q_id
stringlengths
5
6
title
stringlengths
3
296
selftext
stringlengths
0
34k
document
stringclasses
1 value
subreddit
stringclasses
1 value
url
stringlengths
4
110
answers
dict
title_urls
list
selftext_urls
list
answers_urls
list
7nbsxi
how can you determine the location of a fault line by just looking at a topographical map?
I've lived around mountains for a decent part of my life and this just doesn't make sense to me. They seem so contorted and fragmented that it shouldn't be so simple to tell where a fault is and it's type by just looking at the landscape (or a topographic representation of it).
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7nbsxi/eli5_how_can_you_determine_the_location_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ds0s315" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Not all mountains are directly the result of a fault. The Cascades in Washington state are mountains, but the fault causing them is off the coast. Mountains in Hawaii are not the result of a fault, and some of the mountains in SoCal are traced by...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3r9pgt
what actually happens when my system utility cleans my 'cache'?
I don't seem to lose anything important like browser history or remembered websites, so what's the deal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3r9pgt/eli5_what_actually_happens_when_my_system_utility/
{ "a_id": [ "cwm4gly", "cwm4s5i" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically, your computer is storing copies of different website components locally. So when you go to _URL_0_, anything that hasn't changed since the last time you visited (images, scripts, etc) will be loaded from your loc...
[]
[]
[ [ "somewebsite.com" ], [] ]
3ezni0
why the u.s. cannot just simply take edward snowden from russia? why is it that when you flee to another country you're "safe" from being captured. is the country you're in making sure you're not taken away?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ezni0/eli5_why_the_us_cannot_just_simply_take_edward/
{ "a_id": [ "ctjwrri", "ctjwu1v", "ctjww6c", "ctjx878", "ctjyagx", "ctk04hh" ], "score": [ 13, 2, 37, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Russia has granted him asylum. And there is no [extradition treaty between the US and Russia](_URL_0_) - probably a holdover from the ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_extradition_treaties" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
8rl55s
what causes the random feelings of ants walking on your skin?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8rl55s/eli5_what_causes_the_random_feelings_of_ants/
{ "a_id": [ "e0s64z4", "e0s6fs6" ], "score": [ 4, 10 ], "text": [ "This is called formication. It can be caused by a lot of different factors, including medical conditions, static electricity, hallucinogen consumption and even your imagination.", "I would say capillary dilation/constri...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4qim15
in car engines, why is better to have multiple smaller diameter pistons rather than a single (or two) large diameter piston(s)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4qim15/eli5_in_car_engines_why_is_better_to_have/
{ "a_id": [ "d4takdo", "d4tczv2", "d4tdbvl", "d4tgw7h", "d4tlhqj", "d4tnmqu", "d4tnyvi", "d4tqmig" ], "score": [ 27, 13, 2, 2, 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Smoothness. \n\nA standard 4-stroke piston engine only produces power during 1 stroke (act...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
23dxaq
why don't we eat pure sugar?
People love their sodas and their pastries. Why don't we cut out the middle man and just eat sugar?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23dxaq/eli5_why_dont_we_eat_pure_sugar/
{ "a_id": [ "cgw16ex" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because sugar by itself is not pleasant. People eat because it's tasty, raw sugar is not" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
20najw
if the universe is constantly expanding, why isn't energy constantly being created at the edges to fill the new space?
If energy was created during the initial expansion of the big bang, wouldn't it be possible to assume it is still being created as the universe continues to expand?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20najw/eli5_if_the_universe_is_constantly_expanding_why/
{ "a_id": [ "cg4xgng" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The universe isn't expanding like a balloon. There's no \"edge\" to it, as far as we know. \"Expanding\" is frankly a bad term for it because it's nothing like \"expansion\" as we know it in our daily lives, but we don't have a better term for it...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1pgu0i
how is dubstep music actually made?
I know it involves digital recordings but I'd like a more in depth explanation.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pgu0i/eli5_how_is_dubstep_music_actually_made/
{ "a_id": [ "cd26fip", "cd28wpa" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Using a DAW, which is an audio application, an example being fruity loops. To put it simply, all you're doing is taking sounds and putting them together. \nYou start with your samples, which is just a sound, recording, etc. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOMRIPne_js" ] ]
7pq2um
how come you can hold your bladder for hours, but as soon as a toilet enters your vision it feels as though you’re going to explode?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7pq2um/eli5_how_come_you_can_hold_your_bladder_for_hours/
{ "a_id": [ "dsj44i9" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Your brain is what's suppressing the urge to urinate when it knows that there's no chance of urinating at the time. Once you're near a toilet, the suppressing wears off, and you feel the full urge to urinate. You can think of it as a measure to...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2t81v9
instead of telling me that "this action cannot be competed because the file is open in the system", why doesn't windows tell me *what is opening it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2t81v9/eli5_instead_of_telling_me_that_this_action/
{ "a_id": [ "cnwkzuw", "cnwmctu", "cnwravh", "cnws6cq" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "because windows doesn't know. when some program opens a file or whatever, it locks the file and thats it. so until the program releases the file, another program can't use it.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
29aky8
how does resetting a router regain my internet access?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29aky8/eli5_how_does_resetting_a_router_regain_my/
{ "a_id": [ "cij2545" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There can be a wide range of reasons, but in summary the reason that this works is that it causes the router to reboot, clearing it's memory (which frees up resources that might have been consumed by a hung process or memory leak; i.e. a broken a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1hbja6
why are fungi in a different kingdom from plants? what makes them different
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hbja6/eli5why_are_fungi_in_a_different_kingdom_from/
{ "a_id": [ "casqz2m", "casr3ys", "casr9ul", "casyn0w" ], "score": [ 3, 31, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "They are heterotrophs and rely on another source. They can't undergo photosynthesis ", "From [here](_URL_0_):\n\n1. Plants have chlorophyll and can produce their own food, fun...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-fungi-and-plants/" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_genome", "http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/32849/title/Genome-Digest/" ] ]
elqfqe
how would the world develop if we don't have governments anymore?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/elqfqe/eli5_how_would_the_world_develop_if_we_dont_have/
{ "a_id": [ "fdjklum", "fdjkrsg", "fdjlj8x", "fdjnt1n" ], "score": [ 9, 4, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "People would probably make a government. Whether it be for pure tribalistic reasons (that guy has all the food, so I should work for him) or civil reasons (we need people to run st...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1s7n88
why are head shops and random gas stations that sell various glass like bubblers and bongs and whatnot allowed to sell them when marijuana is illegal?
