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kxfuw
how do cranes keep rising while building skyscrapers and how do they take them down when finished?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kxfuw/how_do_cranes_keep_rising_while_building/
{ "a_id": [ "c2o0zu4", "c2o19j7", "c2o1mb0", "c2o2p9n", "c2o2q7f", "c2o37b2", "c2o0zu4", "c2o19j7", "c2o1mb0", "c2o2p9n", "c2o2q7f", "c2o37b2" ], "score": [ 136, 9, 2, 18, 2, 2, 136, 9, 2, 18, 2, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx5Qt7_ECEE" ], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB91Sm-kGJ8" ], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCb879oJ36U&feature=related" ], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx5Qt7_ECEE" ], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watc...
5cu9e4
using examples, the difference between stop loss vs. stop limit and limit order vs. market order.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cu9e4/eli5_using_examples_the_difference_between_stop/
{ "a_id": [ "d9zhtvw", "d9zhzab" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are better subs for this such as /r/investing.\n\nA stop loss order is an order to sell a security if the price drops below a certain point. The idea is that if the security continues to drop you sold it and will exper...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
avt65q
why does text on a pdf not appear blurry no matter how much you zoom in?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/avt65q/eli5_why_does_text_on_a_pdf_not_appear_blurry_no/
{ "a_id": [ "ehhglac", "ehhiu3t", "ehhosiw", "ehhrq2x" ], "score": [ 92, 15, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Because a PDF is not an image that goes under compression. Pdf can contain other stuff, so when zooming in on fonts, its the same as doing it on word (in theory)", "The text ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "PC.net" ], [] ]
3scmkw
why do computers need to re-write magnetic disks/hard drives with 0s and 1s in order to securely erase data but not flash drives or ssds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3scmkw/eli5_why_do_computers_need_to_rewrite_magnetic/
{ "a_id": [ "cww0c6g" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Magnetic drives have magnetic [hysteresis](_URL_0_). (ELI5 translation: The old value tends to stick around in the form of a slightly altered magnetic field) The purpose a multi-pass wipe is to overwrite the old value enough times that the remain...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hysteresis" ] ]
9ht11m
why does the top ice cube tray work better?
So I've got a pair of stackable plastic ice cube trays in my freezer, right? Well I've noticed that the cubes from the top tray always come out cleanly, while the cubes on the bottom tray tend to stick and break. Last night I made a point of switching them (even though they're apparently identical) to verify that it's ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ht11m/eli5_why_does_the_top_ice_cube_tray_work_better/
{ "a_id": [ "e6eiwf8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I have noticed the same thing in my freezer. The top tray does freeze noticeably faster, and then the cubes come out \"cleaner\", which is to say all in one piece rather than shattered in pieces. I think the shattering effect has something to d...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
vib19
how do homing missiles follow something?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vib19/eli5_how_do_homing_missiles_follow_something/
{ "a_id": [ "c54qril", "c54qv1e" ], "score": [ 2, 8 ], "text": [ "It depends on the missile.\n\nLong range ones use GPS, the same sattelites your car device and phone uses.\n\nAir-to-air and surface-to-air missiles search for the targeted aircraft's heat signature (exhaust) using infrared ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9mtp97
why nuclear waste can't be destroyed and if it lasts for 100s of thousands of years won't it just keep building up for a very long time? what do with it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9mtp97/eli5_why_nuclear_waste_cant_be_destroyed_and_if/
{ "a_id": [ "e7h9f0v", "e7h9xfp", "e7ha9hu", "e7hg042", "e7hhytw", "e7hifhd" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 79, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Sure, it will just keep building up, but it doesn't actually take up a lot of space so we can keep using nuclear power and creating nuc...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://youtu.be/AaDwk8UCrew" ], [], [], [], [] ]
6nh8tk
why are anticonvulsants used to treat schizophrenia?
I have schizoaffective bipolar type and am prescribed an anticonvulsant. On one hand this helps my family accept my diagnosis better but I'm curious, why are they used to treat schizophrenia? Is schizophrenia similar to a seizure disorder?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6nh8tk/eli5_why_are_anticonvulsants_used_to_treat/
{ "a_id": [ "dk9g4z7", "dkauwiq" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Schizophrenia is absolutely not similar to seizures.\nMost medications are approved for multiple conditions for example there is a drug used for urinary retention that is also used to treat hair loss.\nUsually drug manufactu...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
e61w5f
why should college athletes be paid? don't they already receive tens of thousands in scholarship money? literally their entire tuition, room and board, and books are paid for? not against the idea, just curious what element i'm missing.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e61w5f/eli5_why_should_college_athletes_be_paid_dont/
{ "a_id": [ "f9n6u9f" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because the college makes millions on their backs. It's a complete abuse of the players.\n\nThe highest paid state employees are usually coaches and the athletics director for the big college. It's bullshit.\n\nWatch the last week tonight episode...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3j50dr
what are the psychoactive effects of nicotine and what is the chemistry behind them?
I recently read an article saying that nicotine is the "world's most popular placebo", in that it only produces a different effect depending on what the individual desires from tobacco. Is this true? Is it known that nicotine actually has any psychoactive effects? If so, how does it do this? Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3j50dr/eli5_what_are_the_psychoactive_effects_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cumq229", "cumdswg", "cumdzk4" ], "score": [ 3, 44, 48 ], "text": [ "Your brain has little pathways that accept signals from other bits of your brain. Some of these signals feel good for a few seconds. Nicotine feels like those nice feelings but it's just faking. It...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
9g2hwf
plants are also made up of proteins (they express dna etc), so why are veggies and stuff so low in protein?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9g2hwf/eli5_plants_are_also_made_up_of_proteins_they/
{ "a_id": [ "e60xn92", "e616fg9", "e61cork", "e621l4k" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "People use the word protein slightly different in different contexts. Every cell in everything is made of protein but when talking about food people use the word to mean 'the spec...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
58f4tb
so i was at work during the entire debate, would someone kindly give me a rundown of what happened?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/58f4tb/eli5_so_i_was_at_work_during_the_entire_debate/
{ "a_id": [ "d8zxrkz" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Hillary and Trump said the same stuff they've said for the past week. Notable moments:\n\nTrump said that he was going to \"keep us in suspense\" on whether or not he would concede the election if he loses. \n\nHillary promised to \"not raise the...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cki1o5
if we exhale carbon dioxide, how does giving mouth-to-mouth help a person?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cki1o5/eli5_if_we_exhale_carbon_dioxide_how_does_giving/
{ "a_id": [ "evni4bt", "evni68t", "evniebo", "evnm6yg" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 18, 2 ], "text": [ "2 reasons: First, you are just trying to get the persons lungs to start moving, second, your lungs don't completely remove all oxygen when you inhale and exhale.", "The gas we...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5tv066
why does water form into droplets as its smallest unit? what's special about that specific size?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5tv066/eli5_why_does_water_form_into_droplets_as_its/
{ "a_id": [ "ddp7j8t", "ddpokgi" ], "score": [ 17, 4 ], "text": [ "Surface tension causes drops to take a shape which minimizes their surface area per unit volume. It starts as a sphere, because that's the most effective shape, and then it's pulled into a droplet by air friction as it fal...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1coyu6
how do sump pumps work and why do we need them?
