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2jn2ze
why does my cat always want to watch me poop?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jn2ze/eli5_why_does_my_cat_always_want_to_watch_me_poop/
{ "a_id": [ "cld7lci", "cldel9a" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Because it eventually wants to kill you and you're most vulnerable when you take a shit.", "I think it could it be that the cat knows what you are going to be doing for x amount of time/until certain sounds happen and pr...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
799in6
why don’t the rest of our bones in our bodies besides teeth, which are bones and composed of calcium, turn yellow and decay even though we can’t clean them like we can our teeth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/799in6/eli5_why_dont_the_rest_of_our_bones_in_our_bodies/
{ "a_id": [ "dp070ir", "dp076cs" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Teeth decay because they're covered in bacteria that live off your food & their waste erodes the teeth. You don't have those bacteria inside your body, eroding the rest of your bones.", "Your bones, unlike your teeth,...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4n5a10
why protein based supplements and food are used in body building so much when cheap food like greek yogurt has a similar protein content?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4n5a10/eli5_why_protein_based_supplements_and_food_are/
{ "a_id": [ "d40xnu7", "d40z2qv", "d40z3v6", "d410hoi", "d410vn7", "d4130ct", "d416qkh", "d41gh6d" ], "score": [ 8, 50, 2, 10, 2, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "There's probably more grams of protein in a small whey protein shake which will be more ea...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
53poww
how can/will the internet change if president obama follows through with handing it over to the u.n. on october 1, 2016?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53poww/eli5_how_canwill_the_internet_change_if_president/
{ "a_id": [ "d7v63nl", "d7v65wt", "d7v68hr" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 9 ], "text": [ "Nothing will really change, the U.S. has exerted no real control over ICANN for years, despite still having an oversight role on paper. What's being handed over is the power to decide which top-level do...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "reddit.com" ] ]
1fvnum
why do houses in the midwest not have basements?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fvnum/eli5_why_do_houses_in_the_midwest_not_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cae8lc0", "cae9xlt", "caecebd" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Many/most houses in the midwest of the USA actually do have basements. But in some locations they aren't used much because the soil conditions or the high frostline make it very likely that a basement ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
63v0la
when calling 911, why are people billed if they need an ambulance but they're not billed if they need fire fighters or police?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/63v0la/eli5_when_calling_911_why_are_people_billed_if/
{ "a_id": [ "dfx6rsx", "dfx6uhv", "dfx7vs4", "dfx8hkw", "dfxgw49", "dfy0mfj" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 19, 5, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "ambulances are often privately owned companies and not publicly funded like fire or police. \n\nalso if you call in fake fires or unne...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
45w0h7
why does iron in your blood not rust?
I know iron rusts due to oxidization, which is caused by exposure to moisture and oxygen, and your blood contains both water and oxygen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45w0h7/eli5why_does_iron_in_your_blood_not_rust/
{ "a_id": [ "d00jknf", "d00q00j", "d00sqq9" ], "score": [ 63, 15, 2 ], "text": [ "Essentially, it's simply because the iron is bonded to other atoms. Just like the sodium in sodium chloride won't explode when put into water, iron in hemoglobin is bonded to other atoms that don't al...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
66yghx
why did the soviet union have such a hard time feeding its population.
Russia, especially, seemed to have a lot of money, plenty of farmland, and a decent infrastructure. So, why did it have trouble filling its grocery stores with food?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66yghx/eli5_why_did_the_soviet_union_have_such_a_hard/
{ "a_id": [ "dgm8ntt", "dgmifca", "dgmj60s", "dgmjexm", "dgmn624", "dgmrugb", "dgmx1bs" ], "score": [ 87, 22, 4, 14, 3, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "Because at every level, the incentives were all in favor of people making decisions contrary to the public good...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.indepthinfo.com/russia/kulaks.htm" ], [ "https://nintil.com/2016/05/11/the-soviet-union-food/" ], [] ]
cyvg3r
if guns are allowed to be carried for self protection in parts of the us, why are more mass shootings not stopped by citizens with their concealed/open carry weapons?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cyvg3r/eli5_if_guns_are_allowed_to_be_carried_for_self/
{ "a_id": [ "eyugfhb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "All the other answers are true. Also need to factor in concealed carry classes and every active shooter preparedness class teaches you the same thing. Get away first. If that's not possible, hide. If that's not possible, then defend. It's still t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cdntyp
what does tax withholding mean?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cdntyp/eli5_what_does_tax_withholding_mean/
{ "a_id": [ "etv56af", "etv5maw", "etv8a5s" ], "score": [ 3, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "So essentially what this means is your employer will withhold an amount of money from your paychecks in order to pay to the different levels of government that pertain to the job you are working so you ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
29r7w5
why does some food taste better in certain geographical locations, like bagels always taste better in nyc, cheesesteaks in philadelphia, bread and pasteurized in paris, etc?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29r7w5/eli5_why_does_some_food_taste_better_in_certain/
{ "a_id": [ "cinoz0l", "cinphaa", "cinrj1z" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I could probably find shitty bagels, cheese steaks, and bread in all of those locations just like I can find good bagels, cheese steaks, and bread in Ohio. ", "there are only two explanations for th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
22fml7
what separates a dj from anyone with a laptop and an ear for music?
