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jn7qg
the casimir effect
I tried reading the Wikipedia article, but it loses me pretty quickly.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jn7qg/eli5_the_casimir_effect/
{ "a_id": [ "c2dhrff", "c2di2ui", "c2ee3y5", "c2dhrff", "c2di2ui", "c2ee3y5" ], "score": [ 101, 67, 2, 101, 67, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm a grad student working with the Casimir force right now. I'll admit, my theoretical knowledge isn't complete, but I'll give t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1jf7ri
why is there the colours in vertical stripes on when you put in an old vcr tape?
Im curious if it serves a purpose or if its just a colour test or glitch?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jf7ri/eli5_why_is_there_the_colours_in_vertical_stripes/
{ "a_id": [ "cbe1tvc" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is a color test that the consumer can use to adjust the color saturation on their television. It was produced by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and is refereed to as the SMPTE color bars" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
18nb5t
the movie primer (spoilers)
I just finished this movie and here's what I got. 1. They created a time machine. 2. They wanted to use it to make money from March Madness. 3. Aaron wanted to use it for his own selfish needs and to save someone from getting murdered with a shotgun? 4. Aaron fucks everything up. That's what I concluded from the stor...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18nb5t/eli5_the_movie_primer_spoilers/
{ "a_id": [ "c8gcfih" ], "score": [ 20 ], "text": [ "Everything after your #1 is pretty far off the mark.\n\nThey didn't make money from sports betting. They made money from the stock market. Every afternoon they checked the closing prices of different stocks and looked for one that gained a lot o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8f5g4y
is there a good reason why we need to wear socks with shoes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8f5g4y/eli5_is_there_a_good_reason_why_we_need_to_wear/
{ "a_id": [ "dy0oopg", "dy0tksf" ], "score": [ 17, 7 ], "text": [ "Reduce friction. Absorb sweat. Keep insides of shoes cleaner, fresher. Adjust fit of loose shoes.\n\nI've searched tha seven seas fer an answer. Yer not alone in askin', and kind strangers have explained:\n\n1. [ELI5: why d...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/178bta/eli5_why_do_we_wear_socks_with_closed_shoes/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/57ti97/eli5_why_does_putting_socks_which_cover_around_5/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/6m0fpa/why_do_we_wear_socks/" ...
60pa6z
what scientifically stops us from creating life?
We know what we are made of but what stops life from starting when we put the necessary ingredients together? Edit: I'm not talking about creating another human. But just a small single celled form of life.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60pa6z/eli5_what_scientifically_stops_us_from_creating/
{ "a_id": [ "df86ezg", "df88924", "df8an3h", "df8b00r", "df8c9h6", "df8gk8z", "df8gsk5" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 3, 3, 7, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "We can't put them together from scratch yet. Close, but not quite. \n\nAlso, life is a dangerous thing...there'...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9gl8uc
how did people subsist on mostly grains in the past? iow, why did a failed wheat harvest cause a famine?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9gl8uc/eli5_how_did_people_subsist_on_mostly_grains_in/
{ "a_id": [ "e64y51h", "e64z1vr", "e64z9xj", "e652ep4" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Grain-based foods like bread or rice are pretty much the most efficient calorie delivery mechanism available. Today we think about watching what we eat and trying not to get fat, b...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://ourworldindata.org/diet-compositions" ], [], [] ]
8e513b
why does one get paranoid at times? in other words, are there receptors for paranoia in the body?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8e513b/eli5_why_does_one_get_paranoid_at_times_in_other/
{ "a_id": [ "dxsfris" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The endocrine system regulates your flight or fight response, releasing various chemicals that attach to your receptors and make you feel scared.\n\nParanoia is a reaction to fear, such as is anger.\nIf there is no immediate threat, your brain is...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6kbhfu
how is netflix cheaper than cable without ads while cable has them? shouldn't it be the other way around ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kbhfu/eli5_how_is_netflix_cheaper_than_cable_without/
{ "a_id": [ "djkrds8", "djkvk3h", "djl5xce", "djl8co1" ], "score": [ 36, 10, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Netflix is about the same price per month as a premium cable station like HBO or Showtime. So, I am not sure why you think it's substantially cheaper.\n\nIf you are comparing Net...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
f97aop
why can't engineers remove the violent left/right movement and shakes of trains better?
If you ever try to stand and pee on a train, it is very noticeable how it shakes left and right between the rails. This seems like an inefficient waste of energy and a burden on the train's suspension and structure. It is also uncomfortable. The train in question is a relatively new Stadler Flirt, but the same issue ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f97aop/eli5_why_cant_engineers_remove_the_violent/
{ "a_id": [ "fipthap", "fipz5wz" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "The technology exists, but it's too expensive so most manufacturers don't bother because rail companies won't buy it.", "The simple fix is to stagger the rails instead of them being like ========= they should be like \"...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
16nk8u
frost at above-freezing temperatures
Often, in California, the low drops to around 35 F on some winter nights. Despite the freezing point never having been reached, my car often accumulates a thick layer of frost. Why does this happen?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16nk8u/eli5_frost_at_abovefreezing_temperatures/
{ "a_id": [ "c7xmktw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You (or the weatherman) are measuring the temperature of the air. You should try taking the temperature of the car. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1j5w25
how close are we to build engines capable of travelling at roughly the speed of light?
I often hear about how we some day will be able to travel at the speed of light. But how close are we exactly and what would have to happen in order to build this kind of engines/spaceships?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j5w25/eli5_how_close_are_we_to_build_engines_capable_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cbbeppv", "cbberje", "cbbes7x" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ " > How close are we to build engines capable of travelling at roughly the speed of light?\n\nNot even remotely close.\n\n > I often hear about how we some day will be able to travel at the speed of ligh...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
bi00fk
why does tapping wood and tapping metal produce different sounds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bi00fk/eli5_why_does_tapping_wood_and_tapping_metal/
{ "a_id": [ "elx060f", "elx5cc2", "elxa2oo", "elxzllg" ], "score": [ 75, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "you know when you put a ruler on the edge of a table and push it down and let it go and it makes that woioioioinggggg sound? And if you vary the length of it off the table, the so...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
13we85
why does my hair stand up every which way when i wake up?
What makes my hair stay all funky when I wake up in the morning? And why can't I get it to go back down without completely dousing it with water in the shower?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13we85/eli5_why_does_my_hair_stand_up_every_which_way/
{ "a_id": [ "c77z3nd" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I can best explain this by having you pretend you've parted your hair. When you part your hair, you're training it to prefer to stay in one way or another. When you have short hair, or cowlicks as some people call them, you've slept on your hair ...
