2x" ], "score": [ 68, 2, 22, 3, 10 ], "text": [ "Imagine you live in NY. You can know your distance to Chicago, to Washington and to Tulsa, and you know the distsnce from all those cities to the other one...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://casswww.ucsd.edu/archive/public/tutorial/mw.html", "https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TMlws93O21E/maxresdefault.jpg" ] ]
1nfzeq
if i drop a 12 inch ball made of solid lead and a 12 inch beach ball how do they hit the ground at the same time?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nfzeq/eli5_if_i_drop_a_12_inch_ball_made_of_solid_lead/
{ "a_id": [ "cci7n91", "cci7o02", "cci7rtn", "cci85kg" ], "score": [ 7, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "In a vacuum they will, when you have air in the way they won't. That's because earths gravity is 9.8m/s^2. Thats how fast it pulls you, it doesn't care about your weight. Air resis...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
26uc9v
what's the difference between genetic drift and natural selection?
I looked at the wikipedia articles, but it was a bit too complex, can someone explain simply?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26uc9v/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_genetic_drift/
{ "a_id": [ "chukx6k" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Both of these concepts deal with traits within a population changing over time. With natural selection, one trait is more advantageous, so organisms with that trait survive and reproduce more effectively, resulting in more organisms with that tr...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
61p424
why do the u.s. (and many other nations) have fiat currencies?
This doesn't make sense... It used to be that everyone was on the gold standard, right? So you could exchange one currency for another because you knew that no matter what, you had the same amount of gold. This is seriously confusing, so please remember that I'm a five-year-old trying to learn economics.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/61p424/elif_why_do_the_us_and_many_other_nations_have/
{ "a_id": [ "dfg6xdp" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Pegging your currency to shiny metal means you give up quite a bit of control over your money supply. You can't \"poof\" in money like with a fiat currency, for example. This can be dangerous.\n\nTake the Great Depression, for instance. Banks don...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6eviqh
the pagerank algorithm
I'm currently studying Computer Science at A-level and I am struggling to understand how the PageRank algorithm works, the formula looks pretty complicated and I was hoping someone could break it down for me in simple terms.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6eviqh/eli5_the_pagerank_algorithm/
{ "a_id": [ "diderw7" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The simple version is this. You want to know if a page is popular. To determine if it's popular you start with the basic idea that \"a page is popular if popular pages think it's popular\". To solve this you need two things, \"how do you know...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
12knie
bitcoins
I think I've read the Wikipedia article on these about a hundred times and I still don't know exactly what Bitcoins are. How can I get them? Do I pay for them with a credit card? What is bitcoin mining?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/12knie/eli5_bitcoins/
{ "a_id": [ "c6vvsap", "c6w0e9f", "c6w0vjz", "c6w3ikz", "c6w52v5", "c8fxlw6" ], "score": [ 42, 27, 73, 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Bitcoins are virtual currency. New ones are generated by computers solving really hard math problems - this is called \"mining\". I...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
qsmtl
the difference between left-wing and right-wing terrorist groups
is there a left and right wing in politics too?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qsmtl/eli5_the_difference_between_leftwing_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c404wlj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There are left and right wings in politics.\n\nBroadly speaking Right Wing politics are those who favour lower taxation with little Government spending, whereas Left Wing politics are those who favour higher taxation with more Government spending...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
37ydqn
where do bitcoins come from? i know that you have to mine to get new bitcoins but who makes the blocks that are mined & how does it benefit them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37ydqn/eli5_where_do_bitcoins_come_from_i_know_that_you/