We alllll knoooooow they won't be tobacco use only and not a single piece from head shops ever will be but why are they allowed? I just found it weird thinking that today in a local gas station that carries various bongs and oil rigs and various water and or herb devices. Does just saying tobacco only really work when ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s7n88/eli5_why_are_head_shops_and_random_gas_stations/
{ "a_id": [ "cdupk7v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " > We alllll knoooooow they won't be tobacco use only\n\nIt doesn't matter what you \"know\" (aka what you assume), what matters is whether not they are *actually* used for illegal purposes. As long as they also have legal uses, they're allowed....
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bepary
how does electronic interference work, and why isn't it a bigger problem with so many electronics around?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bepary/eli5_how_does_electronic_interference_work_and/
{ "a_id": [ "el7ig10" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It's like when you're in a noisy room and cant hear anyone clearly. That's EMI. There are ways to clear up EMI such as shielding, ie you and the person you're talking to go to another room. Moving things closer together, ie you and the person ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1r1cr6
why do a lot of people feel motivated to do a lot of cleaning/work at night.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r1cr6/eli5_why_do_a_lot_of_people_feel_motivated_to_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cdimcnu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I'm by no means an expert on this subject, but I think the only people who feel that way are the people who don't do a lot during their day. Then at night when you're supposed to be winding down you have a lot of pent up energy that you need to s...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
c93euf
what does the spf number on suntan lotion mean??
I live in Florida and I still do not understand what the number means, how often you should apply, how long it lasts or anything. The product itself does not clarify these questions.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c93euf/eli5_what_does_the_spf_number_on_suntan_lotion/
{ "a_id": [ "essi8hx", "essk465", "essm6ad", "esuk88j" ], "score": [ 49, 12, 109, 6 ], "text": [ "Skin Protection Factor (SPF) represents how many times longer you can stay out in the sun **if you completely follow the directions about applying and reapplying**.\n\nFor exam...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/V9K6gjR07Po", "https://youtu.be/GRD-xvlhGMc" ] ]
1zul09
in the uk how do police find pirate radio broadcasters
It was in my local news paper that a pirate radio station had been closed down in a police raid, How did they find him?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zul09/eli5in_the_uk_how_do_police_find_pirate_radio/
{ "a_id": [ "cfx3rup" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I don't know if this is how they found the person you're talking about. But it's pretty easy to find the source of a radio transmitter. You use a piece of equipment called a Direction Finder. It contains two aerials - one straight aerial, and one...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6l47qy
will the electric signals my brain sends to my body get effected if i were to be surrounded by a very strong magnetic field?
Would I temporarily lose my senses because the magnetic field disrupts the signals?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6l47qy/eli5_will_the_electric_signals_my_brain_sends_to/
{ "a_id": [ "djr0gc7", "djr14a2", "djr4q5h", "djr65s2" ], "score": [ 3, 12, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's possible, but it would have to be an immensely strong field. Far stronger than anything you'd ever run into outside of a lab. \n\nIt's the sort of thing you'd pretty much hav...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcranial_magnetic_stimulation" ], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_helmet" ], [] ]
38yd91
how do animals like horse deal with smaller creatures controlling them?
Even large dogs, who can easily overpower their owner. Why don't they remove them and act out their own will?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38yd91/eli5_how_do_animals_like_horse_deal_with_smaller/
{ "a_id": [ "cryt01l", "cryt2n6", "crytcws", "crywfqb", "cryxoqq", "crzekgy" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 40, 15, 12, 2 ], "text": [ "Through a development of trust, obedience, friendship and compassion for the tamer. Ultimately, humans and horses have a mutualistic ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4c6wpm
what are compression brakes?
Why are they banned in every city?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4c6wpm/eli5_what_are_compression_brakes/
{ "a_id": [ "d1fj8by", "d1fjb9q", "d1fjhrj", "d1flouz" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Big diesel engines can be fitted with a device which [uses the pumping action of the engine](_URL_0_) to act as a brake. It works well, but it's noisy - which is presumably why the...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compression_release_engine_brake" ], [ "http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1501/what-are-jake-brakes-and-why-are-they-prohibited-in-some-locations&gt" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compression_release_engine_brake" ], [] ]
2hrxlr
prosecuting guilt-ridden criminals
I was reading about that jackass UPS handler who stole a $160k diamond and traded it for $20 of weed and it got me thinking about ridiculous criminal scenarios. If someone steals something but then feels terribly about it and returns the item, is it purely up to the property holder to press charges or could the state p...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hrxlr/eli5_prosecuting_guiltridden_criminals/
{ "a_id": [ "ckvg4j2" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It depends on where in the world you are, but often it's possible to press charges regardless, but if the victim doesn't want to press charges it gets quite tricky to actually prosecute. Most commonly this is used in domestic abuse cases where th...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2csie5
what are these black cables that run across the road
I have always wanted to know what [these cables](_URL_0_) that run across roads are used for. Anyone have any ideas.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2csie5/eli5what_are_these_black_cables_that_run_across/
{ "a_id": [ "cjij7gm", "cjij8hb", "cjij8hd", "cjijnk2", "cjikj1i" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "These cables count the number of cars passing a certain point in a certain amount of time. They're useful for traffic engineers to optimize the time intervals...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/VILT5Y2" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
40zm8o
why do memory upgrades on pcs cost so much when a micro sd with 64 gigs is only 10 bucks?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40zm8o/eli5_why_do_memory_upgrades_on_pcs_cost_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cyydlw5", "cyydm63", "cyydnap" ], "score": [ 10, 8, 4 ], "text": [ "It's a different type of memory. Although they can be faster than a hard drive, SD cards are actually quite slow.\n\nRAM, on the other hand, is very fast memory - it needs to be as the CPU is constantl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3cws71
why with every car i've owned, when the air con is switched off, the air from the vents instantly smells stale and mouldy?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cws71/eli5_why_with_every_car_ive_owned_when_the_air/
{ "a_id": [ "cszqhjt", "ct01gml" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Condensation on the evaporator coils could cause bacterial grown from what I understand, especially if the drain is clogged (aka what lets it drip that puddle under your car). When the liquid phase changes inside the coils t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
g2m1p1
how does electricity from the wall charge your phone?