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[]
[ [] ]
5cuxt4
why does all mainstream virus protection software mcafee kasperky norton etc all take 1 hour+ yet malware bytes take 5 mins and actually find the problem?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cuxt4/eli5why_does_all_mainstream_virus_protection/
{ "a_id": [ "d9zp1q6" ], "score": [ 46 ], "text": [ "This is because they have wildly different use cases.\n\nFirst off, don't be fooled by terminology. Just because a software is called \"Antivirus\", it doesn't mean it will only protect you from viruses, which is only a subset of threats out the...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3mo4wc
the newest change in facebook privacy settings. do they actually use my info/pictures/messages? can they actually make my account public?
Many Facebook friends are writing "legally binding" posts about Facebook not having permission to their account information. A) Does that even work? B) What does their new privacy updates mean for the everyday Facebooker? Thanks in advance.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mo4wc/eli5_the_newest_change_in_facebook_privacy/
{ "a_id": [ "cvgnmzz", "cvgqqyw" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "This might be what you're talking about, and may help you. I'm not sure without more detail though. _URL_0_", "No those stupid posts about \"facebook cannot use my information blah blah blah\" do. not. work.\n\nThey fail...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.hoax-slayer.com/bogus-facebook-privacy-notice.shtml" ], [] ]
7wfkk5
why does heartburn at night cause nightmares and a racing heart?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7wfkk5/eli5why_does_heartburn_at_night_cause_nightmares/
{ "a_id": [ "dtzxf36" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I'm no Dr but I am a chronic sufferer of acid reflux, especially at night. I have never experienced this. It may be psychosomatic. I used to experience muscle spasms and stinging feelings in my back as a child and they were always accompanied by ...
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[]
[ [] ]
1rldgl
how do doctors/paramedics know what's wrong with a person if they're unconscious?
For example, if a person is knocked unconscious by an accident, and is injured, how do doctors or paramedics diagnose the patient?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rldgl/eli5_how_do_doctorsparamedics_know_whats_wrong/
{ "a_id": [ "cdodxqj", "cdoek60", "cdon5o6" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "By examining the patient for the more common causes of being unconscious. Typically when in an accident it's not going to be totally unexpected that they took a bump to the head if they're unconscious ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1o5i6y
what is tommy john surgery, and why do so many baseball players have it?
I'm a huge cardinals fan and could not be more excited after last nights victory over the pirates. After reviewing out teams injuries many people (Furcal, Motte, etc.) have season ending Tommy John surgery. Why have the surgery if it will end your season/career? What is wrong with them? Why do so many ballplayers have...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o5i6y/eli5_what_is_tommy_john_surgery_and_why_do_so/
{ "a_id": [ "ccoymq2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Tommy John Surgery, known in medical practice as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a surgical graft procedure in which the ulnar collateral ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body.\n\nThe...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
mei7e
why do us universities favor professors who are better at research than teaching?
Seriously, it seems like the people who are experts in their fields show up, read off slides, then allow TAs to do the hard work because they are too busy with their research to teach.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mei7e/eli5_why_do_us_universities_favor_professors_who/
{ "a_id": [ "c3094d7", "c3095af", "c3095g7", "c309gn1", "c309ke0", "c30abrw", "c30apgs", "c30bmz0", "c30ciyu", "c30csya", "c3094d7", "c3095af", "c3095g7", "c309gn1", "c309ke0", "c30abrw", "c30apgs", "c30bmz0", "c30ciyu", "c30csya" ], ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.khanacademy.org/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.khanacademy.org/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
462xjo
how can ed sheeran's song "thinking out loud" win song of the year at the grammys when it wasn't released in 2015?
"Thinking out Loud" was released in May of 2014. How does it still qualify to be the song of the year at the 2016 Grammys?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/462xjo/eli5_how_can_ed_sheerans_song_thinking_out_loud/
{ "a_id": [ "d01yr0m", "d01zgri" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "\"Uptown Funk\" was also released in 2014. Grammy nominations do not run the calendar year. For a song/artist/album, etc. to qualify for a Grammy for 2015, presented in 2016, it must be released between Oct. 1, 2014 and Sept...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vuttn/eli5_why_thinking_out_loud_is_on_grammys_2016/" ] ]
2499zu
why do auctioneers still use "auction chants"?
I love television shows like "Storage Wars" "Loud N' Fast" and the likes. While the shows are typically tacky, some of the knowledge gained from the shows and the rare items are pretty neat. One thing that really drives me crazy are the auctioneers. I don't understand why they still use "auction chants". I understand ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2499zu/eli5_why_do_auctioneers_still_use_auction_chants/
{ "a_id": [ "ch5huab" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "3 reasons:\n\n1. because most auctions are small events that are fairly bare bone affairs. an auction company comes in, sells a bunch of stuff, gets a commission, and leaves. usually there isn't any extra room or time to deal with flashy items.\n...
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[]
[ [] ]
3tjybt
if the middle east is seemingly so rich with oil, why is there so much poverty and civil unrest?
Or there is no significant amount of oil to be found in Syria et. al?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tjybt/eli5_if_the_middle_east_is_seemingly_so_rich_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cx6s43h", "cx6s8dl", "cx6smuy" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the governments of most Middle Eastern states are totalitarian and embezzle all that money away into Swiss bank accounts long before it ever reaches the people. In the case of Saudi Arabia and I...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8x2eln
why does putting a band-aid on a minor wound cause it to hurt slightly less, even if it’s not open and bleeding?
Is it cushioning? Is it protection from drafts? Placebo effect?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8x2eln/eli5_why_does_putting_a_bandaid_on_a_minor_wound/
{ "a_id": [ "e20a026" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "It stops the skin stretching die to the numerous microtears in the skin created the resulting wound. You may not be able to see it but the skin becomes more stretchy and delicate as a result of this. By having a bandaid you keep the wound in pla...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1ur5jd
does stretching after a workout really do anything regarding muscle soreness the next day?