I have a general understanding of this but trying to explain to a co-worker makes me not so sure. Why not just seal up the basement to prevent water from coming in?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1coyu6/eli5_how_do_sump_pumps_work_and_why_do_we_need/
{ "a_id": [ "c9imprw", "c9imq3r", "c9in7x7" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal a basement well enough to prevent some seepage. This is true in general, but is particularly true in an old structure where cracks may have devel...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5h4tvs
rush hour traffic
One would think that if everyone drove the speed limit (or close to) heading in the same direction there wouldn't be any standstills. So why is there?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5h4tvs/eli5_rush_hour_traffic/
{ "a_id": [ "daxfmpp" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "It's usually a cascading effect after, inevitably, somebody has to slow down for some reason.\n\nWhen the roads are light, there's lots of room between cars and people feel comfortable going fast. If someone has to duck between lanes suddenly or ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1c822q
why do older cpu's often cite higher frequencies, surely they are slower?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1c822q/eli5_why_do_older_cpus_often_cite_higher/
{ "a_id": [ "c9dxvzk", "c9dxx9g", "c9dyme7", "c9dyo9f", "c9exdc2" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's difficult to make CPUs with higher frequencies than the older ones. So what we now do instead is stuff two or four CPUs into one package. Each one indivi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
4icdw3
upgrading pc and i don't understand what parts my motherboard can handle. i've never built a pc before and i don't understand a lot of the terms
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4icdw3/eli5upgrading_pc_and_i_dont_understand_what_parts/
{ "a_id": [ "d2wwi08" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You need to shop for a socket AM2 Cpu and DDR 2 ram. I wouldn't spend too much on a video card because you are most likely going to be bottlenecked by whatever Cpu you use. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
tnppl
esl5 how sewing works. specifically sewing machines.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/tnppl/esl5_how_sewing_works_specifically_sewing_machines/
{ "a_id": [ "c4o6axf" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "[This gif](_URL_0_) might help." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lockstitch.gif" ] ]
8e3kjl
how to ophthalmic emulsifiers work?
On my last eye checkup the doctor gave me eye drops for my dry eyes. It is written that the drops are opthalmic emulsifiers. An emulsifier is a substance used to stabilize an emulsion which is a colloid of both phases being liquid. So how does that help in moisturizing the eyes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8e3kjl/eli5_how_to_ophthalmic_emulsifiers_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dxs5ea7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "If you leave a bowl of water on your kitchen counter for a few days it will dry up (water evaporation). Similarly, your eyes will dry up faster if you only had water on them. To prevent that, your eyes has a thin layer of lipids (like oil) that r...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2fhp93
how would leaving the eu affect the uk economy? would it tank?
Assuming that there are no drastic changes from today's conditions, i.e. Scotland still in the Union and no major crash. Of course nobody knows for sure, but what are the factors that would tip the balance either way? x-posted on /r/europe
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fhp93/eli5_how_would_leaving_the_eu_affect_the_uk/
{ "a_id": [ "ck9d8kv" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It would and then would recover, but that's not really the point. As other commenters have said, leaving would be an unfortunate signal that would lead to a loss of investment /business /jobs in the short term.\n\nHowever.\n\nThe EU would continu...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2h1jq9
if electric guitar pickups are what gets the sound, why would the wood type, or it being hollow play a role in the sound it produces?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h1jq9/eli5_if_electric_guitar_pickups_are_what_gets_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ckoh16g", "ckoh7aw" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Because all of those factors change how the string itself vibrates. ", "The guitar strings generate vibrations (sound) that resonate (bounce back and forth) through the rest of the guitar. The material the guitar is mad...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5ua0v7
how is it that some music that you don't like can actually give you a headache?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ua0v7/eli5_how_is_it_that_some_music_that_you_dont_like/
{ "a_id": [ "ddsg2hi" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "One of the reasons I can think of is that annoying music (or anything annoying for that matter) due to mental frustration causes higher blood or head pressure - both of which cause head ache." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
10ks23
why does the us have to go to war if israel attacks another country?
Its all over the news and I'm just wondering
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10ks23/why_does_the_us_have_to_go_to_war_if_israel/
{ "a_id": [ "c6ebslk", "c6ecg4m", "c6eg3n0" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "The US considers Israel an extremely important strategic ally. If Israel is fighting someone then the US feels obligated to fight someone.\n\nIt's like if your friend gets in a fight, you might look ou...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
20t16d
what is the international law that russia and the west keep referring to in their speeches?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20t16d/eli5what_is_the_international_law_that_russia_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cg6frzu", "cg6lwlz", "cg6mqg0" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There isn't \"an international law\" there are agreements of all different types that mean different things to different countries. In general though countries are expected to do what they said they wou...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva_Conventions" ], [] ]
uez52
exactly how a knife cuts you
I was just wondering exactly how a smooth knife, like [this](_URL_0_) one can cut your skin.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/uez52/eli5_exactly_how_a_knife_cuts_you/
{ "a_id": [ "c4uss4h" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Knives work because there is a pressure concentration on the edge. Pressure is force per area. So say you have a knife and you place the flat edge on something (body) and press down, not much will happen. Now if you do the side that isn't sharpe...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/CbZgc" ]
[ [] ]
te977
reddit mold
what is it, its use, how, and why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/te977/eli5_reddit_mold/
{ "a_id": [ "c4lv48v" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "[April fools 2011] (_URL_0_)." ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://blog.reddit.com/2011/03/reddit-mold-is-now-live.html" ] ]
5qfn6w
the origin of "your mom" jokes.