Like, how does the spark move through wires and why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g2m1p1/eli5_how_does_electricity_from_the_wall_charge/
{ "a_id": [ "fnnv84e", "fnm7ss3", "fnmb4o4" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Electricity is invisible since it is made of electrons (it does not consist of photons, which are what light is made of). Sparks are actually made of air, which is ionized by the invisible electricity....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5ef24d
does the expansion of the universe mean there is a limited distance you could travel from earth and still return?
If an object is moving away from me at a fixed speed is there a specific point within the currently visible universe when the expansion of the universe would make it unable to return if the velocity was reversed? Is this point getting closer and close to Earth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ef24d/eli5_does_the_expansion_of_the_universe_mean/
{ "a_id": [ "daby9zy", "dabyodz", "dabyz71" ], "score": [ 11, 6, 19 ], "text": [ "The universe is expanding at 74.3 (+/- 2.1) km/s per megaparsec (roughly 3 million light-years). This means that for every megaparsec (a very large unit of measure) of distance from the viewer, the un...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Group" ] ]
38ycms
why don't anti-histamine and decongestants medicines work very well?
Whenever I get allergies, pinkeye, or a sty it seems like the over the counter oral medicine you buy from the pharmacy are a waste of money and are almost useless. This is 2015, come on people. I have swelling from my eye right now(from stye), it hurts and I read it takes 2-3 days to go away. :/
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38ycms/eli5_why_dont_antihistamine_and_decongestants/
{ "a_id": [ "crysver" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Not a ELI5 but Anti-Histamines work on blocking the allergic response from happening. Not reducing one that has already happened (I think) If the histamines are already released by macrophages (citation needed) then they will have already produce...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
51uu17
how does the brain move our eyes in sync so accurately? does it duplicate the signal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51uu17/eli5_how_does_the_brain_move_our_eyes_in_sync_so/
{ "a_id": [ "d7f202q", "d7ffgip" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a process called synkinesis - the muscles that control eye movement are wired to the same nerve control endings, so a single signal from the brain moves both simultaneously, though they are capable of some independent m...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3mqybe
why is it bad for me to encounter myself in time travel
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mqybe/eli5why_is_it_bad_for_me_to_encounter_myself_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cvhbx9b" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There's nothing confirmed to be inherently bad in it. It's just that logically, encountering your future self instantly leads to temporal paradoxes, since anything the two of you do with/to each other is a temporal feedback loop. It's only \"bad\...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3aqec6
why does sex take so long? why doesn't the male simply insert his penis, deliver the goods, and then withdraw? why all this thrusting?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3aqec6/eli5_why_does_sex_take_so_long_why_doesnt_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cseypp3", "csezaa5", "csezec3", "csezqvp", "csf12tu", "csf2403" ], "score": [ 103, 77, 33, 5, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "It's thought that it's a method to extract rival male's semen. The thrusting and deep penetration allows the penis to essentially sc...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1iml1x
can we make synthetic water?
It seems like it would be simple enough and could help third-world countries and places with a very dry climate.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1iml1x/eli5_can_we_make_synthetic_water/
{ "a_id": [ "cb5wsbc", "cb5ydwq", "cb5ygdx", "cb5yn3o", "cb5z14m", "cb627vi" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 8, 4, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Sure. Just burn hydrogen gas and you get water. It's not cost effective though, because we don't have huge quantities of hydrogen gas...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combustion" ], [], [] ]
4tfgcd
why do all supermarkets have the same layout?
Stores like Giant and Stop n Shop have the same basic layout. Is there a reason for this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4tfgcd/eli5_why_do_all_supermarkets_have_the_same_layout/
{ "a_id": [ "d5gto1a", "d5guc4k", "d5guntt", "d5gx0mz", "d5h0u4q" ], "score": [ 5, 7, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "That layout is the best for getting customers to buy a lot of stuff and to trigger impulse shopping... It's a winning combination so they never change it and ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
5cnkx4
why do we instantly start coughing when we accidentally inhale smoke? wouldn't it be more efficient to completely empty the lungs all at once instead of in little bursts?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cnkx4/eli5why_do_we_instantly_start_coughing_when_we/
{ "a_id": [ "d9xurc0", "d9xwgng", "d9xz63m" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I don't think it works like that. Can you imagine opening your mouth for what seems as one long cough? Rather short incremental coughs?", "I feel like coughing is releasing all the air out at once, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3vqi46
what are the restrictions after joining the national guard?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vqi46/eli5_what_are_the_restrictions_after_joining_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cxpt7on", "cxq094f" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ " > I would not like to feel restricted from doing what I wish for 6-8yrs\n\nThen you definitely shouldn't join the military.", "You're looking for /r/answers or /r/nationalguard or /r/military " ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
959x8i
how does artificial seeding of billion trees work that many countries seem to have adapted?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/959x8i/eli5_how_does_artificial_seeding_of_billion_trees/
{ "a_id": [ "e3r5dgm", "e3rcaq6" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They throw seeds from plane or drone, similary to carpet bombing. It’s called Aerial seeding", "The methods differ from country to country, but most plant the trees individually. Some use plastic tubes to hold the seeds ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1jlg2o
why, how, and how do i react to a jelly fish sting?