The other day I read something here about stretching at it was said that stretching is entirely a neurological process, basically what you're doing is just flexing the muscles. I had thought this before, because working out, you're creating micro tears in the tissue of your muscle, once the workout is over, "the damage...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ur5jd/eli5_does_stretching_after_a_workout_really_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cekw36c", "cekx9nz", "cekxmlv", "cekzm7y" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 7, 6 ], "text": [ "It also elongates the muscle.\n\n\n\"A long muscle is a strong muscle\"- Arnold szwahshdjHahshdjshshsjhaahhancjaager", "Oh and since you were talking about DOMS, no, stretching...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
c0xwge
do insects have the same sort of internal organs as us?
Do they have brains and digestive systems etc? I can’t imagine them having a tiny little stomach or heart or anything, so how does it work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c0xwge/eli5_do_insects_have_the_same_sort_of_internal/
{ "a_id": [ "er8r6i4" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "No, they do not. They have analogous systems, but they can vary wildly in function. For example, the respiratory system of most insects is trachea, not lungs; they do not have a pump that hauls air to and fro, they absorb oxygen by diffusion.\n\n...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5z738o
how does flint, mi still not have clean water?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5z738o/eli5_how_does_flint_mi_still_not_have_clean_water/
{ "a_id": [ "devryvc", "devrzrc", "devs9yj", "devsbhe", "devxk52", "dew1c01", "dew3cb9", "dew4j8m", "dew5gnw", "dew81zp", "dew9h28" ], "score": [ 14, 9, 70, 757, 9, 126, 2, 13, 6, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It's slowly improvi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/IJbVK5UBRT8" ], [], [] ]
fn2lst
how does gene diversity develop if we all came from common ancestors?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fn2lst/eli5_how_does_gene_diversity_develop_if_we_all/
{ "a_id": [ "fl77jtg", "fl87t4f" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Mutations. Genes change. Your genes aren't exactly duplicated from your parents. The differences are slight, but given many generations they really do build up.", "Just to add onto the other answers, a slight mutation ra...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2yk4m7
how does " save game " and "load / continue " work?
I know maybe stupid question but, i'm wondering ages about how it's works. Saving games with F5 and Load with F9 ( Usually same combination for most games.) What's happening in the background? And why doesn't work for other games like GTA or CoD.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yk4m7/eli5_how_does_save_game_and_load_continue_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cpa8u8a", "cpa8v7f" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Short Explanation: The game runs a chunk of code which pulls a bunch of data currently stored in the computers RAM, (it's storage space for the memory it's currently dealing with) and records it to a hard drive for permanent...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
ea45ts
if you were to breathe in extremely humid air, for long periods of time, would you eventually ‘drown’?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ea45ts/eli5_if_you_were_to_breathe_in_extremely_humid/
{ "a_id": [ "fanmixi" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You could potentially, if your lungs were colder than the ambient temperature, which would allow the water vapor to condense down back into a liquid form rapidly enough to prevent the lungs from expelling them through normal processes. It could a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4bdnrx
why do millionaires only have a small percentage of their wealth in cash or liquid assets?
A multimillionaire may be worth several million dollars but I looked at some examples of celebrity net worth online and found that a person worth $40 million only has $50,000 in spendable cash. I used to be under the impression that millionaires have literally at least a million in cash to spend.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bdnrx/eli5_why_do_millionaires_only_have_a_small/
{ "a_id": [ "d185zwa", "d186d7v", "d1870h5", "d189cfj" ], "score": [ 10, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Cash and liquid assets don't make you any money. If you invest your wealth, it can make you more money, but it's not in a form that you can immediately spend.\n\nI wouldn't have a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2mpa9g
why are retainers needed after braces?
I was wondering how come after we get our braces off, our teeth don't just stay in position and we need to have retainers for the rest of our lives to keep them straight.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mpa9g/eli5why_are_retainers_needed_after_braces/
{ "a_id": [ "cm6bj41" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's because your gums are no longer as resilient as they were before. You move all your teeth by pushing and pulling them where you want them, the gums lose their strength slightly.\nImagine pouring concrete, you need a frame to pour it into, un...
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[]
[ [] ]
2ljfgh
dreaming for people who were born blind.
How does someone who has never experienced visual stimuli their entire lives dream? Is it in sounds, feelings, textures, the shapes of things they've experienced through touch?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ljfgh/eli5_dreaming_for_people_who_were_born_blind/
{ "a_id": [ "clvd27q", "clvejve", "clvgqu2" ], "score": [ 3, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "I have always wondered about not only dreaming, but visualizations in general for those who are born blind. Can anyone shed some light on this(omg terrible play on words but I'm keeping it)? When they ...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
47tsib
why is satanism commonly connected to occultism?
They seem to be portrayed as almost synonymous. I've also read the 11 Laws, with one of them mentioning magic. Is magic and Occultism prevalent in the religion?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47tsib/eli5_why_is_satanism_commonly_connected_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d0fljj2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Theres a huge difference between the different types of satanism. \n\nThere's LeVeyan satanism which is the stuff you hear about a lot. The 11 rules are a part of that. [here](_URL_0_) is a lot more about them, they less literally worship satan a...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaVeyan_Satanism#The_Eleven_Satanic_Rules_of_the_Earth" ] ]
9al734
how does an electric current produce a magnetic field?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9al734/eli5_how_does_an_electric_current_produce_a/
{ "a_id": [ "e4w9m0a", "e4wb6o9", "e4wgtvg", "e4wkdr0" ], "score": [ 15, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The short super unsatisfactory answer is that it just does.\n\nThe longer answer is that what we define as a charge is actually a disturbance in the electric field, which is part ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
9o50u7
how exactly does carbon-14 dating work? would it work on diamonds (which were once organic matter, i think), or are they just too old?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9o50u7/eli5_how_exactly_does_carbon14_dating_work_would/
{ "a_id": [ "e7rez5r", "e7rfeld" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Carbon-14 dating is primarily for dating formerly living things. Carbon 14 is made in the atmosphere so its absorbed by living things through respiration. It maintains its levels while the thing is alive. When it dies the re...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
ezocfs
why do appliance's volumes (eg. tv, radio) use an arbitrary 1 to x value instead of basing the value on decibels?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ezocfs/eli5_why_do_appliances_volumes_eg_tv_radio_use_an/
{ "a_id": [ "fgoja0y", "fgok6nw", "fgomjlq", "fgp8t5a" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "High-end stereos for audiophiles, or studio monitors, typically do use decibels.\n\nThe problem with decibels is that either you'd have relative loudness - where 0 is the maximum a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
43hrlg
what is all this controversy with thefinebros about?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43hrlg/eli5_what_is_all_this_controversy_with/
{ "a_id": [ "czib1y7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Search before submitting " ] }
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[ [] ]
338naj
are wi-fi and/or bluetooth, signals harmful to our health?