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5qfn6w/eli5_the_origin_of_your_mom_jokes/
{ "a_id": [ "dcyvni4", "dcz04jw" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Perhaps it stemmed from \"Yo mama\" jokes. Like \"Your mama's so fat she sweats Crisco\" I seem to remember as that fad tapered off, shortly after \"Your mom\" became a thing. Perhaps there's a correlation.", "according ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9c2g66
how are seemingly random judges across the us able to block executive orders and other higher-level things?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9c2g66/eli5_how_are_seemingly_random_judges_across_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e57hhyh", "e57hl74", "e57i7kf", "e57l70u", "e57ppfb" ], "score": [ 34, 10, 357, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "In order to balance the government's power the executive's word isn't law. Power is separated in three branches : legislature, executive and judiciary. It...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/17pdf/17-965_h315.pdf" ], [] ]
9tajir
i left my half drank apple juice out for like a week and i opened it and it opened like a shaken can of soda, and had weird material in it. what causes this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9tajir/eli5_i_left_my_half_drank_apple_juice_out_for/
{ "a_id": [ "e8uri6d", "e8usg5w", "e8utstz" ], "score": [ 3, 16, 3 ], "text": [ "Bacteria presumably grew in the fluid, releasing gas and pressurizing the container a bit. ", "Sounds like natural fermentation. Sugar breaking down from natural bacteria which releases gas, causin...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
48kct5
why did earth have life and not another planet in our solar system
We weren't the first planet here, and at first Earth was unlivable during the Hadean Era, but water came, and many years later we had the first cells, so why did our planet cool and not another planet, thanks
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/48kct5/eli5_why_did_earth_have_life_and_not_another/
{ "a_id": [ "d0kays4" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Earth is in what is called the Goldilocks zone. Basically it's close enough to the sun to keep most the water on earth warm enough to be liquid but not so close that it all boils away out of the atmosphere. It's the liquid water and the generally...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
esvblr
what is this article describing regarding federal reserve liquidity injections?
I'm trying to understand the premise of this article: [_URL_0_](_URL_0_) Is it basically saying that the Fed is inflating the value of the market by injecting government money into the market? It seems like it's warning about an inevitable tipping point but also saying the market could still safely adjust. Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/esvblr/eli5_what_is_this_article_describing_regarding/
{ "a_id": [ "ffcezgv", "ffcxdnw" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "In short, there is such a thing as 'money supply' and 'money demand'. If your interest rates are very low then you aren't 'creating' money. Interest rates are one way we make money out of thin air. If your interest rates are...
[]
[ "https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/has-fed-trapped-itself-lance-roberts/" ]
[ [], [] ]
1ziv52
how exactly does patient zero for the flu contract the disease? is it an outside source or a mutation?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ziv52/eli5_how_exactly_does_patient_zero_for_the_flu/
{ "a_id": [ "cfu1ts0", "cfu3r3s" ], "score": [ 2, 25 ], "text": [ "It can be both depending on the circumstances. A new strain of flu might come from a mutation of previous human flu strains, or a different species may have a flu strain that mutates in such a way that it can infect humans....
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[]
[ [], [] ]
kbn2u
the psychology behind reddit karma or why everyone seems to want it.
Yup.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kbn2u/eli5_the_psychology_behind_reddit_karma_or_why/
{ "a_id": [ "c2iyt0q", "c2j1eyo", "c2iyt0q", "c2j1eyo" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Do you want $5? Of course you do. Everyone wants money. Karma is the social currency of reddit. Unfortunately, it's not redeemable for any physical goods. Some people are impressed...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3kaucz
why did the apple/foxconn labor issues blow over?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kaucz/eli5_why_did_the_applefoxconn_labor_issues_blow/
{ "a_id": [ "cuw32ba", "cuw4fjw" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It didn't exactly blow over, but most people don't really know the facts of the matter. First I'll say I certainly think they should have better conditions at the factories. I'm not defending exploitation of people like that...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
86unn5
why is it so easy for us to electronically capture and send the sense of sight (via pictures/video), but sharing the sense of smell/touch/taste is impossible?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/86unn5/eli5_why_is_it_so_easy_for_us_to_electronically/
{ "a_id": [ "dw7y78j", "dw7zx27", "dw81g7q" ], "score": [ 7, 7, 5 ], "text": [ "Light is relatively easy to capture and reproduce; the information it conveys when arranged in a particular fashion is mostly static.\n\nSmell, touch and taste all require far more complex interactions ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
55cpw8
during a battle or war, how is the counting done of the casualties and who does it? also, the casualties figure released in the media accurate or not?
On Wikipedia and other sites, books etc on the subject of Wars like World War 2 casualty figures are quoted. Now I am wondering what methods the authorities concerned use to measure the war dead, whose responsibility is it to do it and the information released how accurate is it anyway?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/55cpw8/eli5_during_a_battle_or_war_how_is_the_counting/
{ "a_id": [ "d89fus3", "d89gfng", "d89iard", "d89inqh", "d89jh73", "d89m93r", "d89mwlh", "d89s20q", "d89tc80", "d8a56wl" ], "score": [ 15, 131, 20, 314, 37, 47, 5, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well mostly it's just who doesn't come b...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
fs6jmt
why does it take thousands of degrees to melt salt, but room temp water seems to break it down just as well?
I guess I don't understand how the two are different, it takes energy to break a bond, an ionic bond in this case. It takes an absurd amount of heat to rip salt apart, but a polar water molecule seems to separate the atoms pretty easily What is the difference here?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fs6jmt/eli5_why_does_it_take_thousands_of_degrees_to/
{ "a_id": [ "flzpojl", "flzqrt6", "flzu3uz", "flzybig" ], "score": [ 8, 9, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Think of it like trying to remove a screw from a wall using a screwdriver, or by using brute force to yank it out of the wall with your hands. The right tool for the job makes it m...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
32iayp
how does streaming videos with a resolution larger than my screen work?
For example, streaming a 4K video on a 1080p monitor, or a 1080p video on a 720p laptop screen. I've never been able to wrap my head around this concept.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32iayp/eli5_how_does_streaming_videos_with_a_resolution/
{ "a_id": [ "cqbhhp8", "cqbi6ky" ], "score": [ 13, 4 ], "text": [ "Imagine you have a 40x40 pixel black/white image, and you want to display it on a monitor that can only display 20x20 pixels. Let's say every second pixel is black, so you get a chequered pattern. \n\nLeaving out every seco...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
qs8jm
how can people reasonably say jay-z is in the illuminati?