I'm not being a jerk, I know there is talent there. I just wouldn't know how to recognize a good DJ from a guy with a good playlist. Sorry if this is a repost. I would gladly accept a link to this question already answered. Search on my iPad is limited, and I couldn't find anything.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22fml7/eli5_what_separates_a_dj_from_anyone_with_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cgmbl9m" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Mixing and blending songs is not easy at all. I know now they have all sorts of computer programs that do it for you but back in the day, it was just 2 turntables and a few crates. Being able to seamlessly blend songs together is difficult it too...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
19dlxt
atoms combine to make completely different substances?
Take for example. Sodium and Chlorine. A metal and a gas, combined they make a crystal. Or even more bizaar, two oxygen atoms make a useful non-toxic gas. Where as 3 oxygen molecules make a caustic gas that breaks down organic molecules. How does the combination of elements make a compound that has none of the properti...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19dlxt/eli5_atoms_combine_to_make_completely_different/
{ "a_id": [ "c8n3vvz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Chemical properties are all about what shape they are and what they bond with. Sodium isn't very happy alone. it has an electron it really wants to get rid of. So like a horny teenager it will bond with whatever it can, like water, causing explos...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1294ip
where does our feces go after we flush the toilet? is it the same water that is purified and in our tap water?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1294ip/eli5_where_does_our_feces_go_after_we_flush_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c6t6csn", "c6t6hsf" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Depends on where you live. If you live in a city, your waste is transported to a waste treatment facility and separated from the waster water through various filters. It then goes to fertilize fields and help grow food.\n\nI...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
23d3p0
modern art. why is it good? what distinguishes a genius of modern art from a hack?
I'm talking like the entire post war period to present.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23d3p0/eli5_modern_art_why_is_it_good_what_distinguishes/
{ "a_id": [ "cgvwtgq", "cgvx8an" ], "score": [ 12, 5 ], "text": [ "Originality is the biggest factor. It's easy to draw geometric shapes, or splatter paint on a canvas, but that's been done before. Genius comes from doing something new that evokes emotion; you simply cannot fake that.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2rweo4
if i post a letter to another country, does the other country's postal service get part of the stamp money?
Or do postal services get paid for what thier clients send, not for what their clients receive and what they distribute? How about packeges, registered mail, etc.? I always wonder about this while waiting at my local post office.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rweo4/eli5if_i_post_a_letter_to_another_country_does/
{ "a_id": [ "cnjwkmk", "cnjwofg" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't get paid for individual letters, but there are agreements to make payments between countries if a lot more post is sent in one direction than the other.", "No, not as long as both countries have a more or less...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6b8zr0
why does a manual vehicle die if left in gear and the clutch isn't depressed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6b8zr0/eli5_why_does_a_manual_vehicle_die_if_left_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dhkqhmr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "All the time the clutch is engaged (ie. your foot is off the clutch), there is power going from the engine to the wheels and the car 'wants' to move forward, even if you're not pressing the accelerator pedal. But the engine only has so much power...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
31cwgb
if residential solar is such a good investment, how come 95% percent of homes don't have it yet?