I realize this is more of a "how" than a "why", however my girlfriend was stung by a jelly fish multiple times at the beach today and it got me thinking about how not only to treat a jelly fish sting, but also how the jelly fish itself stings a victim. I tried reading through some material, including some ELI5 posts ab...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jlg2o/eli5_why_how_and_how_do_i_react_to_a_jelly_fish/
{ "a_id": [ "cbfw0ox" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Jellyfish stings are like the spiky stuff you walk on in videogames. \n\nWhen undisturbed the tentacles are docile and harmless, when a jellyfish feels contact by a prey or a predator.\n\nThe tentacles build up extreme pressure, very quickly (les...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jellyfish#Treatment" ] ]
8gun6g
when you’ve donated blood, how does the body replenish the amount you’ve lost?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8gun6g/eli5_when_youve_donated_blood_how_does_the_body/
{ "a_id": [ "dyerdzg", "dyex6l2", "dyezfef" ], "score": [ 4, 7, 6 ], "text": [ "Your body is continuously producing new blood cells (red, white, platelets) and blood plasma. It's a continuous process", "There are two things to make up for: the simple loss of volume from the vas...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
97kwqt
what's the difference between brightness, exposure, highlights, and luminosity in photography?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/97kwqt/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_brightness/
{ "a_id": [ "e49wbf6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Brightness: How light or dark a colour appears. (Think quantity.) Changing this will affect the colour itself.\n\nExposure: The amount of time that light is allowed to come in contact with the film/sensor in combination with the volume of light e...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9s20eb
how do climbers bolt their routes when the routes are sometime so hard they fall dozens if not hundreds of times just trying to complete it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9s20eb/eli5_how_do_climbers_bolt_their_routes_when_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e8lhprg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You put anchors in at convenient points as you go. If you fall off you only go down a few feet and climb back up, possibly using different holds. Some anchors are just jammed into a crack using a wedge-shaped block or cam system and can be remove...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6pqefy
why is 24-karat pure gold and not 100-karat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6pqefy/eli5_why_is_24karat_pure_gold_and_not_100karat/
{ "a_id": [ "dkrcm2f", "dkrcmhu" ], "score": [ 13, 25 ], "text": [ "Karats are a measure of a pure metal per 24.\n\n1 karat gold is only 1/24th gold.\n\n23 karat gold is about 95% pure gold.\n\nKarats are just used because they are simple, you could also use fineness which measures per 100...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fineness#Gold" ], [ "https://www.quora.com/Why-is-the-purity-of-gold-measured-on-the-scale-of-24-pure-gold-24-carats-Why-not-10-20-or-so-on" ] ]
810cp7
why do bugs in videogames appear or not sometimes if it's the same situation? wouldn't it happen always if it is the same situation?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/810cp7/eli5_why_do_bugs_in_videogames_appear_or_not/
{ "a_id": [ "duzica9", "duzif9a" ], "score": [ 16, 8 ], "text": [ "Its not *exactly* the same situation, some things require some very very specific sequences of events. Even the perfectly repeatable ones are often rather obscure\n\nSome bugs are caused by memory errors where everything *...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
eh06j8
why can’t we just burn all our trash?
I know pollution is most likely the answer, but I’m curious on how bad it actually is and why we need to dispose of it properly.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eh06j8/eli5_why_cant_we_just_burn_all_our_trash/
{ "a_id": [ "fcbk1qd", "fcbrffx", "fcbrhyd", "fcbtb6f", "fcc2ah6", "fccswtx", "fcczrrn" ], "score": [ 23, 79, 42, 3, 8, 15, 5 ], "text": [ "Do you have an industrial grade incinerator and filteration system to deal with all the carcinogens? Otherwise...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste-to-energy_plant" ], [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/sLO3XWu0WTI" ] ]
165g28
how do the brita water pitcher sensors work?
I am curious how the Brita water filter sensors work? They are not connected to the filter in anyway and there isn't a steady stream of water to measure, that I can tell. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! [Picture for reference](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/165g28/eli5_how_do_the_brita_water_pitcher_sensors_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c7sw6bz", "c7sw71q", "c7sx9rw", "c7t1cgo", "c7t8z0f" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "As far as I know this is a simple countdown type of timer. Once it has been reset it begins counting down. The indicator and various bars on the indicator is...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/Xlh2l" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
2t5ish
why am i sometimes unable to recognize myself (for example, in photographs or reflection)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2t5ish/eli5_why_am_i_sometimes_unable_to_recognize/
{ "a_id": [ "cnvxlqw", "cnvzky2" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Damage to a small region of the human temporal lobe results in an inability to recognize faces, a form of associative agnosia known as prosopagnosia. Patients with prosopagnosia can identify a face as a face, recognize its p...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/evgY1XG.jpg" ] ]
17psan
explain it like i'm five:how does a pen allow the right amount of ink out?
How does it stop all the ink just flowing out whilst also not just stopping any ink out?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/17psan/explain_it_like_im_fivehow_does_a_pen_allow_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c87q28z", "c87q4bm", "c87qada", "c87znfe" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 11, 2 ], "text": [ "there is one type of pen called a *ball point pen* that has a little ball at the end of the point, as you write, the ball rotates and gets covered with the ink in the pen and then...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Ballpointpentip_lessnoise.jpg/200px-Ballpointpentip_lessnoise.jpg" ], [] ]
9r493y
how do people receive their "lifetime" supply of items like shampoo
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9r493y/eli5_how_do_people_receive_their_lifetime_supply/
{ "a_id": [ "e8e3ik2" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Most of our clients give you a book of coupons that are good for free product. E.g., if you win a year of free cereal you’d get a booklet with 60 coupons for a free box of cereal. (The contest rules specify that a year’s supply of cereal is 60 bo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3nwxly
why do road construction crews leave miles of pylons blocking a lane when there is no work in sight?
I live in an area where there are two seasons, winter, and construction. Whenever I drive on the highway during the summer, there seem to be those big cylindrical pylons to block the left lane for miles on end. They begin about where the construction starts, but they don't end for about 2 or 3 miles ahead of where the ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nwxly/eli5_why_do_road_construction_crews_leave_miles/
{ "a_id": [ "cvrzvh1", "cvs14wi", "cvs3ywl", "cvs7t8p", "cvs9qqw", "cvsawbm", "cvse3xv", "cvsfvjr", "cvsgatu", "cvsjbo8", "cvstv4u" ], "score": [ 8, 9, 15, 2, 4, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "When I see this it's beca...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2hjmwc
why are car's headlights not always on when the car is running?
Given the number of people driving in low light conditions without their headlights on, it seems like this is a safety hazard with an easy fix.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hjmwc/eli5_why_are_cars_headlights_not_always_on_when/
{ "a_id": [ "ckta47f", "ckta9og", "cktamjv" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Car light bulbs can burn out. Keeping them off during the day increases lifespan.\n\nAnd before you suggest LEDs, those are illegal in many if not all states.", "Needless waste of energy, and increa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3gcl1f
given that the universe is finite (and expanding), if we traveled on a 'straight' path, would there be an edge?