Basically, my extent of knowledge about the illuminati is from wikipedia. I know people say he's in it and the whole deal with the song saying 'we killed tupac' and all that. What I don't understand is how anyone would know he's in it, what is the 'illuminati' that he is in because no one truly knows if the original Ba...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qs8jm/eli5_how_can_people_reasonably_say_jayz_is_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c401ksz", "c401sf8", "c402syi" ], "score": [ 8, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "No one \"reasonably\" says Jay-Z is in the Illuminati. That's about as unreasonable a thing to say as is possible sober. ", "**Short answer:** You're talking to idiots. Stop it.\n\n**Long Answer:**...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1pp6ed
what might be the consequences of the so called "patent attack" on google?
Referring to this article I found on the front page: _URL_0_ What would happen to Android and Google if Google would be found guilty of copyright infringement?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pp6ed/eli5_what_might_be_the_consequences_of_the_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cd4jlhu", "cd4qfa8" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "The patent attack is on Google and a number of Android smartphone manufacturers.\n\nChances are that, for software patents, as with previous patent-related cases, models of the phone or software releases (e.g. Android X.Y.Z)...
[]
[ "http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/10/patent-war-goes-nuclear-microsoft-apple-owned-rockstar-sues-google/" ]
[ [ "http://venturebeat.com/2013/10/31/android-captures-record-81-global-market-share-windows-phone-is-fastest-growing/" ], [] ]
am8626
can somebody explain to me the photoacoustic effect?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/am8626/eli5_can_somebody_explain_to_me_the_photoacoustic/
{ "a_id": [ "efk58m2" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Sound is created by having different spots in the air that are at different pressures, that is, there's more air molecules, then next to that there's less air molecules (or possibly more/less pressure due to heat), etc. That's what the sound wave...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6vsgmp
why do bruises on the skin (severity depending) disappear in days or weeks, but under finger or toe nails take months?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6vsgmp/eli5_why_do_bruises_on_the_skin_severity/
{ "a_id": [ "dm335hr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because if you have a bruise, it means that there is blood either under the skin or the fingers/toes. Blood is trapped underneath the finger/toe nail bed until it grows, which is why it takes a long time. Blood under the skin is easier 'absorbed'...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dqm58e
how is it possible to have unprotected sex with someone who has an std and not obtain what they have?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dqm58e/eli5_how_is_it_possible_to_have_unprotected_sex/
{ "a_id": [ "f66i9n2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "STD's aside, generally speaking to be infected by a pathogen, you need to get a certain number of them (often measured in thousands- > millions) into your system. Now, that number may be easy to find in a single droplet of infected bodily fluids,...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2re7g7
do expensive pc components justify their cost?
Is $500 processor really that much more expensive to make than the $50 one?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2re7g7/eli5_do_expensive_pc_components_justify_their_cost/
{ "a_id": [ "cnf0w7m", "cnf0xe6", "cnf0z2o", "cnf1dz4" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Thats not how pricing works. \n\nYou're also paying for all the research and development that went into learning how to make a better processor, and the amount the market is willi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
eggulr
how do electronics know which “way” to charge (a phone starts charging when plugged to a laptop, not the other way around)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eggulr/eli5_how_do_electronics_know_which_way_to_charge/
{ "a_id": [ "fc6i704" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Not sure I can do it on an ELI5 level, but basically there's a mix of circuits and software that the laptop uses to say \"I am a HOST, I can provide these services, one of them including power, how much do you need?\" The phone has similar circui...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
kj4j4
r/fifthworldproblems
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kj4j4/eli5_rfifthworldproblems/
{ "a_id": [ "c2knkh8", "c2kp6pu", "c2kpdh8", "c2kr2u1", "c2knkh8", "c2kp6pu", "c2kpdh8", "c2kr2u1" ], "score": [ 15, 3, 4, 3, 15, 3, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Surrealness for the sake of surrealness. What are you confused about?", "problems the...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2b3yr2
why do i get "burnt out" on certain foods.
So I was eating breakfast today a realized that I'm tired of eating the cereal I eat for breakfast any more. I've noticed if I get in a routine of eating something regularly I get tired of it after a few weeks.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b3yr2/eli5_why_do_i_get_burnt_out_on_certain_foods/
{ "a_id": [ "cj1kjuj", "cj1pg4d" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Well as anyone would, most likely you're getting bored. Simply because you are eating the same exact thing for breakfast every morning. If you mix up cereals, you'll find the original cereal much more appetizing! ", "...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1om8on
why do so many people not vote in the us?
I'm following this NJ senate race, and seeing that there are barely a million votes, and NJ has over 6 million people is mind boggling. That Mercer County didn't even get 50,000 votes in a population of 368,000 just doesn't make sense. How come so many people don't vote?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1om8on/eli5_why_do_so_many_people_not_vote_in_the_us/
{ "a_id": [ "cctbucs" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I am educated (post grad degree). I don't vote because my vote only matters if the election is decided by one vote. This basically never happens, even in local elections. \n \nI also try as much as possible not to pay attention to current affa...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
51nsqu
why are faxes considered more secure than email?