I'm sure this can be researched online, but I've often wondered how much information is actually true.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/338naj/eli5_are_wifi_andor_bluetooth_signals_harmful_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cqijbnt", "cqijdum", "cqijf3p" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "No, it's not true at all. They're completely harmless. ", "There has been numerous studies, and the concensus is that radio signals in the WiFi and BT bands are not harmful at the levels output by ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6q24xd
seeing all of these harambe & deez nuts votes in the presidental elections, what would happen if one of them actually got the majority of the votes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6q24xd/eli5_seeing_all_of_these_harambe_deez_nuts_votes/
{ "a_id": [ "dktz2cn", "dku0e6e" ], "score": [ 8, 11 ], "text": [ "Harambe is not human, and is deceased so does not qualify. All votes to him are void. \n\nDeez Nuts is not the real name of the child, and they are under 35 and so not eligible. All votes to him are also void. \n\nSo the el...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2b1gcb
why do i find baby animals super cute, but human babies ugly?
A lot of people are like me and just love puppies, kittens, baby elephants, baby groundhogs, baby anything. But, there's a big consensus that babies don't look very nice. Is there a scientifical explanation behind this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b1gcb/eli5_why_do_i_find_baby_animals_super_cute_but/
{ "a_id": [ "cj0uhdd", "cj0umb6", "cj0uro6", "cj0vciw" ], "score": [ 13, 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Because baby animals are cute and human babies are ugly.", "A lot of what makes things cute is the ratio of eye size to facial real estate. Many young animals have a better ra...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3ro4uz
how is it that mars has lost it's atmosphere to solar winds, but earth hasn't
Like it says in the title, how are they losing their atmosphere to solar winds, but earth isn't?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ro4uz/eli5_how_is_it_that_mars_has_lost_its_atmosphere/
{ "a_id": [ "cwprs4c", "cwprse5", "cwprvzx", "cwpxvop" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The churning of earth's core creates our magnetosphere which protects us from the solar winds, it's like a shield protecting us from the sun's \"bullets\" (charged particles). The ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_wind#Magnetospheres" ], [] ]
eqm5bf
why do lemons sometimes become all green and moldy, while other times they become rock-hard when you forget to eat/use them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eqm5bf/eli5_why_do_lemons_sometimes_become_all_green_and/
{ "a_id": [ "feuez88", "feusfc1" ], "score": [ 3, 7 ], "text": [ "Depends on the environment. It's the same as why some bread will just go hard and stale while other will grow moldy.\n\nA good experiment is getting a new pack of sliced bread and taking the first slice with some gloves on a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
c7re9o
why aren't tv shows that follow criminals, like drug smugglers, forced to hand over footage?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c7re9o/eli5_why_arent_tv_shows_that_follow_criminals/
{ "a_id": [ "esh6t00", "esh862w", "esha4ep" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Aren't they \"handing it over\" by publicizing it?", "It really depends on the ethics of the filmmaker / journalist. I know in the States we have the Freedom of the Press. This allows Filmmakers and...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4sjztk
how long does a fly have to spend on your food before it has done anything that may pose any sort of health risk?
By "done anything" I mean, for example, the vomiting that the fly must do as part of its eating process.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4sjztk/eli5_how_long_does_a_fly_have_to_spend_on_your/
{ "a_id": [ "d59vvf2", "d5a4fc6" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "The length of time he's on food has little to do with it. What matters is what is on the fly, and if it gets on the food. There really is no way to predict it. A fly walks around on shit a lot and can potentially carry th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
fyjint
where did the idea of bears being cuddly and lovable and the idea of teddy bears in pop culture come from l, and why did we pick a animal that's a killing machine to give this image to?
I was also asking where the idea of the actual animal being friendly and cartoony came from
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fyjint/eli5_where_did_the_idea_of_bears_being_cuddly_and/
{ "a_id": [ "fn09jz7", "fn09mi9", "fn0i6qy", "fn1wy63" ], "score": [ 7, 67, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The \"Teddy Bear\" was created after Teddy Roosevelt went on a bear hunt that went nowhere. Trappers brought him a caged bear as a trophy instead, but Ted said that was too unspo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5bag4q
how come when a neutron star spins incredibly fast, it creates radio jets and becomes a pulsar?
On the same note, are there neutron stars that spin rapidly just like a pulsar but just don't have their radio jets? If that's the case, then how does a pulsar obtain it's radio jets?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5bag4q/eli5_how_come_when_a_neutron_star_spins/
{ "a_id": [ "d9myt51" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Every neutron star spins rapidly and produces radio jets. This is because as the star gets compacted down it has to maintain its angular momentum, the same way a dancer brings their arms in to spin faster. The radio jets come from the fact that ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6to388
why do other countries (outside of the us) have little or no commercial breaks on tv?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6to388/eli5_why_do_other_countries_outside_of_the_us/
{ "a_id": [ "dlm4oa3", "dlm649f", "dlm9nv7" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "You may want to be more specific as many countries have just as many commercials on TV as the US does.", "Turkey has 2 hour long shows with 1 hour advertisement. They usually take 7 to 10 minute bre...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4zarur
why does mold grow slower in colder temperatures?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4zarur/eli5_why_does_mold_grow_slower_in_colder/
{ "a_id": [ "d6ubeyk" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Life is just chemical reactions. Chemical reactions either produce heat, or take heat from their surroundings.\n\nThe act of reproduction is lots and lots of chemical reactions, some of which need heat from the surrounding environment. If there's...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
34z70t
what functions do d3 and 2 have in automatic cars and what situations should i be using them?