_URL_0_ I don't know if I formulated the questions too cryptic, but, I'm wondering what would the very edge of the Universe look like if we were able to observe it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gcl1f/eli5_given_that_the_universe_is_finite_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ctwv1c9", "ctwv4pg", "ctwvxhv", "ctwwt33", "ctx5c29" ], "score": [ 17, 2, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "We don't know if the universe is finite. The *observable* universe is finite, since light moves at a finite speed and space is expanding.", "I kind of th...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observable_universe" ]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Möbius_strip" ], [], [] ]
au1tfe
5: how do “homeowners associations” exist.. how can regular people in a neighbourhood dictate who moves in or how you paint your house or landscape your property?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/au1tfe/eli55_how_do_homeowners_associations_exist_how/
{ "a_id": [ "eh4yzms" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They are established when the development is built, and buyers agree to be bound to their rules. Any new buyers must also agree to abide by their rules as part of the purchase. Owners have the ability to voice their concern or run for the HOA if ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2qpbx9
how dubstep/electronic artists play their music live?
I'm not trying to sound naive but how do they 'make' the music onstage?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qpbx9/eli5_how_dubstepelectronic_artists_play_their/
{ "a_id": [ "cn883rh", "cn88s50", "cn897e0", "cn8a0pn" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 16, 3 ], "text": [ "Some use soundboards to mix live (ex: Daft Punk). Others press play on their Macbooks. It ultimately depends on skill.", "DJing is really just musical curatorship. That's all....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHe0nckLiYU" ], [ "http://deadmau5.tumblr.com/post/25690507284/we-all-hit-play" ] ]
256fud
the specific jump in evolution from breathing under water to breathing air?
I understand evolution isn't linear and takes tiny steps, but I'm struggling to think of how the evolution of lungs could have come about. Was there a time, a certain species, that could breathe both on land and underwater? Did it come about through an amphibious type of animal that could survive extended periods of ti...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/256fud/eli5_the_specific_jump_in_evolution_from/
{ "a_id": [ "che5sgh", "che5zd5", "che6n4t", "che6ric", "che7gst", "cheai4l" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2, 13, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "events that allowed air breathing animals include the evolution of less-permeable skin, so that the animal (and its tissues responsible...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://i43.tinypic.com/9rnkig.jpg", "http://www.history.com/images/media/slideshow/alaska/alaska-salmon-jumping.jpg", "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ckBlasgNSzg/SF6Gjl2Kd3I/AAAAAAAAGao/XkTXq6Sr-jQ/s400/Periophthalmus+modestus.jpg" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_lungfish" ],...
7mukga
what exactly is phlegm and why does it change colour based on our health?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7mukga/eli5_what_exactly_is_phlegm_and_why_does_it/
{ "a_id": [ "drx12fp", "drx1uuz" ], "score": [ 17, 7 ], "text": [ "It's mucus. Snot, just like the stuff found in your nose.\n\nPeople think of mucus as being found only in the nose, but there's a layer of it that coats your entire respiratory tract, from your nostrils all the way down in...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.healthline.com/health/green-phlegm" ] ]
5pc5gl
if i buy a house/land, do i own it forever?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5pc5gl/eli5_if_i_buy_a_houseland_do_i_own_it_forever/
{ "a_id": [ "dcq0dbo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "you do own property forever.\n\nbut you are still liable for property taxes, though there might be some places way out there which do not have property taxes.\n\nIf you do owe property taxes, and fail to pay them, the land and house can be seized...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aqn5le
why has it been so slow and difficult to get voice and sms over lte?
Even as we approach 5G deployment, many carriers who have had LTE for years don't have VoLTE, and those that do often limit it to a few specific handset models. What are the challenges that explain this slow roll out?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aqn5le/eli5_why_has_it_been_so_slow_and_difficult_to_get/
{ "a_id": [ "egh5fhq" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Its primarily needs and economics based. No one is really asking for this stuff, it doesn't really change anything or meet any different needs than is already being met in the market by carriers and phones, and thus there is little reason to inv...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
82nqp6
why does the many-cosmoses theory imply there is an alternate copy of ourselves?
I always see this brought up when discussing the multi-verse. "In a universe, maybe an asteroid hit us", "in a universe, there is an exact copy of u that made different choices". Is this some kind of metaphor that for years I have been too stupid to get, or do scientists legit mean this? I see no reason why alternate v...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/82nqp6/eli5_why_does_the_manycosmoses_theory_imply_there/
{ "a_id": [ "dvbf8f6" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The many-worlds interpretation is a particle physics idea that attempts to explain what’s really happening when something is in superposition. It’s more of a guide on how to interpret particle-wave duality. \n\nIt doesn’t really have much meaning...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aqxxmf
why do train track barriers stay down ages before the train even goes past?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aqxxmf/eli5_why_do_train_track_barriers_stay_down_ages/
{ "a_id": [ "egjcj8f", "egjczow" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "The idea is to give as big a window of safety as possible. If you put the barriers down just 5 seconds before the train came, someone could go across slowly and get hit. If you put them down 30 seconds before the train cam...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
14iiqs
how does the stock market floor work? why is it (at least in movies and television) so chaotic?
It is always depicted as being in a complete frenzy. I’m sure there is an order to it that’s just not apparent to a layman. However, it seems to me that you would want something that has such a deep impact on the economy to be more organized. Can someone please explain what is going on in all of that commotion? If it's...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/14iiqs/how_does_the_stock_market_floor_work_why_is_it_at/
{ "a_id": [ "c7ddh0t" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "From what I learned the stock market floor is filled with people trying to make transactions at a price different from the accepted market price. For example, you can easily buy a stock online for $5 if that is the general accepted market price. ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3apvh2
what is the material used to hold molten metal in a foundry and why doesn't it melt?
Every video of large foundries I've seen show these massive reservoirs of molten metal...but look like they're (the reservoir itself) made of metal too. I get that different metals have different melting points, but what material holds the reservoirs' molten state? Some foundries are massive, so I'm having trouble pic...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3apvh2/eli5_what_is_the_material_used_to_hold_molten/
{ "a_id": [ "cseu4p9" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "It depends on the material being melted, and the quantity.\n\nWhen looking at things like bronze or aluminum (950C and 660C respectively) using an iron or steel crucible (just over 1500C melting point) gives a pretty large margin where the cruci...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
b8pwq6
why do gas cylinders get cold?
I googled this before posting and it said that the gas pulls heat from the metal cylinder to boil. What I want to know is why it needs to do this? And how? And why does the gas need to boil at all?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b8pwq6/eli5_why_do_gas_cylinders_get_cold/
{ "a_id": [ "ejzdly4", "ek0305d" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "For a fixed volume (the cylinder), temperature is proportional to pressure. So when you let some gas out of the cylinder, the pressure falls, which in turn means the temperature falls. These are the “gas laws” which are well...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1ve5rp
why are so many product pictures real and not simply cgi?