I keep reading how solar is going to grow an insane amount over the next decade, but I'm not seeing it. EDIT: I feel like solar is the mp3 player of the late 90s / early 2000s. It makes perfect sense, yet nobody wants it. Then a year later Apple releases the ipod and people piss themselves and buy 5. I know the sol...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/31cwgb/eli5_if_residential_solar_is_such_a_good/
{ "a_id": [ "cq0e8zb", "cq0g7wz", "cq0gamv", "cq0iaa2", "cq0imbb", "cq0krne", "cq0nj3z", "cq0nrs7", "cq0nyvu", "cq0pjxc", "cq0qyim", "cq0r3mu", "cq0uaku", "cqg206h" ], "score": [ 61, 44, 19, 2, 6, 2, 5, 15, 2, 2, 4...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.wallstreetdaily.com/2014/12/11/solar-power-rate-increases/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
ero3hl
why does putting the tv on in the background make me feel more comfortable?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ero3hl/eli5_why_does_putting_the_tv_on_in_the_background/
{ "a_id": [ "ff4wy5p" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Humans are social animals. The concept of having someone else in the background while we are alone is comforting. Even if it is a TV and we know there is no one actually there, it's still a comfort." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3n8lex
what is the dotcom collapse and could it happen again?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n8lex/eli5_what_is_the_dotcom_collapse_and_could_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cvls5io", "cvls8t8", "cvlw2pl" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It was a stock market bubble where the stock prices of internet companies were driven up by massive hype. Basically anything to do with the internet was expected to magically become profitable, if not i...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/08/is-silicon-valley-in-another-bubble" ] ]
as60fl
what can be done to stop being lazy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/as60fl/eli5_what_can_be_done_to_stop_being_lazy/
{ "a_id": [ "egs19cv", "egs1bra", "egs1pfa" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Make a schedule and plan out your day. You will suck at first, but with a little discipline it will become habit. ", "I had this same problem in middle and high school in academics. For me it was ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
edqee5
what makes our voice change after sleeping to be more deep, low, scratchy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/edqee5/eli5_what_makes_our_voice_change_after_sleeping/
{ "a_id": [ "fbjtd57", "fbjtjdx", "fbjtqqs", "fbk946w" ], "score": [ 3, 184, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Shot in the dark, I’d assume that as our body relaxes while sleeping, the vocal chords slightly loosen since they aren’t in use which leads to a deeper sound.", "A combinatio...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
29qs89
why does sperm make fabrics stiff?
Why have so many socks and towels become flaky and stiff as a day old biscuit after being sprayed with baby gravy?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29qs89/eli5_why_does_sperm_make_fabrics_stiff/
{ "a_id": [ "cinkt6v" ], "score": [ 33 ], "text": [ "Your man-berry blast is mostly alkali fluids and protein. As the liquid parts dry out, the proteins get closer together. One of the things that protein is really good at is sticking to things, mostly other proteins, but pretty much anything with...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
50disp
why are people so bent out of shape about pennies costing more than a penny to make? they're not single use items and can last 100 years. additionally--is there anything manufactured so cheaply that lasts so long?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50disp/eli5_why_are_people_so_bent_out_of_shape_about/
{ "a_id": [ "d737wh7", "d737wsk", "d738dah", "d739wgz", "d73aq6e", "d73b3m3", "d73b6dq", "d73bol2", "d73bsbc", "d73cklx", "d73cpn6", "d73d4nc", "d73dbnn", "d73ddvj", "d73del5", "d73dojo", "d73duer", "d73e7ye", "d73ek42", "d73f2d3", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2014/12/15/just-how-much-does-it-cost-to-make-a-penny/", "http://news.coinupdate.com/us-mint-cost-to-make-cent-and-nickel-declines-3113/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5UT04p5f7U" ], [], [], [], [], [], ...
yd9he
why do people with red hair usually also have pale complexions and freckles?
No ginger/no soul jokes, please. That joke is really old, not funny, and I'm actually curious. Thanks.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yd9he/eli5_why_do_people_with_red_hair_usually_also/
{ "a_id": [ "c5uix6w", "c5uk1rb", "c5uko29", "c5umy15" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Why the connection between hair and skin? this is most likely: \nA. caused by the genes for those two being close enough on chromosomes that they rarely get mixed up when sperm a...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1_-mQS_FZ0", "http://www.dhamurian.org.au/anthropology/neanderthal1.html" ], [], [], [] ]
71yck4
why doesn’t the united states have a high speed rail system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/71yck4/eli5_why_doesnt_the_united_states_have_a_high/
{ "a_id": [ "dnebcp5", "dnebddv", "dnebgfx", "dneced7", "dnecl8v", "dnedf4o", "dnedxw7", "dneecrw", "dneet05", "dnegxk7", "dnegxl2", "dnegyg1", "dneh063", "dnehhgp", "dneht8z", "dnehx7d", "dnei8gl", "dneix8q", "dnej1uo", "dnejflv", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acela_Express" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbEfzuCLoAQ" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-19/china-adds-about-24gw-of-solar-capacit...