Also, is there any fuel efficiency or hazardous weather uses for them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34z70t/eli5_what_functions_do_d3_and_2_have_in_automatic/
{ "a_id": [ "cqzfjpg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Those are your \"low gears\". They're good for climbing steep grades, towing, and you can also use them as an \"engine brake\" when you're going down a steep hill so you don't have to hit your brakes as much and wear them out. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
36bqcf
- how were roads built and paved before large machines were invented?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36bqcf/eli5_how_were_roads_built_and_paved_before_large/
{ "a_id": [ "crcleti" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Mostly by hand. They'd have [lots of people](_URL_1_) involved, though. Sometimes crews of hundreds or even thousands. \n\nEven today, with all the large machines, there are inaccessible places or places where there's no financial incentive or ot...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/24/this-man-cut-a-road-throu_n_6939898.html", "http://i.imgur.com/oeX1c5p.jpg" ] ]
6nvn4u
does celibacy contribute to increased proficiency and productivity?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6nvn4u/eli5_does_celibacy_contribute_to_increased/
{ "a_id": [ "dkclc75" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "ELI5 rules dictate that I can't just reply with \"no\" but if I could, I would. Yes, there were some notoriously brilliant people who were celibate, but there are millions of people out there in the world right now who are celibate (either by cho...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
81dxx9
the tariff war in 2002 and how the proposed 25% tariff for steel imports from canada will hurt the us economy
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/81dxx9/eli5_the_tariff_war_in_2002_and_how_the_proposed/
{ "a_id": [ "dv2hofk", "dv2kffk" ], "score": [ 12, 3 ], "text": [ "This is argued every day with many viewpoints. This is ELI5. \n\nIf the leaders of a country want their industries to grow they impose tariffs, taxes on imported goods. That helps local companies produce these goods which m...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
317z2z
how does someone live without a gallbladder? does it change how they eat? if so, how?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/317z2z/eli5_how_does_someone_live_without_a_gallbladder/
{ "a_id": [ "cpz6i1z" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I live just fine without a gall bladder. I have not changed my diet in the slightest.\n\nA gall bladder allows me to store bile, so that in theory, if I suddenly ate (say) an entire bucket of lard, I would have enough bile ready to digest it.\n\...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6z95ku
why do we have an easier time sorting things by strings of numbers vs by strings of letters? (ex: t#124567 vs t# asedtz)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6z95ku/eli5_why_do_we_have_an_easier_time_sorting_things/
{ "a_id": [ "dmtfekp" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The order of numbers is meaningful, 2 comes before 7 for a reason. We are also used to counting up and counting down, which reinforces this order in our minds.\n\nThe order of letters is arbitrary, we could rearrange the alphabet and it wouldn't...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
83u38z
if dna contains informations about our whole body, why can we not regenerate certain body parts if they gets removed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/83u38z/eli5_if_dna_contains_informations_about_our_whole/
{ "a_id": [ "dvkj9qw", "dvkjae0", "dvkk8fx", "dvklz58", "dvknxwh", "dvks4s4", "dvkswxb", "dvkucvf", "dvkusds", "dvkv9nr" ], "score": [ 531, 26, 31, 6, 16, 2, 2, 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "IKEA instructions do not equal a finished I...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://newatlas.com/human-body-regeneration-worm-genes/46670/", "http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3729455/Could-humans-regrow-limbs-Genetic-switches-regenerating-tissue-traced-420-million-years.html" ], [], [], [ "http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5559295/" ], [], ...
6ns7j7
how do ancestry reports work?
23andme says I'm 100% European. How is that if all human life can be traced back to Africa?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ns7j7/eli5_how_do_ancestry_reports_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dkc17er" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Scientists have collected DNA from different ethnic groups all over the world. There are certain markers on DNA or RNA, they can calculate what mutations have occurred and how fast they happen. \n\nMitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) are o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5jvge0
how did kings know how much was in their coffers and avoid having it picked at by treasurers?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jvge0/eli5_how_did_kings_know_how_much_was_in_their/
{ "a_id": [ "dbjauol", "dbji32e" ], "score": [ 33, 20 ], "text": [ "This is still a problem in the present day. The answer is: you have another, independent person (an auditor) come in and make a separate count. And you warn the treasurer that this is going to happen, again and again, so t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6zulb9
how did the united states first distribute and get people to use the dollar?
Something that really confuses me is the beginning of US currency. I understand that it was at some point distributed but how? Who did they decide to give the first dollars to? And more importantly, how did they get people to start using this currency rather than to continue trading goods for services or using coins? ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6zulb9/eli5how_did_the_united_states_first_distribute/
{ "a_id": [ "dmy44eg", "dmy6t8u", "dmz4gio" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Early dollars were silver coins. Minting coins was just creating a standardized amount of silver to simplify using it as a commodity.\n\nMore generally, governments promote the use of their currency by ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
35sbsg
when and why did universities start inflating their tuition rates so much?
Just want to understand why I'm so poor
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35sbsg/eli5_when_and_why_did_universities_start/
{ "a_id": [ "cr7cjyo", "cr7ck1q" ], "score": [ 5, 6 ], "text": [ "In the U.S. a large part of the rising tuition over the past few decades is universities trying to offer a better \"campus life\" than others. Instead of just offering better academics, schools started competing over who had...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1jzqja
the differences between 501c4, 501c3 and llc, and 527.
So my little group of folks are considering filing for nonprofit. Here are the options: 1. Have the national organization file as a 501c4. 2. Have the national organization file as a 501c3 and LLC. 3. Have the national organization file as a 527. (And then some combinations between local and national filing tog...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jzqja/eli5_the_differences_between_501c4_501c3_and_llc/
{ "a_id": [ "cbjvrsw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The ones that start with numbers are tax-exempt organizations under the IRS tax code.\n\n501c4 is for social welfare organizations and employee assosiations.\n\n501c3 is pretty broad and includes religious institutions, charities, educational ins...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
29w78d
is there a way to get over phobias?
I hate bugs so much. They make my heart skip some times.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29w78d/eli5_is_there_a_way_to_get_over_phobias/
{ "a_id": [ "cip2hnx", "cip2i2c", "cip2rpj", "cip5g39", "cipefvf" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes. Usually Exposure therapy. Your body has an irrational fear response. Exposure therapy teaches you how to calm down during that fear response.", "Prog...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.guidetopsychology.com/sysden.htm" ], [], [] ]
3mkn43
why do we grab our chest when we are startled?
"Oh my God you scared me"
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mkn43/eli5_why_do_we_grab_our_chest_when_we_are_startled/
{ "a_id": [ "cvfqfca", "cvfrb28" ], "score": [ 10, 17 ], "text": [ "My guess would be it has something to do with a natural reaction to protect the heart area of your chest. Sort of like an instictive fear response. ", "I just did a quick google a managed to find a little info that may...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
80f2dq
what is a sanctuary city in the usa and what is typical daily life like for illegal immigrants who live there?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/80f2dq/eli5_what_is_a_sanctuary_city_in_the_usa_and_what/
{ "a_id": [ "duv2svm", "duv2x5s", "duv389n" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A sanctuary cities is one whose local government refuses to help the Federal government in checking to make sure an immigrant is here legally, or retaining someone who is here illegally till the Federal...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://abcnews.go.com/US/ohio-mom-set-deportation-traffic-violation/story?id=48961152", "http://sfgov.org/oceia/sanctuary-city-ordinance-0" ], [] ]
66eash
how do lotteries that reward $1000 a day work?