Here's a good example - _URL_0_ I think Apple's pictures are also real, along with [McDonald's](_URL_1_).
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ve5rp/eli5_why_are_so_many_product_pictures_real_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cerd1x1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It takes a highly skilled individual, or team of individuals, a long time and a lot of effort to create a realistic CGI replica of an everyday object. It's far more affordable to just have a photographer shoot a set." ] }
[]
[ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GblMRN039K0", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSd0keSj2W8" ]
[ [] ]
4rni7o
why is tony blair under such scrutiny for the iraq war possibly being charged as a war criminal and george bush isn't when the invasion was lead by his government?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4rni7o/eli5_why_is_tony_blair_under_such_scrutiny_for/
{ "a_id": [ "d52l8to", "d52lgau", "d52tayq", "d533en8" ], "score": [ 4, 20, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It is politically convenient for large stakeholders in the UK to crucify Blair over this at the moment. It is not politically convenient for large stakeholders in the USA to cruci...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5guuoa
how can pregnancy "cure" thyroid disease? i had hypothyroidism for 10 years before my pregnancy when my endocrinologist found my tsh/t4 levels were regulating & stopped my meds. my thyroid has worked perfectly since. what's the pathophysiology behind this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5guuoa/eli5how_can_pregnancy_cure_thyroid_disease_i_had/
{ "a_id": [ "dav8kbg", "dav97d3" ], "score": [ 2, 9 ], "text": [ "It could be an isolated fluke. Thyroid disorder centers around hormones from the thyroid and pituitary gland. It could have just all levelled out in its own. Embrace it and be happy!!", "Pregnancy induces an increase ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4t1amx
why is it that in islamic countries it seems to be the military that is pro-democracy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4t1amx/eli5why_is_it_that_in_islamic_countries_it_seems/
{ "a_id": [ "d5dt09z" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This doesn't happen quite often. What has happened recently is: an election takes place where people select what outsiders view as extremist, or anti-military, and then the military exerts its actual control once again to ban that popular party ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2ebuzn
why do we use capital punishment but not corporal punishment?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ebuzn/eli5_why_do_we_use_capital_punishment_but_not/
{ "a_id": [ "cjy02kw", "cjy1qwq", "cjy2myi" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 8 ], "text": [ "It really depends on the judge. For a brief period, the U.S. did consider the death penalty to be cruel and unusual punishment. A later court decision reversed this. Also, corporal punishment is still u...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3yzrdm
how does putting a needle on a vinyl make it produce music?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3yzrdm/eli5_how_does_putting_a_needle_on_a_vinyl_make_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cyi3gc3", "cyi3gws", "cyi3h37", "cyi4sno", "cyi4uh1", "cyi5oq9", "cyi735g", "cyi964r", "cyic7y8", "cyigyey", "cyihmht", "cyiit0j", "cyijdpd", "cyim0jp", "cyipl2e" ], "score": [ 48, 3, 396, 6, 106, 6, 3, 7, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://imgur.com/QTm1Dgz", "http://imgur.com/2A0CHYs" ], [], [], [ "http://m.imgur.com/a/0Ssw7" ] ]
1pm8k6
what makes bitcoins so special? what's stopping someone else from creating a variation of it under a new group of validators?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pm8k6/what_makes_bitcoins_so_special_whats_stopping/
{ "a_id": [ "cd3q1u0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ " > what makes bitcoins so special?\n\nFirst mover advantage for a decentralized cryptocurrency and network effect.\n\n_URL_0_\n\n > what's stopping someone else from creating a variation of it under a new group of validators?\n\nNothing. It is ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_effect", "https://www.cryptsy.com/", "http://coinmarketcap.com/" ] ]
2a9l6u
how does parole differ from release for good behavior?
Particularly, I've always wondered how someone who has life in prison without the possibility of parole can be let out early for good behavior. What counts as "good behavior" and what are the limitations?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a9l6u/eli5_how_does_parole_differ_from_release_for_good/
{ "a_id": [ "cistm4m" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You can serve your full-time in prison and still be on parole afterwards, depending on the conditions attached to your release. Early release is exactly what it sounds like: you're getting out of prison without serving full-time, but one of the c...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2tpdec
what is carbon?
I hear about carbon all the time. What is it exactly? Why, or how, is it so important to life?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tpdec/eli5_what_is_carbon/
{ "a_id": [ "co13zhm" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It is an element with a special set of properties that just so happen to make it perfect for bridging other atoms together. It forms strong bonds easily and as abundant. It is like the glue of life, it keeps all the tiny pieces together." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8v06k1
why fueling an automobile can cause an explosion if its engine is running
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8v06k1/eli5_why_fueling_an_automobile_can_cause_an/
{ "a_id": [ "e1jjkhh", "e1jmlbu", "e1kcgf0" ], "score": [ 13, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It probably can't cause an explosion. In fact it probably won't even cause a fire. However the incidence of people accidentally leaving their cars in gear and plowing into pumps greatly decreases if th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8kxq9d
if you are saved quick enough can you survive being swallowed whole? what actually happens inside as you are swallowed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8kxq9d/eli5_if_you_are_saved_quick_enough_can_you/
{ "a_id": [ "dzbchq8", "dzdhzun" ], "score": [ 18, 2 ], "text": [ "You could probably survive, but you would have to be saved FAST. The three main things that would kill you: 1) the swallower's stomach acid would eventually digest you, but before that happened, 2) the muscle contractions i...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/may/04/i-was-swallowed-by-a-hippo" ] ]
6ijwb7
how do stock photographers get their photos to look so generic?