When I fill out financial paperwork I am told that I have to either mail or fax the paperwork back, not email.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51nsqu/eli5why_are_faxes_considered_more_secure_than/
{ "a_id": [ "d7dds6r", "d7dk8wp" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "For the most part, fax machines don't save the images they are sent and print. They don't have a hard drive, just RAM. And when a new image is sent, the old image is erased. So it's more secure since you aren't leaving infor...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
djc067
how does lead infused glass block xrays while still allowing visible light through?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/djc067/eli5_how_does_lead_infused_glass_block_xrays/
{ "a_id": [ "f43tfd8" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "An X-ray is a high energy electromagnetic wave with a very high frequency. Lead is incredibly dense. The X-rays have a high percentage chance to be absorbed by an electron in the densely packed lead.\n\nThe glass is less dense (obviously since yo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5nw7r4
why do western parents have a tradition of kicking out their children when they turn 18 while in asian cultures, parents often support them at home until they get married?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nw7r4/eli5_why_do_western_parents_have_a_tradition_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dcet1jb", "dcetkwi", "dcex57o", "dcey5bc", "dceyclb", "dcezlki", "dcf3j62", "dcf3nti", "dcf4y2h", "dcf5nfi" ], "score": [ 36, 2, 16, 7, 2, 8, 11, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "western cultures are further removed from tri...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
cj9pu2
how can our brains distinguish between men with high voices and women with low voices? (eg. charlie day vs. emma stone)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cj9pu2/eli5_how_can_our_brains_distinguish_between_men/
{ "a_id": [ "evc4vjk", "evcn4a4" ], "score": [ 36, 5 ], "text": [ "Even if the pitch between a higher pitched male voice and a lower pitched female voice is the same, a male voice sounds different due to differences in the vocal tract and the resulting acoustic resonance. This is called a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4bimp5
if i drank exactly to my body's requirements would i stop needing to pee?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bimp5/eli5_if_i_drank_exactly_to_my_bodys_requirements/
{ "a_id": [ "d19fcqb", "d19fe19", "d19fee1", "d19fg6q", "d19fh16" ], "score": [ 12, 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "No... Your body still needs to get rid of toxins and metabolic byproducts. There's a lot more in your urine than just water, as I'm sure you already know.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1irepg
engineering statics
Force Vectors, Equilibrium of a Particle, Force System Resultants, Equilibrium of a Rigid Body, Structural Analysis, Internal Forces, Center of Gravity and Centroid, Moments of Inertia. These are the topics and my professor isn't really explaining them very well and the textbook looks like gibberish
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1irepg/eli5_engineering_statics/
{ "a_id": [ "cb7awwk" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I'll explain the physics terms, although the engineering ones are going to have to be done by someone else:\n\nA **vector** is essentially a value that has both quantity and direction. For example, I might describe a path as walking 5 kilometers ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
lyxvd
the iranian hostage crisis
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lyxvd/eli5_the_iranian_hostage_crisis/
{ "a_id": [ "c2wpswe", "c2wpswe" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "At the time of the event, Iran was in domestic turmoil. There were riots in the streets, the legitimate head of state had fled the country in fear of his life … it was ugly.\n\nAt the time, the United States had an embassy i...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6euohz
how is the usa involved in the ukraine conflict?
So, I often heard from the Russian side, that the USA were involved in the Euromaidan etc. How exactly (or since it's eli5, how roughly)? I know here are many westerners who think this is Russian propaganda (myself included, even though I'm Russian) and it isn't true, but what are Russia's arguments/proofs? Thx in adv...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6euohz/eli5_how_is_the_usa_involved_in_the_ukraine/
{ "a_id": [ "did4sc1", "did5g4p", "did6yd8" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's... complicated.\n\nThe modern way of settling conflicts is more or less through proxy warfare, where rather than sending your military directly, you fund various local groups.\n\nIn Ukraine this is...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_weapons_and_Ukraine#Budapest_Memorandum" ] ]
6ryp4x
why are our teeth some of the only body parts that don't take care of themselves?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ryp4x/eli5_why_are_our_teeth_some_of_the_only_body/
{ "a_id": [ "dl8p7uk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Teeth take much more of a battering than other body parts. We are constantly bathing them is sugary syrup drinks and food. Teeth simply didn't evolve to handle this level of punishment. If you stayed away from the sugar and stuck to fresh veggies...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3qah08
why are there capital and lowercase letters? where did this all begin?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qah08/eli5_why_are_there_capital_and_lowercase_letters/
{ "a_id": [ "cwdgyan", "cwdgzeg", "cwdhqe8", "cwdidye", "cwdiwhw", "cwdkafc", "cwdv6a1", "cwe1je1" ], "score": [ 563, 10, 5, 11, 4, 5, 28, 2 ], "text": [ "Well the lowercase letters developped out of the capital letters, also called Majuscule...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.urbancottageindustries.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/typecase-univers-bold-12pt.jpg", "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Metal_movable_type.jpg" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
55wcas
how is it, if i am standing on top of a train, and i jump, i will land (or more likely fall) on a further back part of the train. but if i am inside the train and jump, i land on the exact same spot as i was standing on before?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/55wcas/eli5_how_is_it_if_i_am_standing_on_top_of_a_train/
{ "a_id": [ "d8e7zis", "d8e8tbf", "d8e9r0z", "d8egxgn", "d8emuta", "d8env3o", "d8eo0ap", "d8eo0wl", "d8eq68e", "d8ert07", "d8fafjd", "d8nihk9" ], "score": [ 559, 2, 36, 2, 2, 4, 3, 17, 2, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.scienceabc.com/eyeopeners/why-dont-airplanes-hover-in-the-sky-and-let-the-earth-pass-beneath-them.html" ] ]
41sj23
how is it that females are protected while on the sugar pill, but missing a regular pill creates a risk of pregnancy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41sj23/eli5how_is_it_that_females_are_protected_while_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cz4tfej", "cz4ubl9", "cz4vfkd" ], "score": [ 11, 9, 4 ], "text": [ "The reason for this is that the standard birth control regimen, as I understand it, involves three weeks of hormone pills, and one week of placebo pills. The first three weeks are the pills that intro...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1i3k1u
the scp foundation
More than once I've stumbled across this website: _URL_0_ and wondered what the hell it is. I found out they also apparently have a subreddit: /r/SCP So what is it? I'm completely clueless.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1i3k1u/eli5_the_scp_foundation/
{ "a_id": [ "cb0mekm" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's basically user created/submitted creepy/horror stories. That's it." ] }
[]
[ "http://www.scp-wiki.net/" ]
[ [] ]
1leaqf
why do we use so many different sizes of paper for basic text documents?
Letter, legal, etc. Do legal documents "have" to be on legal-size and, if so, why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1leaqf/eli5_why_do_we_use_so_many_different_sizes_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cbycx24" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Actually, \"we\" don't use many different sizes; most of the non-US world uses standard sized A4 for basic correspondence and general use." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1uovdc
why do only some people have photographic memory why don't all humans have it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1uovdc/eli5_why_do_only_some_people_have_photographic/
{ "a_id": [ "cek8gxw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "No one has a photographic memory. It doesn't exist (there is basically a lack of evidence to support it).\n\nWhen people with supposed photographic memory are tested they fail. They only remember things for which they have an interest. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8ub1km
the big bang and us
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ub1km/eli5_the_big_bang_and_us/
{ "a_id": [ "e1dygqx", "e1dz2qp" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "That's a common example used in textbooks. The actual science behind the theory says that because the universe hadn't been \"born\" there was no space or time to define the mass or actions of whatever was there. It was an in...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
e7uy1u
why do black holes succ up matter along one plane? shouldn't accretion discs be accretion spheres?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e7uy1u/eli5_why_do_black_holes_succ_up_matter_along_one/
{ "a_id": [ "fa6gh5e", "fa6v1jf", "fa7vkbh" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't suck up matter on one plane only. They suck up matter wherever it happens to be near enough, which is often just the orbital plane of the system where they became black holes.", "Imagine...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
mpbwf
why does reddit fuzz the vote counts?