I've seen commercials for lotteries where if you win, you get $1000 a day for life. How does this work, how can they keep supporting all the winners?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66eash/eli5how_do_lotteries_that_reward_1000_a_day_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dght0ri", "dghwf7j" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "That really is not that much money in lottery terms. That is $365,000 a year. Over 10 years that is only $3.65 Million, and $14.6 Million over 40 years.\n\n$14.6 million is not that much money in lottery terms. ", "Basic...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2m06wa
why does gillette advertise against their own product?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m06wa/eli5_why_does_gillette_advertise_against_their/
{ "a_id": [ "clzqt0a" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Gillette is by far the leader in the razor market. The Fusion blades are more expensive than the Mach 3 blades, so they get the most bang for their buck by convincing Mach 3 users to upgrade rather than getting others to switch from competitors."...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
68o54e
why isnt the number 11 pronounced onety-one?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68o54e/eli5why_isnt_the_number_11_pronounced_onetyone/
{ "a_id": [ "dgzxnly", "dgzxq4c" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "English is a Germanic-derived language, and Germanic cultures counted by twelves sometimes instead of tens. This is why the concept of a \"dozen\" exists.\n\nThe words *eleven* and *twelve* come from *einliff* and *twaliff*...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3ppbn4
why are kids taught to use "x" to mean multiplication until the age of ~11, when they switch to "·"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ppbn4/eli5_why_are_kids_taught_to_use_x_to_mean/
{ "a_id": [ "cw899yr" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "It is very important that they learn what a punctuation mark or decimal point is. It may be difficult for young kids to discern the difference between . and · especially when handwritten.\n\nx as a multiplication symbol only works until you nee...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2lrhgk
where do we find the room to bury the dead?
Maybe I'm missing something here, but it seems that the amount of people who die after each consecutive generation far outweighs the land set aside to bury the bodies (graveyards, burial grounds etc).
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lrhgk/eli5_where_do_we_find_the_room_to_bury_the_dead/
{ "a_id": [ "clxghz3", "clxgjng", "clxi6jq", "clxiah3", "clxitvk", "clxnrzl", "clxpla0", "cly3g75" ], "score": [ 51, 7, 11, 8, 2, 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Individual graveyard burial generally doesn't last forever. Eventually the soft parts of a...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossuary" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
d8u3jr
how much water is on the international space station?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d8u3jr/eli5_how_much_water_is_on_the_international_space/
{ "a_id": [ "f1cpgh6" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yep, recycling is critical, since there's really no feasible way to constantly be sending new water tanks into space to refill drinking water supplies. \n\n\nFrom what I've read, the ISS is able to keep a reserve of 530 gallons of drinking water...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4xqmkp
different types of radiation
Why do different particles emit different types of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, etc)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xqmkp/eli5_different_types_of_radiation/
{ "a_id": [ "d6hmove", "d6huosx" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Think of radiation as a wave. The energy of a particle determines what wave it is. Kind of like light from stars. The higher the energy the whiter it is. On the lower energy scale you get red. Now as an atom starts to decay ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_of_stability#/media/File:Decay_Mode_Valley_of_Stability.jpg", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_of_stability", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_of_stability#/media/File:Half_Life_Valley_of_Stability.jpg" ] ]
5jng4d
how humans didn't get eaten by predators who heard babies screaming when humans lived in the wild.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jng4d/eli5how_humans_didnt_get_eaten_by_predators_who/
{ "a_id": [ "dbhica2", "dbhis4u", "dbhj8s4", "dbhjw84", "dbhl37s", "dbhliz3", "dbhnlpb", "dbhsd7g" ], "score": [ 5, 87, 18, 4, 3, 52, 34, 2 ], "text": [ "Humans built fortifications, often in caves. Lived in fairly sized family bands that off...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
52a1yj
when would a doctor use stitches, and when would he use staples?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52a1yj/eli5_when_would_a_doctor_use_stitches_and_when/
{ "a_id": [ "d7ijktd", "d7iwemd", "d7j5252" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "They are interchangeable. Sort of.\n\nA stapled wound and one closed with a non-absorbable suture are similar. Both require medical aid to remove, and for this reason day surgery and short stay surger...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c1199" ], [], [] ]
30bnpn
how is it that populations of people all across the planet in different countries all developed at relatively the same rate, when there was no means of communication between them?
Why didn't some countries develop thousands of years before others before cross-continental travel?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30bnpn/eli5_how_is_it_that_populations_of_people_all/
{ "a_id": [ "cpqwwhy", "cpqwxp5", "cpqwz1x", "cpqxn3e" ], "score": [ 5, 13, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Some did. Compare the Europeans of Columbus' time to the Native Americans. They were much further advanced by hundreds of years.", "They didn't develop at the same rate, it'...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://mentalfloss.com/article/23973/stone-age-people-north-sentinel-island" ] ]
5oqclk
can defense attorneys 'throw' a case if they know their clients are guilty?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5oqclk/eli5_can_defense_attorneys_throw_a_case_if_they/
{ "a_id": [ "dcl7b6t", "dcl7dey" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "That would be unethical. In our society, even the guilty are given competent representation. What they can do is seriously suggest that the person take a plea deal. Part of the process requires a good defense or the convicti...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9193ct
why isn't time read literally as numbers but instead the letter o is said to represent zero?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9193ct/eli5_why_isnt_time_read_literally_as_numbers_but/
{ "a_id": [ "e2w9h2z", "e2w9wld" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "In English (at least American English) unless you have a bunch of zeros in a row you almost always say \"O\" for every single number, not just time. ", "\"Oh\" is one syllable and \"Zero\" is two. People are lazy.\n\nWe ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2i3xw7
standard error in measurement. i have no idea. what is it's relation to standard deviation? (rhyme not intended)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i3xw7/eli5_standard_error_in_measurement_i_have_no_idea/
{ "a_id": [ "ckylxvo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Standard Deviation refers to variability in general. If you're learning this in a class, it probably is implicitly meant as the standard deviation of the sample in most cases.\n\nStandard Error is the standard deviation of whatever measure you're...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1jbtv2
how do reality shows record reactions in monologues like they are happening for the first time?