Stock photographs have a certain quality to them that makes them look absolutely generic, un-lifelike, and "staged". How does a professional photographer get this look and why is it so popular?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ijwb7/eli5_how_do_stock_photographers_get_their_photos/
{ "a_id": [ "dj6u3yu", "dj6www4" ], "score": [ 9, 22 ], "text": [ "I guess it's popular because, a) exactly its un-lifelike and completely staged features, leading to b) due to the removal of any personal emotions, the stock photo is exactly what you see. A sad person is sad, happy is happ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
13mgoj
diffusion/entropy
Particularly, in osmosis. I understand that a solution (Likes salt dissolved in water) between a semi-permeable membrane will result in movement in the water from lower to higher concentration gradient until equilibrium is reached. But how does this happen? From what I've read it has something to do with entropy. I g...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13mgoj/eli5_diffusionentropy/
{ "a_id": [ "c75987a" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Imagine you have container of water with a bottom that's on a slope, so that it would look something like [this](_URL_2_). Now imagine you put a barrier in the middle of the container, and filled it with the same amount of water on each side. Sin...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://i.imgur.com/8JZOa.png", "http://imgur.com/5QwuG", "http://imgur.com/4Q9pn", "http://i.imgur.com/uxvHk.png" ] ]
6oesju
aren't white south africans and zimbabweans who emigrate to the united states technically "african americans"? what about copts, berbers, and arabs from northern africa who immigrate?
The nearest explanation that seems passable that I've heard is that the label "African-American" is meant to specify *race*-*nationality*, not *geographic origin*-*geographic destination*, and *nationality*-*nationality* doesn't make sense, whereas South Africans and Zimbabweans are African in the sense that their sour...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6oesju/eli5_arent_white_south_africans_and_zimbabweans/
{ "a_id": [ "dkgx3dl" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I lived in South Africa for years (though I wasn't born there), and at no point would I hear a White South African refer to him- or herself as \"African\". The word wasn't used solely in relation to skin colour: the apparent differences between W...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4j64w9
why do the names of days end in "day" in some languages?
...the months dont end in "month". It seems Spanish was able to avoid the redundancy while other languages (English and German at least) use it and nobody bats an eye.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4j64w9/eli5_why_do_the_names_of_days_end_in_day_in_some/
{ "a_id": [ "d33yi6f", "d33zr8p" ], "score": [ 2, 13 ], "text": [ "It's pretty arbitrary decision. Indo-european languages, which most European languages, English included, are part of, have great influence of Roman calendar for months, so there is very common standard for naming months sp...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2dtokv
why is cat litter so bad for babies ?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dtokv/eli5_why_is_cat_litter_so_bad_for_babies/
{ "a_id": [ "cjsy6z3", "cjsy8n6", "cjsz571" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "they eat it...it absorbs their digestive juices...hardens...and can cause intestinal blockages. ", "Cat litter often has odor-fighting chemicals and scents which can be harmful. This is also why you...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8sdu5q
what is the big difference between one day, three day, biweekly, monthly, etc contacts?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8sdu5q/eli5_what_is_the_big_difference_between_one_day/
{ "a_id": [ "e0yn3bi" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It mainly has to do with how thick the lens is as well as what materials it is made out of (and how they resist drying out/protein buildup/etc.).\n\nConsider the day limit on most lenses to be the “generally safe for everyone” limit. Depending on...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4mbojv
how does food that upset our stomach do it within a couple of hours if food normally takes more that half a day to digest
I am talking about getting "bowel movement" from eating something that upsets your stomach
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mbojv/eli5how_does_food_that_upset_our_stomach_do_it/
{ "a_id": [ "d3u6zt0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Normally it takes about half a day for food to pass through your bowels. However if you eat something your body doesn't like, it will try to get rid of it as soon as possible. One way to do that is diarrhea. Normally the space between the cells i...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
39s1p3
how to read the names of movie torrents?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39s1p3/eli5_how_to_read_the_names_of_movie_torrents/
{ "a_id": [ "cs5x9pe" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Movie Name, year it was released, Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD), video structure format (TS - title stream), new, if its replacing another version, Compression codec (XVID for Video, AC3 for Audio), and the group that uploaded ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
87ypj4
what is general data protection regulation (gdpr)?
And why does it matter
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/87ypj4/eli5_what_is_general_data_protection_regulation/
{ "a_id": [ "dwgu5g4" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The GDPR is a europe-wide regulation to make sure your personal data(like e-mail, phone number, address, your phones GPS-location) stays safe. Not being compliant with the GDPR means risking a fine of 4% OR 20 million Euro(whichever is higher), o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
d9cwan
how do the likes of playstations remember what year/time it is when turned off for a long time with no connection to wifi?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d9cwan/eli5_how_do_the_likes_of_playstations_remember/
{ "a_id": [ "f1g8nfn" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There's a small battery that does nothing put power an internal clock. They can run for years. Same basic concept, open up your computer and you'll see a small button-cell battery on your motherboard. Once upon a time this stored CMOS settings...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6mtn4q
why do humans only crave for two tastes - salty (e.g. chips) and sweet (e.g. soda, cake, ice cream) and do not crave for other tastes (bitter, umami)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6mtn4q/eli5_why_do_humans_only_crave_for_two_tastes/
{ "a_id": [ "dk47f9i" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You also sometimes crave fat if you have been active for some time. You also crave water when you are thirsty. And sometimes you do crave a juicy steak, a burger or some tomato as they are rich in umami. Alcohol is also something you crave someti...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bzu782
why does our hearing ability gets reduced for a couple of seconds after we hear a loud sound like an explosion ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bzu782/eli5_why_does_our_hearing_ability_gets_reduced/
{ "a_id": [ "eqwx2oa", "eqx33h7" ], "score": [ 13, 4 ], "text": [ "The acoustic reflex - both muscles of the middle ear (tensor tympani and stapedius) contract causing the stapes (bone) to be pulled away from the tympanic membrane (ear drum) - this decreases sound transmission so hearing a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5zfoa7
how is an airplane able to cover a longer distance by flying higher than it would flying lower at the same speed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zfoa7/eli5_how_is_an_airplane_able_to_cover_a_longer/
{ "a_id": [ "dexpp5u", "dexqsi7" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "Flying at the same speed would cause you to go the same speed, no matter the height.\n\nHowever, the higher up you are, the faster you can go because of a thinner atmosphere meaning less wind resistance.", "The atmospher...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1z6z2n
how many degrees does a sphere have if a circle is 360°?