I've heard a number of times that a submissions upvotes/downvotes are not actually what you see on the page, though the actual difference between them is maintained. The explanation for this was that it helps prevent spambots. What exactly is the spambot trying to do and how does this fuzzing of the numbers deter it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mpbwf/eli5_why_does_reddit_fuzz_the_vote_counts/
{ "a_id": [ "c32rwhb", "c32rzwe", "c32tzio", "c32rwhb", "c32rzwe", "c32tzio" ], "score": [ 2, 13, 4, 2, 13, 4 ], "text": [ "I read somewhere else that it's to prevent people who mass downvote from seeing the actual effects of their \"trolling\".", "Spamb...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/eaqnf/pardon_me_but_5000_downvotes_wtf_is_worldnews_for/c16omup" ], [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/eaqnf/pardon_me_but_5000_downvotes_wtf_is_worldnews_for/c16omup" ] ]
7d4umg
what does the quote "he who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. and if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee" mean?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7d4umg/eli5_what_does_the_quote_he_who_fights_with/
{ "a_id": [ "dpuzwdz", "dpv0cgq", "dpv0d9p", "dpv1kt2", "dpv27id", "dpvcgxg", "dpve4hz", "dpvg65p", "dpvgicj", "dpvgpw8", "dpvnmat", "dpvpdbm", "dpvsuc2", "dpvu4eg", "dpvugup", "dpvykdf", "dpw2d50", "dpw30sv", "dpw51sz", "dpwmlj2" ], ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6x46pq
what causes that "lump" feeling when you drink water?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6x46pq/eli5_what_causes_that_lump_feeling_when_you_drink/
{ "a_id": [ "dmd52eb" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The thoracic region of humans has a windpipe to the lungs and a foodpipe to the digestive system. However, both these pipes open up and meet in a particular point. Hence, when one swallows food, he/she cannot breathe momentarily.\n\n When you dri...
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[ [] ]
4bglov
how does the secret service protect obama while in a country like cuba?
What lengths do they go to? Presumably there is all manner of shit on standby.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bglov/eli5_how_does_the_secret_service_protect_obama/
{ "a_id": [ "d18x5ad" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The Cuban government also provides a lot of security, as does the local police departments in the United States. Cuba does not want a presidential assassination while he is visiting.\n\nAlso Cuba has sane firearms laws. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1e0pk7
just saw a bassnectar concert. what are he and similar artists actually doing during the performance? are they just manipulating a recorded song or creating a song live from samples?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1e0pk7/eli5_just_saw_a_bassnectar_concert_what_are_he/
{ "a_id": [ "c9vrr7b", "c9w0yp0" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Not sure which way Bassnectar goes about performance, but usually electronic artists will:\n\n1) Play pre-produced tracks like a dj, either with cd decks or launchpads (buttons that will trigger a sample or track to play). T...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://deadmau5.tumblr.com/post/25690507284/we-all-hit-play" ] ]
921ine
how is it possible that my car keys unlock only my car and not all the others? is it theoretically possible that my key could unlock a second car somewhere on the world (given i'm close by)?
Edit: Apologies for the poorly phrased question. While the mystery of mechanical keys is fairly interesting I always figured that there would be a limited amount of key/locks available. My question was particularly referring to the (new) wireless keys!!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/921ine/eli5_how_is_it_possible_that_my_car_keys_unlock/
{ "a_id": [ "e32am2g", "e32aoow", "e32gf3w", "e32hfxo", "e32hk5p", "e32ieat", "e32jsj1", "e32k0gn", "e32lyfd", "e32p9os", "e32r8er", "e32rvz8", "e334qdr", "e3395mb", "e33fj7r", "e33qgc0", "e341ve8" ], "score": [ 1123, 62, 3514, 9,...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
36x65k
how and why do people get "swatted" while livestreaming?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36x65k/eli5_how_and_why_do_people_get_swatted_while/
{ "a_id": [ "crhu7it", "crhv5ig" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "CallerID doesn't actually tell you who is calling. It tells you who the caller claims to be. This means it can be pretty easily faked if you know what you're doing. Getting \"Swatted\" is when someone finds out where you liv...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
bel9d1
what is permittivity in laymans terms?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bel9d1/eli5what_is_permittivity_in_laymans_terms/
{ "a_id": [ "el6qu2j" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Permittivity is a measure of how easy it is to put an electric field into a material by applying a voltage across it.\n\nImagine you have two parallel conductive plates. If you apply a voltage across those plates, an electric field will appear be...
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[ [] ]
805csy
why does the toilet bowl have less water when it rains?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/805csy/eli5_why_does_the_toilet_bowl_have_less_water/
{ "a_id": [ "dut2cjp" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There should be no connection between these events .How is your house plumbed ?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2tvxg8
how do companies like fedex, ups, dhl manage to stay in business?
I'm high on caffeine at the office and we just got an overnight package from our branch in North California (we are in South Texas in the middle of BFE) it's a thin envelope, we didn't pay that much to have it delivered, so how can our meager transaction pay for the delivery man salary, fuel on vehicles, fuel on plane,...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tvxg8/eli5_how_do_companies_like_fedex_ups_dhl_manage/
{ "a_id": [ "co2sh9z" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "So here's the thing - You are literally nothing to them\n\nLet me expand a bit. These guys are huge companies. They move (quite literally) *tons* of material every day. Your little package was just one piece of the stuff they were delivering t...