How do they make reactions feel recent?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jbtv2/eli5_how_do_reality_shows_record_reactions_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cbd5hls", "cbdwa8j" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The people giving the interviews are asked to reenact their initial reactions. Its all just good (or in most cases, bad) acting. ", "They are called \"OTF\"s or \"On the Fly\" interviews. The producers record an intervi...
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3ovn62
how does viagra actually work..?
Thanks
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ovn62/eli5_how_does_viagra_actually_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cw0upa3" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Without getting really technical, Viagra is a type of drug called a Vasodilator. Vasodilators relax the muscles and arteries so more blood can flow through them. Think of a Vasodilator as a hose. If you have a hose that has a 1 Inch Diameter, onl...
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23hrb5
bedsores
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23hrb5/eli5_bedsores/
{ "a_id": [ "cgx4qf8" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "When you press down on your skin it prevents your blood from moving naturally. This lack of blood to the area causes the tissue to break down over time, if left over a prolonged period of time it can cause pretty severe damage and infection.\n\n...
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q2171
how do leases work?
I'm talking about leasing a car, by the way. I am aware for the most part that you have to pay a certain amount of money due at signing and then monthly payments, but are there other payments that they charge you? How does it overall work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/q2171/eli5_how_do_leases_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c3u283h", "c3u2efh", "c3uitvl" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It's like renting, but long term. Also, usually harder to get out of.", "Be careful if you drive a lot, there are sometimes fees for excessive mileage.\n\nAlso, most people consider Leasing, financi...
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[ [], [], [] ]
c8g1ms
since the hypothalamus is located near the brain and it regulates the body's temperature, how would the human body react if the head is at one extreme temperature and the rest of the body is at an opposing extreme temperature?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c8g1ms/eli5_since_the_hypothalamus_is_located_near_the/
{ "a_id": [ "esmqn10" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The hypothalamus doesn't sense its own temperature in order to regulate the body. It gathers the data from nerves all over the body and uses that. If most of your body is hot but your head is cold, the hypothalamus will \"know\" that and will tel...
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6tkfuj
how do actors appear dead in movies and films so that their chest isn't moving from breathing and their heart beating
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6tkfuj/eli5_how_do_actors_appear_dead_in_movies_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dlldtux", "dlle0eg", "dllfhkd", "dllhf5w", "dlljkbp" ], "score": [ 25, 6, 2, 48, 5 ], "text": [ "Sometimes they don't. I love catching someone breathing during a tv show. Law and Order and Criminal Minds is a gold mind. Spotting moving corpses while wat...
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[ [], [], [], [ "http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/39/768x524/gallery-1475248774-daniel-radcliffe-norton-2.jpg" ], [] ]
6wbc3k
how does the technology that sees if tennis balls are in or out work, and how come it hasn't completely replaced linesmen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wbc3k/eli5_how_does_the_technology_that_sees_if_tennis/
{ "a_id": [ "dm6r6ql", "dm6s48q", "dm748t0", "dm74n84" ], "score": [ 19, 550, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It uses camera images. The exact location and specifications of the camera, tennis balls, field lines are known. Then by analyzing the size and location of the ball on the diffe...
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[ [], [ "https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-qualifying-spa-honda-mclaren-945396/", "https://www.hawkeyeinnovations.com", "http://chyronhego.com" ], [], [] ]
batcsj
which consequences of a dam being built lead to environmental change/damage?
I understand that when a dam is built it frequently has massive effects on the surrounding nature (though I'm unsure to what degree this damage is caused up and down stream respectively). But why? Disregarding the damage that BUILDING the dam would cause for a moment, wouldn't this be a zero sum situation? Water has t...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/batcsj/eli5_which_consequences_of_a_dam_being_built_lead/
{ "a_id": [ "ekdtj1q", "ekdvibw", "ekdxr03", "eke7zwo" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "One problem is that the dam floods the valley behind it, turning it into a lake. This kills virtually everything that was previously growing in the valley.", "Opening a spillwa...
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[ [], [], [], [ "https://rittmeyer.com/fileadmin/user_upload/bilder/messtechnik-anwendungen/wasserkraft-druckleitungsueberwachung.jpg", "https://www.bchydro.com/content/dam/BCHydro/customer-portal/documents/corporate/safety/dam-safety-report-q3-february-2015.pdf" ] ]
1jeps5
why people need to be raised and schooled to live well as a person, but my cat, who's not around other cats, knows how to live well like a cat?
Hard to explain. Pets have their instincts that help them survive, why do humans need help in order to live a good life?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jeps5/eli5_why_people_need_to_be_raised_and_schooled_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cbdxe34", "cbdxe61", "cbdxgbe", "cbdxgiu", "cbdz46h", "cbdz9sr", "cbdzpry", "cbe73db", "cbe9pkq", "cbecpir" ], "score": [ 17, 48, 5, 2, 8, 15, 18, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I've written and deleted about 5 starts to t...
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1k4fs0
what the hell is the deal with bronies?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k4fs0/eli5_what_the_hell_is_the_deal_with_bronies/
{ "a_id": [ "cbl93de" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They are fans of the show My Little Pony, similar to how Trekkers are fans of Star Trek and Browncoats are fans of Firefly. " ] }
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1nbr7b
why is it called "surfing" the web?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nbr7b/eli5_why_is_it_called_surfing_the_web/
{ "a_id": [ "cch50tu", "cch6gr4", "cch80vv", "cch8ehf" ], "score": [ 9, 7, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Language left over from channel surfing on TV.", "The internet is a series of tubes, thus it can be described as tubular. Tubular is an expression that was common among surfers...
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60xctc
what is poison?
Why does bug spray not kill humans? Why can some animals endure things that would kill humans? Does gasoline or bleach or overdose of medication kill you by the same mechanism as cyanide or strychnine or the 'vegetable alkaloids' from old murder mystery books?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60xctc/eli5_what_is_poison/
{ "a_id": [ "dfa1fp4", "dfa1i4t" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Really, a poison is something that will harm or kill you if taken into your body in an amount you're likely to encounter. Technically, water or caffeine (or anything) will kill you if you take enough of it, so that's why I a...
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n63ht
why are there so many different electrical outlets in this world?
I just found [this](_URL_0_) on 9gag and was wondering.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/n63ht/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_different_electrical/
{ "a_id": [ "c36jti6", "c36megt", "c36jti6", "c36megt" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I would say because there are so many countries. Theoretically, a mass summit could create a universal wall plug that countries could then opt into, but no one really has any incen...