I've been playing with Google's Photosphere feature, and I was wondering if it was possible to define a degree if you move up or down from a circle. I've been getting varying values from 360° to 41,xxx°
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z6z2n/eli5_how_many_degrees_does_a_sphere_have_if_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cfr2779", "cfr461a", "cfr88rx" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Once you get into calculus you can express a position in spherical coordinates using 3 values: Rho (the radius), theta (the degrees on the XY plane, ranging in value from 0-360) and phi (degrees displac...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_angle" ], [] ]
1oj4oi
why are americans not on the streets protesting?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oj4oi/eli5_why_are_americans_not_on_the_streets/
{ "a_id": [ "ccsf6zm" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There are numerous protests happening at the moment, are you not seeing the news?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ckaww5
why does macaroni and cheese lose so much flavor when refrigerated then reheated?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ckaww5/eli5_why_does_macaroni_and_cheese_lose_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "evli8ze", "evls1j1", "evlth3c", "evm1b92", "evm90i7", "evm9u32", "evmax9z", "evmby9w", "evmctvf", "evmdwf9", "evmhsyh", "evminbw", "evmykcx", "evn2oib", "evn62tf" ], "score": [ 6469, 168, 12, 45, 10, 8, 973, 2...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.sciencealert.com/heating-your-pasta-makes-it-significantly-better-for-you" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6e29id
how come people can't get sober on their own?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6e29id/eli5_how_come_people_cant_get_sober_on_their_own/
{ "a_id": [ "di723h0", "di72670", "di72ilk", "di748d4" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 10, 4 ], "text": [ "Can you elaborate more? Do you mean getting sober as in withstanding the drug's half-life until it's affects are no longer present, getting sober as in quitting the use of a drug ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
9vrbe6
how does a wildfire catch someone in a car?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9vrbe6/eli5_how_does_a_wildfire_catch_someone_in_a_car/
{ "a_id": [ "e9ei3d7", "e9ei7yk", "e9ej2h8" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I can’t be 100% but the fire probably surrounded them before they could get anywhere. Fires are pretty fast and just driving through the fire with your car would most likely blow it up. Also you have to...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
e9vikb
waterboarding; if no water actually goes through the cloth, how come people experience drowning and how it leads to asphyxiation? why can't a person simply know that the water won't go through and breathe normally?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e9vikb/eli5_waterboarding_if_no_water_actually_goes/
{ "a_id": [ "fam0ro9", "fam0tsl", "fam0yx5", "fam17hy", "famvjvp" ], "score": [ 22, 58, 2, 43, 3 ], "text": [ "Water DOES go through the cloth. Just not enough to actually drown you (in most cases). But there is enough to trigger the drowning reflex, which is plenty...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
3cu30i
why do people get arrested for abusing pets yet corporations get away with abuse before slaughtering animals every day?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cu30i/eli5_why_do_people_get_arrested_for_abusing_pets/
{ "a_id": [ "csyyny2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's one of the many disconnects we have between the way we treat pets and the way we treat all other animals.\n\nA lot of the laws on the books sound pretty good. Take Texas' for example. It says a person commits an offense if the person \"trans...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
98bjcr
why does old tv's make a loud noise and show all these dots when it cannot find any signal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/98bjcr/eli5_why_does_old_tvs_make_a_loud_noise_and_show/
{ "a_id": [ "e4eoowh" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "It's called **white noise**. Radiowaves are everywhere and they go in all directions. Some come from space, some come from us. Your antenna picks them up, but since those waves are not meant for TVs, it can't interpret then, and you see just some...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5bnev1
are all kinds of software theoretically hackable? why / why not?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5bnev1/eli5_are_all_kinds_of_software_theoretically/
{ "a_id": [ "d9ps5fv", "d9pup51" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Theoretically, software can be made unhackable.\n\nIn theory there is no difference between theory and practice, in practice the difference makes all the difference.\n\nIn practice software is made for money, and to save mon...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3envjk
when and how did female pubes go from one of the most exciting things in the world for thousands of years (to many or most adults), to something to be trimmed, to something to be shaved... to something many young people now consider "repulsive" or "disgusting"?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3envjk/eli5_when_and_how_did_female_pubes_go_from_one_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ctgowh0", "ctgpbuz", "ctgpo1v", "ctgwesb", "ctgwwmd", "cth40k0" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Pop culture and sex idols. Time frame is roughly 1995-2000. Granted, trimming was prevalent in 1995, I'm not sure when it started.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkin" ], [], [], [] ]
42v4qc
why does wifi use less battery than 4g data?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42v4qc/eli5_why_does_wifi_use_less_battery_than_4g_data/
{ "a_id": [ "czddaar" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The communication is two way, so not only does the phone have to pick up the signal from the router/tower, it has to send one back. \n\n\nThe wifi router is maybe 20m away, the tower might be 2km away. The power of radio waves more or less falls ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ft04ix
how do live bands prevent the singer's mic from picking up the instrument sounds?
It makes no sense to me that the vocalist is in front of multiple speaker cabs, and yet the mic only picks up their voice
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ft04ix/eli5_how_do_live_bands_prevent_the_singers_mic/
{ "a_id": [ "fm49mpz", "fm4a231", "fm4mdmz", "fm4tnh8", "fm4yllz", "fm52dq5" ], "score": [ 9, 47, 2, 104, 2, 14 ], "text": [ "The mic will pick up little of the stage sound, but the proximity of the singers voice makes it a much hotter signal and overpowers ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
19vcwl
how the majority of corner shops are run by people from india.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19vcwl/eli5_how_the_majority_of_corner_shops_are_run_by/
{ "a_id": [ "c8rsg7j" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "I'm Indian-American. In this country, many convenience stores are run by Indians. In the UK, these are called corner shops. Indians are an entrepreneurial community so they like to start their own businesses. A convenience store is an easy busine...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5bandi
in the u.s., how can a state allocate a higher percentage of its budget towards education, and then rank so poorly in educational funding?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5bandi/eli5_in_the_us_how_can_a_state_allocate_a_higher/
{ "a_id": [ "d9mz7vb", "d9mzgy0", "d9mzvfr", "d9n026l", "d9n04pw", "d9n08ph", "d9n0jic", "d9n0rd3", "d9n0xg3", "d9n35jq", "d9n4hhw", "d9n4skw", "d9n5pdd", "d9n6r8u", "d9n79nl", "d9n9bzo", "d9nac8u" ], "score": [ 20, 123, 6, 99, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa-298.html" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
annkt0
how principal component analysis (pca) works.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/annkt0/eli5_how_principal_component_analysis_pca_works/
{ "a_id": [ "efusnze", "efx26fx" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Oh jeez no 5 year old would understand PCA so forgive any times this violates that rule. \n\nPCA is used to make classifiers which is like drawing a shape around a set of measurements and saying all things inside this shape ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*vRXrawyNUUa_mLYR1Vf-dQ.jpeg" ] ]