{ "a_id": [ "crqsolg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The miners \"make\" blocks. Blocks are bundles of transactions that are then signed by a cryptographic hash by miners. It's actually a neat process...\n\nLet's say you send a bitcoin to me. You broadcast it to the entire bitcoin network, so I am ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://blockchain.info" ] ]
6j9hsw
why does "the people's republic of china" have the word republic in it when clearly the country is not one?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6j9hsw/eli5_why_does_the_peoples_republic_of_china_have/
{ "a_id": [ "djckgym", "djckoj8", "djcl403", "djcl5x8", "djcl7xm", "djcmp8t" ], "score": [ 7, 15, 15, 5, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "What makes it so obviously not a republic? It certainly isn't a monarchy.", "In American schools, people are taught that the word ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6ovs3r
why are golf balls pitted and not perfectly smooth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ovs3r/eli5_why_are_golf_balls_pitted_and_not_perfectly/
{ "a_id": [ "dkkkal5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "when you hit the ball, it spins. the holes act like wings on an airplane giving it lift as it spins. Dimple patterns to differ by brand and intended purpose like length or spin. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6kq0hb
why do street numbers start in the 1000's even on short streets?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kq0hb/eli5_why_do_street_numbers_start_in_the_1000s/
{ "a_id": [ "djnw9w4", "djnxnk5", "djob9ws" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "In the USA and some other countries, the number of hundreds is how many blocks you are from Main Street (or whatever the city's central street is). So if you are 15 blocks from Main Street, the house nu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
52t0sb
why do pigeons make that weird sound instead of chirping like other birds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52t0sb/eli5_why_do_pigeons_make_that_weird_sound_instead/
{ "a_id": [ "d7n3wc4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Pigeons and doves are non-song birds. The sounds they produce are referred to as \"cooing\". These sounds are made via a special membrane called the LTM ( lateral tympaniform membrane which spans two tracheal rings (T1 & T2). It is these membra...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1sxlw6
what is going on in london with regards to some parts of the muslim community, and their apparent lack of respect for uk culture?
I've seen quite a few posts recently regarding Muslims in London threatening citizens, trying to implement their own laws, and even killing a soldier. Is this an actual issue, or just sensationalized on reddit by successful posts?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sxlw6/eli5_what_is_going_on_in_london_with_regards_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ce286rp", "ce28cat", "ce29e38", "ce2acx9", "ce2am5n", "ce2aqmw", "ce2b235", "ce2b2it", "ce2bo1o", "ce2bpcr", "ce2bz7w", "ce2bzf8", "ce2ca99", "ce2ddod", "ce2dk52", "ce2dlbi", "ce2dzfv", "ce2es4t", "ce2f96g", "ce2fj9w", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwqpuUDS6ac" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/the-woolwich-killers-were-doing-islam-wrong", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2nlIfn8tNA" ], [], [], [ "http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1510866/Poll-revea...
fntpb3
how do formation jets fly the same pattern without touching?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fntpb3/eli5_how_do_formation_jets_fly_the_same_pattern/
{ "a_id": [ "flbg5b4", "flbj4p1" ], "score": [ 12, 4 ], "text": [ "Practice and communication by everyone knowing what they are all supposed to be doing and when they are supposed to be doing it. In addition some flying techniques only look close when viewed from a certain point like a dis...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1210750902975361025.html" ] ]
6ywj3y
how large can you build something before you have to start accounting for the tendency of said structure to collapse into itself on account of its own gravity?
This occurred to me when I learned about Dyson spheres, which are hypothetical structures an advanced civilization might build around a star to harness its energy. Surely something so massive would simply buckle under the pull of its own gravity and collapse into a sphere?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ywj3y/eli5_how_large_can_you_build_something_before_you/
{ "a_id": [ "dmqos5e", "dmqq49w", "dmqr034" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "I think there is no real hard limit. Like you could build a pretty big pyramid or cone. Maybe even shape the earth like a drop. ", "Larger and more dense than anything we have ever created, and poss...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandrasekhar_limit" ] ]
eadjwh
why do school buses have the "overhang" on the back?