9840pk
why is there so much pseudoscience associated with modern veganism?
This question isn't whether or not veganism is good or bad for you, I'm focusing on the myths that many vegans and non-vegans promote. To name one in particular, I have heard numerous vegans make the claim that meat rots in your digestive tract when that is simply not true. What inspires this "movement" to use pseudosc...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9840pk/eli5_why_is_there_so_much_pseudoscience/
{ "a_id": [ "e4d546y" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Pick any diet and find a proponent of it. Ask them to justify it. You will hear so much nonsense it'll be amazing.\n\nDietary science is difficult. We are at the point where any effects are tiny and take years.\n\nThere are a few things we kn...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dshtr9
why can’t we humans clean ourselves with our tongues?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dshtr9/eli5_why_cant_we_humans_clean_ourselves_with_our/
{ "a_id": [ "f6pe6pi" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because we evolved to not need to.\n\nMany mammals, if not most mammals do use their tongue in some way to clean themselves. Animals like cats will clear their whole body that way. Some will use their tongues to clean only certain parts of their ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
a2tj16
despite using different alphabets, why do english and arabic both still use the same punctuation (periods, question marks, commas)?
Title explains it. I’m taking a beginner Arabic class, and practically everything about the language seems to be different from English, except for the punctuation. Symbols are obviously reversed because English is written from left to right and Arabic is written from right the left, but the punctuation marks themsel...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a2tj16/eli5_despite_using_different_alphabets_why_do/
{ "a_id": [ "eb13sdl", "eb1xngp" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Each punctuation mark has its own history. The question mark, for instance, was introduced by an English transcriber. The period/full-stop was first used in ancient greek writings. Both took some time to be widely adopted...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punctuation" ] ]
1j6ue8
why aren't private car towing companies illegal? isn't it theft?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j6ue8/eli5_why_arent_private_car_towing_companies/
{ "a_id": [ "cbbob9y" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I used to work for a repossession company. The cars we towed were owned by the bank or the rental car agency, and not by the people driving the car. In some cases the people driving the cars could be charged with theft if they did not turn the ...
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[]
[ [] ]
2qs1zb
why is it harder for most people to keep their legs straight the higher they kick them up?
without proper training and practice most people are not flexible enough to keep their entire leg straight for a high kick in the way that ballet dancers do. I can easily keep my legs straight when they are down but if I try to move them up they begin shaking and it feels impossible to make my feet go past my head. I...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qs1zb/eli5why_is_it_harder_for_most_people_to_keep/
{ "a_id": [ "cn906mu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Ok, first the obligatory evolution does not make everything better. Evolution is only affected by survivability and reproduction. Just because something would make us stronger/tougher/better does not mean that evolution makes it happen.\n\nThe re...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
g3fgxx
why are farmers dumping their products right now (ex. dairy farmers) instead of giving them to the needy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g3fgxx/eli5_why_are_farmers_dumping_their_products_right/
{ "a_id": [ "fnqzc33", "fnr1smt", "fnr37bp", "fnr4168" ], "score": [ 19, 16, 6, 7 ], "text": [ "Because even distributing it has costs involved especially if they don't normally do that kind of operation.", "Lots of regulatory issues (Dept of Ag, maybe FDA and state hea...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1u09g5
how are photos and digital images used as evidence in court if they can be edited with photoshop?