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[ [] ]
d8oxka
if i cut something into 3 equal pieces, there are 3 defined pieces. but, 1÷3= .333333~. why is the math a nonstop repeating decimal when existence allows 3 pieces? is the assumption that it's physically impossible to cut something into 3 perfectly even pieces?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d8oxka/eli5_if_i_cut_something_into_3_equal_pieces_there/
{ "a_id": [ "f1bp2yn", "f1bpd4l", "f1bpfte", "f1bphz4", "f1bql88", "f1bz9uo", "f1cehw4", "f1clurt", "f1cq8aw", "f1cyjpi", "f1deoxv", "f1dn7u3" ], "score": [ 16, 357, 12, 9, 2106, 64, 4, 5, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.exploringbinary.com/why-0-point-1-does-not-exist-in-floating-point/", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rational_number", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decimal", "https://kottke.org/16/03/how-many-digits-of-pi-does-nasa-use" ], [...
2v7kzz
i'm short-sighted and wear contact lenses (-1.25). if i squint hard (when not wearing the lenses), things which were blurry become clearer. why is this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2v7kzz/eli5_im_shortsighted_and_wear_contact_lenses_125/
{ "a_id": [ "cof4n59", "cof5bfp" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "I believe it is because your eyes are focusing the image at a point that is not quite reaching your retina (it falls short). When you squint hard, this reshapes your eyeball slightly, making the distance to the retina a lit...
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[ [], [] ]
aumn28
how does a mobile phone send my voice through waves to another?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aumn28/eli5_how_does_a_mobile_phone_send_my_voice/
{ "a_id": [ "eh91vp0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Your voice travels through the air and vibrates the microphone in your phone. Then a program in the phone turns those vibrations into electrical signals that are sent out of an antenna in your cellphone, usually located on the left side. The ante...
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[ [] ]
aditn2
why do computers make quite a bit of sound while phones seem to be completely silent?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aditn2/eli5_why_do_computers_make_quite_a_bit_of_sound/
{ "a_id": [ "edh8txs", "edh9aq8", "edh9duz", "edh9jaj" ], "score": [ 33, 17, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Mostly because computers generate far more heat than a phone and so they needs fans to dissipate that heat. They generate more heat because they are more powerful.", "PCs hav...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
4cv2b8
what happens to food when we are cooking it that makes it edible?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cv2b8/eli5_what_happens_to_food_when_we_are_cooking_it/
{ "a_id": [ "d1lnzg0", "d1lojr7", "d1lpn1i", "d1m9283", "d1m9zlx", "d1mdrtn", "d1me8an" ], "score": [ 24, 769, 27, 5, 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The heat kills bacteria and parasites in the food - that's what makes it edible. Raw meat, fish, etc. is perfe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
cg1463
with mobile processors becoming smaller and more efficient, why aren't we using them in laptops? especially chromebooks would perform well i'd think.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cg1463/eli5_with_mobile_processors_becoming_smaller_and/
{ "a_id": [ "eudwul2" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "The first thing is that the processors are pretty different. Laptops and \"normal\" computers use x86 processors and mobile devices use ARM processors. Think of this as that they speak different languages, and can not understand each other. Yo...
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[ [] ]
6id8y9
why would i want my food to be antibiotic-free?
I'm seeing a lot of advertisements for antibiotic free chicken/beef. Antibiotics are important to humans for resisting infections and staying healthy, so why would I want the animals I eat to go without them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6id8y9/eli5_why_would_i_want_my_food_to_be_antibioticfree/
{ "a_id": [ "dj5ak3k", "dj5alrq", "dj5b1ra", "dj5cfu5", "dj5eb9g", "dj5ejfh", "dj5go1y", "dj5lrny" ], "score": [ 2, 20, 5, 2, 11, 26, 5, 5 ], "text": [ "I believe it's because the consumption of antibiotics can kill the bacteria-culture you h...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
202fyn
how do referees in fifa(the game) work?
Is there a BOT's decision making or is it a simple IF ball touches HAND = faul kind of system? I'm not a fan but my room mate keeps shouting when he plays online that some faults are unfair and i cant help but think he is wrong because it's clearly a computer behind it and the faults are all known Sorry if this isn't ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/202fyn/eli5how_do_referees_in_fifathe_game_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cfz76co" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I'm not sure of what the referees are specifically triggered by, but there are noticeable patterns with most of their decisions. \n\nI think it's mainly based on the amount of contact between the two players, timing, and who the game has determin...
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[ [] ]
6ro5z6
it seems like all universities follow the same curriculum for each major. who chooses the required classes for these curriculums?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ro5z6/eli5_it_seems_like_all_universities_follow_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dl6ihrt", "dl71idj" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I'll talk for India first. Most universities set up a panel with a mix of experts in the field and academics teaching that very subject for a long time. For private universities, it is usually academics with inputs from corp...
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[ [], [] ]
cvdzfd
why are bullets blunt, not sharp?
Like arrows and spears, I imagine a sharp object would pierce skin and travel deeper into the body more than a blunt-ish object. Perhaps it’s something to do with aerodynamics but wouldn’t a pointed nose would cut the air easier?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cvdzfd/eli5_why_are_bullets_blunt_not_sharp/
{ "a_id": [ "ey3jtzj", "ey3k4r6", "ey3k8mu", "ey3mxib", "ey44izc" ], "score": [ 14, 6, 7, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Depends on the purpose of the bullet, but for typical organic material you don't want a bullet to pass straight through, you want it to open up, flatten out,...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
5np80n
how medieval/ancient large kitchens worked?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5np80n/eli5how_medievalancient_large_kitchens_worked/
{ "a_id": [ "dcdbffx" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Well, before the invention of the wheel, you didn't really have civilization, and so no armies. You had maybe warbands.\n\nBefore the steam engine - there were still mechanical advantage devices. Gearing and waterwheels go back to Ancient Greece ...
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[ [] ]
1s9pw3
why hasn't lava stopped being hot? how is it still doing its thing?
I don't really understand what the source of energy is that's making lava continue to burn up. Is the earth just acting like an insulation system? And if so, will all the lava someday be used up? Or is it constantly being made somehow?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s9pw3/eli5_why_hasnt_lava_stopped_being_hot_how_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cdvbvrt", "cdve8u5", "cdvf759" ], "score": [ 12, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Decaying radioactive materials in the mantle produce most of the heat. _URL_0_", "1) Friction. Because the magma layer is liquid it experiences tidal forces which contribute to the heat.\n2) Radio...
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[ [ "http://m.phys.org/_news62952904.html" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Io_%28moon%29" ] ]
4lmdmt
why do american sports emphasize position specialization, while other sports focus on team cohesion and responsibility?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4lmdmt/eli5why_do_american_sports_emphasize_position/
{ "a_id": [ "d3ogf98" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The only two sports this holds true for is football . Basketball, hockey, lacrosse, they are no more specialized than soccer. Even baseball you could swap a lot of the fielder's around and be okay, except the pitcher." ] }
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ato1vu
how can smart glass be transparent and turn opaque.