School buses seem to cantilever past the rear axis a lot more than other "trucks" and "buses" of similar size. Is it that the body extends past the rear axis a lot more, or that the space between the two axis is shorter than other buses and trucks, and why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eadjwh/eli5_why_do_school_buses_have_the_overhang_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "fapigyp", "fapiubw", "fapka5p" ], "score": [ 23, 3, 10 ], "text": [ "Shorter turning radius, to give more maneuverability in neighborhoods and school parking lots/dropoff zones. The drivers are very experienced with the vehicle and the specific route traveled while mo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3ez88w
is it possible to make any made up chemical if you know it's exact composition from basic elements/chemicals (such as making au2 c6 cl k3 o from gold, carbon, chlorine, potassium and oxygen)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ez88w/eli5_is_it_possible_to_make_any_made_up_chemical/
{ "a_id": [ "ctjsglh" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Perhaps. Just picking a random set of elements is no guarantee of a stable molecule. You need to make sure it doesn't break down instantly. For a given set of atoms, there might be several arrangements that are stable. Some molecules are \"ha...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
16gw9e
how does paper money work? do we have a backup of actually valuable goods?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16gw9e/how_does_paper_money_work_do_we_have_a_backup_of/
{ "a_id": [ "c7vwe20", "c7vwk29", "c7vx4bq" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Paper money works because everyone agrees that it works. We don't have or need a backup of actually valuable goods.\n\nNote that this is the same way that *gold* money works; gold just happens to be som...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/finance/comments/utf5u/where_has_all_the_money_in_the_world_gone/c4yfkhg" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-xjCzM4kds" ] ]
cwcn5x
how are disease cures tested with such as hiv or cancer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cwcn5x/eli5_how_are_disease_cures_tested_with_such_as/
{ "a_id": [ "ey9rfzb" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You are right that there is a lot of trial and error. They literally test thousands of chemicals, in different concentrations, and mixed with different other chemicals. They typically do it in test tubes or maybe mice, so it is not that expensive...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
301vwf
why does my dealership say every 5,000 on the sticker, but my local midas puts a 3,000 mile sticker for oil change?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/301vwf/eli5_why_does_my_dealership_say_every_5000_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cpobngt", "cpoc1v2", "cpoecxj", "cpoj63n" ], "score": [ 15, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the oil change place is in the business of selling oil changes. Thus many will still recommend the 3,000-mile oil change. You should check your owner's manual for the manu...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1t5xzi
why does everyone care about carbon footprints? aren't there gases that are much worse then carbon dioxide we should worry about?
It seems like when talking about the environment everyone is always concerned about being carbon neutral and such. Why Carbon?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1t5xzi/eli5_why_does_everyone_care_about_carbon/
{ "a_id": [ "ce4okts" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, there are other things people should be aware of, not just gases either.\n\nCO2 has been identified as a \"greenhouse gas,\" and it's a product of combustion, which is the primary way most people get their transportation and electrical ener...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4g1urc
can a person proportionally lift more weight using two arms than using one arm?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4g1urc/eli5_can_a_person_proportionally_lift_more_weight/
{ "a_id": [ "d2dx2jd", "d2e8bh9" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "I'm guessing it's because the two arms are connected by a very strong torso, which gets leveraged into the lift when both arms are used. A single arm probably uses less of this additional strength, but still some small amo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6iticf
how do people move giraffes from one location to another?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6iticf/eli5_how_do_people_move_giraffes_from_one/
{ "a_id": [ "dj8whdp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In a crate on a truck. [Like this](_URL_0_ ) There was a recent incident in the news where a giraffe was killed when its head hit an overpass, but that sort of incident isn't the accepted standard of care in most facilities." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.ktranswa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Truck-Giraffe-2.jpg" ] ]
3hj5pr
what do doctors do in emergency surgery when people have stuff in their stomach?
When you go in for a planned surgery, you have to fast for many hours beforehand because you don't want there to be a chance of the person throwing up during surgery, etc. But when someone gets in a bad accident, for example, and requires emergency surgery, chances are they haven't been fasting. So how do surgeons deal...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3hj5pr/eli5_what_do_doctors_do_in_emergency_surgery_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cu7tiej", "cu7tqyx" ], "score": [ 5, 6 ], "text": [ "They want you to fast so you don't puke. If it is an emergency then they can't afford to wait for you to fast, and they just deal with it if you puke.", "When the stomach is full, it expands (takes up room in the thorac...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
d3jja9
- black barns in kentucky, why?