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[ "http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/944946_460s_v1.jpg" ]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1e0ydd
why is there so much media attention on the jodi arias case?
There has been some sort of coverage about it for weeks now. Why do so many people care about it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1e0ydd/eli5_why_is_there_so_much_media_attention_on_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c9vq359", "c9vq4pc", "c9vt65r", "c9vtjxe", "c9vuvqc" ], "score": [ 6, 28, 2, 3, 7 ], "text": [ "America loves a killer. Bonus points for being a freak in the sack.", "Attractive white girl + violent crime = media frenzy", "My mother has kept me ...
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4uaj4w
what exactly causes the sickly gross-tasting burps that occur after overeating?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4uaj4w/eli5what_exactly_causes_the_sickly_grosstasting/
{ "a_id": [ "d5o5a6o", "d5piht4" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "A pocket of air is always present in your stomach (and visible on a standard chest X-ray).\nWhen eating, some more air gets in through swallowing.\nThe stomach doesn't immediately empty itself when eating, so imagine all you...
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35cyo2
why do my hands get clammy when i am afraid? evolutionarily shouldn't i increase my grip ability rather than losing grip with moisture?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35cyo2/eli5_why_do_my_hands_get_clammy_when_i_am_afraid/
{ "a_id": [ "cr39xzz", "cr3aykw", "cr3b6j3" ], "score": [ 4, 73, 48 ], "text": [ "When you're afraid, your body's processes speed up, especially ones that help you deal with stress. Most important in regulating your body under stress is temperature regulation, which is primarily ha...
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[ [], [], [ "http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/3/10/689", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dispersive_adhesion" ] ]
2mckub
how is blackberry still in business when no one uses one? i don't know a single person who still uses a blackberry.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mckub/eli5_how_is_blackberry_still_in_business_when_no/
{ "a_id": [ "cm2z0f7", "cm2z3e0", "cm2z3fq", "cm2z3t8", "cm30mp4" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "How many people do you know? Let's be generous and say 500.\n\nThat's a rounding error on the population of the US. So your circle is probably not a great i...
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8qvg94
is there an architectural advantage to “the pentagon” building being shaped as a pentagon? like does it provide more security, or is it simply for aesthetics?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8qvg94/eli5_is_there_an_architectural_advantage_to_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e0mc2ay", "e0mck7u", "e0mdc3h" ], "score": [ 11, 29, 5 ], "text": [ "It would be cool if there was an amazing architectural advantage to the shape. The truth, as truth often is, is spectacularly boring and ordinary.\n\nThe simple truth of the matter was that the land t...
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[ [ "http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2007/05/24/GR2007052400817.gif" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlington_Farms#/media/File:ArlingtonFarmsAerialPhoto1949.png", "http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2007/05/24/GR2007052400817.gif" ] ]
5bnutf
how are amazon third-party book vendors able to offer new and recently-published books in "new" or "like new" condition so quickly?
A book's publication date was set for today, Mon. Nov. 7th. Third-party booksellers on Amazon have already started selling the book for a few dollars below the Amazon price for the book, in new / like new condition. How do they do this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5bnutf/eli5_how_are_amazon_thirdparty_book_vendors_able/
{ "a_id": [ "d9pvk7m", "d9pw8pr", "d9pxese" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 7 ], "text": [ "In general, many third-party booksellers on Amazon used automated programs to handle their inventory. Some of them simply have the computer programmed to update when they receive new inventory, and thus...
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[ [], [], [ "https://www.amazon.com/BC-BASIC-Reference-manual-tutorial/dp/1517450675/ref=sr_1_1" ] ]
47e7wr
why are most cities "downtown" sections really shitty when they're usually a popular
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47e7wr/eli5_why_are_most_cities_downtown_sections_really/
{ "a_id": [ "d0c9mcl" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Maintenance of a downtown area is a tremendous undertaking. For example, repairing the streets could mean closing down the street for days and days. Colossal traffic jam, redirecting bus routes, businesses on that street pissed off, etc. It's ...
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2lmde9
why, when i eat terribly (pizza, cookies, chips, beer, etc) can i eat a lot, but when i clean diet, i get so full and 2k calories is hard to get each day?
Srsly--I can put down 1.5 Little Caesar Hot-n'-readies and a sixer of Coors Lite, but now, after 3 weeks of clean eating, 1 gallon of water a day, and exercise 4 times a week, getting my 2,000 calories is SO filling and eating takes WORK. < ---'Merican
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2lmde9/eli5_why_when_i_eat_terribly_pizza_cookies_chips/
{ "a_id": [ "clw4s91", "clw92b5", "clw9lnh" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Define \"clean eating.\" I know a lot of people that cut back on junky, carb-heavy foods and are much less hungry. It has to do with your insulin spikes and resulting hormone suppression (leptin mostly)...
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2bm2xo
is there a possibility in the future for full immersion virtual reality gaming?
I'm very excited about the Occulus Rift but it got me thinking and I began to wonder if there was a possibility for VR gaming that is fully immersed (you have sense of sight, smell, touch, etc). Sort of like you would be able to log in and just sit down in a chair for a few hours but in the VR you would be fully func...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bm2xo/eli5_is_there_a_possibility_in_the_future_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cj6nboo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Anything is possible, someday, as long as that thing doesn't violate fundamental physical laws. And even then, who knows.\n\nPractically though, yes, this is reasonable some day. One of the critical aspects here for experiencing this \"just [sit...
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[ [ "http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-05/31/darpa-touch-sensitive-prosthetic", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochlear_implant" ] ]
2hjvzf
why can't we make a system similar to a human body that gets energy from food?
For example instead of running cars on gas, we would put cheese and bread in the car to run.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hjvzf/eli5_why_cant_we_make_a_system_similar_to_a_human/
{ "a_id": [ "cktbxx1", "cktc1es" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We could do that. We don't because it would be horribly inefficient compared to the fuels we already use, or most of the alternatives we've already devised.", "They exist already. They're called horses.\n\nIn fact, the ...
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a1b9x0
how does online banking work without the exchange of actual money?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a1b9x0/eli5_how_does_online_banking_work_without_the/
{ "a_id": [ "eaoac3n", "eaoanyv", "eaob8af" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "When person A pays person B, the bank takes money out of A's account and deposits it in B's account.\n\nIf they use two different banks, the banks cooperate through a very elaborate digital money transf...
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