I understand something in it reacts to the current but how is it possible that something that allows light to pass through it can block it at-command with something that won’t but has always existed there while it was transparent!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ato1vu/eli5_how_can_smart_glass_be_transparent_and_turn/
{ "a_id": [ "eh2c7m8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There are liquid crystal molecules inside the glass. When electric current runs through, the molecules align, allowing light to pass through. When the electricity is off, the molecules are arranged randomly, scattering light. _URL_0_" ] }
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[ [ "http://www.smartglassinternational.com/products-services/privacy-glass-how-does-it-work/" ] ]
843jxu
us interstate nomenclature
Is there any reason freeways are named what they are named?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/843jxu/eli5_us_interstate_nomenclature/
{ "a_id": [ "dvmjh43" ], "score": [ 35 ], "text": [ "Evens are east/west. Multiples of 10 are major freeways. Generally ordered so that the lower numbers are further south and the higher numbers are further north. Examples: I-10 goes from LA to Jacksonville and I-90 goes from Seattle to Boston...
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b7ogak
how do our eyes/mind decide on the luminance and the colour tempurature of the world around us?
A camera needs to be told that an object is white, and it adjusts. How do we tell ourselves an object is white, and in bright light rather than in a dim orange light.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b7ogak/eli5_how_do_our_eyesmind_decide_on_the_luminance/
{ "a_id": [ "ejt3fab" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Our minds use a ton of contextual sense data subconsciously to create and project a consistent view of reality to our conscious mind. This dumbed-down version is very very fast, though sometimes not accurate.\n\n_URL_0_\n\nIn this famous image, t...
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[ [ "https://images.app.goo.gl/ZLQsKuNjg5o9ZGCx6" ] ]
1q9mdd
if earth is between venus and mars in relation to the sun, why do i see them on the same side of the night sky?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q9mdd/eli5_if_earth_is_between_venus_and_mars_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cdakk7m", "cdakly5", "cdamaov", "cdapcxj", "cdavuvo" ], "score": [ 5, 5, 12, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "The planets do not orbit in lockstep. Earth's average distance from the Sun is inbetween that of Venus and that of Mars, but that doesn't mean it's always be...
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[]
[ [ "http://janus.astro.umd.edu/SolarSystems/" ], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/hZjrQhs.jpg" ], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/kidD0cP.png" ] ]
6k8nlj
why do we theorize protons decay, how do we predict their half life?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6k8nlj/eli5_why_do_we_theorize_protons_decay_how_do_we/
{ "a_id": [ "djkcue2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In general we don't, according to current physics protons do not decay as they are the lightest and most stable baryon. However in some theories that go beyond the standard model such as supersymmetry in a few ways such as to a positron and a pio...
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3ipo76
why do currency symbols always have one or two lines through them? and where is the difference between one line, two lines, horizontal and vertical ones?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ipo76/eli5_why_do_currency_symbols_always_have_one_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cuiiktl", "cuiip3m", "cuimg4a", "cuimvtx", "cuimvuc", "cuimx8f" ], "score": [ 59, 15, 13, 6, 2, 9 ], "text": [ "The best documented explanation reveals that the sign evolved out of the Spanish and Spanish American scribal abbreviation \"ps\" for...
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[]
[ [ "https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-story-behind-using-one-two-lines-etc-on-some-currency-symbols" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollar_sign", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_ruble", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_sign" ], [], [], [] ]
b56mzn
how come it’s easy to type out a complex word, but when you spell it out loud, it becomes difficult?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b56mzn/eli5_how_come_its_easy_to_type_out_a_complex_word/
{ "a_id": [ "ejbjx5s", "ejbjywy" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "When typing, you can see the letters available.\n\nWhen speaking, you are recalling the letters, and perhaps visualizing as well.\nYour brain is multitasking, slowing down your ability to correctly spell out the word\n\n\nO...
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[ [], [] ]
ji60z
why it took so long for cell phones to use one, universal charger (micro usb).
I understand not ALL cell phones use it, but it has emerged as the standard.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ji60z/eli5_why_it_took_so_long_for_cell_phones_to_use/
{ "a_id": [ "c2cbgna", "c2cbol1", "c2cc2fw", "c2cc4ea", "c2cc4qq", "c2ccba7", "c2cch3d", "c2cbgna", "c2cbol1", "c2cc2fw", "c2cc4ea", "c2cc4qq", "c2ccba7", "c2cch3d" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 3, 2, 2, 8, 8, 9, 3, 3, 2, ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31747_7-20026874-243.html" ], [ "http://xkcd.com/927/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31747_7-20026874-243.html" ], [ "http://xkcd.com/927/" ] ]
64fnot
i frequently see that the wealth gap between the richest 1% and the other 99% keeps getting wider, but how did this happen?
I frequently see posts and articles about things such as how the wealthiest 1% of the population now owns more wealth relative to the 99% than before, or how half of world's wealth now in hands of 1% of population... things like that. Some questions: What caused this growing wealth gap? Is it the result of deliberat...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64fnot/eli5_i_frequently_see_that_the_wealth_gap_between/
{ "a_id": [ "dg1xyou", "dg1y4bv", "dg2ehzq" ], "score": [ 3, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "As companies consolidate, more profits, high salaries, etc. go to the few at the top and there are fewer at the very top. And there are fewer small businesses that used to provide moderate wealth, as we...
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[ [], [], [] ]
6bcdb1
when/how were women convinced that taking their clothes off is empowering?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6bcdb1/eli5_whenhow_were_women_convinced_that_taking/
{ "a_id": [ "dhlg056", "dhlh4tl", "dhlhhuq", "dhlhmvt", "dhliaao", "dhm0gus", "dhm64md", "dhmmyvo" ], "score": [ 12, 23, 32, 41, 11, 7, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "A person having agency and autonomy in their own lives to make choices without the burd...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
50nmwq
what is natural selection?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50nmwq/eli5_what_is_natural_selection/
{ "a_id": [ "d75gnnw", "d75hs8f" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Natural selection is the idea that different individuals with slightly different characteristics will have slightly different chances of survival and chances of reproducing. The creatures that are best adapted (aka, that wil...
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[ [], [] ]