I’ve been driving through Kentucky a lot lately for work and everywhere I go I see barns painted black. Even the bourbon distilleries where they store the bourbon, many of these are painted black or a very dark color. Do they want the barns to be hot? Why are they painted this way? I’m used to seeing barns painted red....
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d3jja9/eli5_black_barns_in_kentucky_why/
{ "a_id": [ "f038kwx", "f038lh8", "f03ags9", "f03wixo", "f045lsj", "f049f90", "f0567mc", "f05y2t4" ], "score": [ 1510, 107, 101, 34, 15, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Kentucky has historically been a major tobacco producing state. Tobacco curing barn...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baudoinia_compniacensis#B._compniacensis_on_buildings_and_plants" ], [], [ "https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/barns-are-painted-red-because-of-the-physics-of-dying-stars-58185724/" ], [], [], [] ]
4kuuzd
why do usb chargers have all contacts in their ports? why not just power and ground and omit data?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kuuzd/eli5_why_do_usb_chargers_have_all_contacts_in/
{ "a_id": [ "d3hxkrf", "d3i33x8", "d3i39x0", "d3ii377", "d3iqlut" ], "score": [ 26, 8, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The specs for USB allow devices to pull 100mA prior to device negotiation. Great for small simple things like e-cigs. When you start getting into things like...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
49l3p0
why is it that when microwaving something that dried up, like hotdog buns that have been in the fridge or a cookie that's a day old, seem to make it soft and damp again?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49l3p0/eli5why_is_it_that_when_microwaving_something/
{ "a_id": [ "d0soidt", "d0spbb4", "d0spe40" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "It's only dry on the outside. There is still some moisture inside the bun or cookie. When it heats up, some of the water becomes steam and permeates the item making the exterior soft again.\n\nThat's my...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
cif2w4
when we listen to a song for the very first time. some of them sounds wicked and eventually you get sick of it in no time. but some of them are not great at first, but it will grow on you and you enjoy them for longer periods?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cif2w4/eli5_when_we_listen_to_a_song_for_the_very_first/
{ "a_id": [ "ev4n1z8", "ev4p00w" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "No idea if that is it, but here's an hypothesis among others.\n\nWhen we listen to a song we listen to different sectors of it. I guess most people focus on the singer first. Then bass/guitar, then drums.\n\nIf you listen a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2py37u
airlines often fly faster to make up for ground delays. why don't they fly as fast as they can all the time?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2py37u/eli5_airlines_often_fly_faster_to_make_up_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cn11shz", "cn11t0m", "cn1222u", "cn12655" ], "score": [ 12, 7, 7, 6 ], "text": [ "because it's expensive. \n\nairline spend something on the order of 40% of the cost of a ticket to pay for fuel. airplanes have optimal cruising speeds where they burn the least...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2i7r1p
why do scalpers at events yell ' i need tickets' when they are actually aellig them?
I'm at ACL this week and see it happening here and have seen it happen all over at other events, just curious why? Why does saying I need tickets not get them in trouble like saying I'm selling tickets to this event does.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i7r1p/eli5_why_do_scalpers_at_events_yell_i_need/
{ "a_id": [ "ckzo6fr" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "They buy tickets for a lowball price from people in a hurry to unload theirs and get to the event.\n\nThen they have an assortment of seating areas to offer for sale, and they live on the mark-up.\n\nAlso, a lot of times it is illegal to advertis...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6eubio
when faced with the reality that a belief/thought is somehow flawed or just plain wrong why do most people ignore all evidence to the contrary and become even more aligned to said beliefs?
Third time attempting to post this without it being rejected! My question isn't so much how do people believe in certain things (such as religious faith) but more about how people can take a stance or a belief about a topic and then when faced with very clear evidence to the contrary they seem to hold onto their flawe...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6eubio/eli5_when_faced_with_the_reality_that_a/
{ "a_id": [ "did2wvt", "did6n9y", "did8uzp", "dids37i" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > Some sort of protection mechanism?\n\nYes.\n\nPeople's beliefs are tied up into their identity. Anything that threatens to change their beliefs is felt as a personal attack. Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance" ], [] ]