It would seem like flimsy proof if theoretically I could make a picture of anyone doing any crime. If there's a body with a stab wound and I've ninja at photoshop, couldn't I make it look like someone else did it? So are images like this still used, and if they are how are they assured of authenticity?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1u09g5/eli5_how_are_photos_and_digital_images_used_as/
{ "a_id": [ "ceda83n", "cedac3v", "cedacv1", "cedaodv", "cedbqzv", "cedck7w" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 5, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "I assume digital media are verified before they can be presented as evidence. Of course, these verifications are imperfect, but they rul...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.fourandsix.com/fourmatch/" ], [], [], [] ]
cduwl1
what body feature prevents small bubbles to reach "dangerous" places in your body while doing iv/drip at hospital?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cduwl1/eli5_what_body_feature_prevents_small_bubbles_to/
{ "a_id": [ "etwi870", "etwyhav" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Bubbles will be absorbed before they can do harm for the most part. It actually takes a fair amount of bubbles in a standard IV line in the arm but whatever happens, if it does, is serious.\n\n[Here's a more detailed explan...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6znpw1/eli5_why_is_it_okay_for_iv_drips_to_have_air/&ved=2ahUKEwjvqKWumLnjAhWUZ80KHQc6DXQQjjgwDHoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0RL4-TZUr54c2NVaXwmaW2" ], [] ]
1tbn5g
how do scientists deduce what our ancestors may have looked liked based on just their teeth, bone fragments and skulls?
[Scientists from the Senckenberg Research Institute used sophisticated methods to form 27 model heads of humanity's ancestors based on tiny bone fragments, teeth and skulls collected from across the globe](_URL_0_). The slideshow I've linked to goes on to say that "experts often assume or make educated guesses to fill ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tbn5g/eli5_how_do_scientists_deduce_what_our_ancestors/
{ "a_id": [ "ce6b7lz", "ce6c2sy" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "There are a lot of known factors about how faces are constructed based on the underlying skull. We know certain muscles are in certain places and that tells you how deep the flesh is. Add in racial characteristics that can...
[]
[ "http://news.discovery.com/human/evolution/early-human-ancestors-faces.htm" ]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_facial_reconstruction" ], [] ]
2tomuk
how are airlines able to offer wifi at 30,000+ feet in the air?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tomuk/eli5how_are_airlines_able_to_offer_wifi_at_30000/
{ "a_id": [ "co0wg3t", "co0wgq7", "co0wqo5" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 8 ], "text": [ "The cell towers for our phones are directed parallel to the ground, the towers for planes are directed towards the sky. ", "Via a radio link with ground stations, or via satellite for overseas fligh...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
fi945w
why can’t we cook meat past it’s sell by date if the heating process kills all bacteria anyway?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fi945w/eli5_why_cant_we_cook_meat_past_its_sell_by_date/
{ "a_id": [ "fkfufsw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You can. As long as it doesn’t smell or look bad, I cook and eat them. It’s fine. Sell by date is merely suggestion. The concept was only invented when supermarkets started to supply food to city people.\n\nI would use fresh meat for steaks or bu...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8l4243
it's fairly well known that light is required for photosynthesis, but what makes the plant require light and how does it use it to continue the process?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8l4243/eli5_its_fairly_well_known_that_light_is_required/
{ "a_id": [ "dzcnvsd", "dzcos4d" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Yarr! Yer not alone in askin', and kind strangers have explained:\n\n1. [ELI5: The Light reactions of photosynthesis ](_URL_8_) ^(_1 comment_)\n1. [ELI5:Light reactions in photosynthesis..and every step of cellular respirati...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/44xwmw/eli5_the_four_steps_of_light_reactions_in/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4g4i6z/eli5_what_happens_in_photosynthesis/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45wtud/eli5_photosynthesis_specifically_the_c...
4jwt43
how does gum give off so much flavour for little to no calories?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jwt43/eli5_how_does_gum_give_off_so_much_flavour_for/
{ "a_id": [ "d3a993d" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The flavoring is only a tiny percentage of the gum's mass, as the bulk of flavor is detected by your sense of smell, and it doesn't take that many molecules to get our sense of smell going. \n\nAlso, since you generally don't eat the gum, very li...
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[ [] ]
4jkyga
why is einstein's special theory of relativity not considered paradoxical? how is the "twins paradox" resolved?
I'll keep this short. Special relativity dictates that the "twin" flying away in a rocket at a speed close to that of light) will age less. However, that same twin can claim that he/she is *still*, and the Earth and the rest of the universe is moving relative to him...and therefore claim that he's *older.* How is this ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4jkyga/eli5why_is_einsteins_special_theory_of_relativity/
{ "a_id": [ "d37eo81", "d37eqsu" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "The outbound twin has two inertial paths, out and in, so their spacetime paths are not symmetric. The outbound twin can hardly consider themselves to be stationary if they have to accelerate to make it back to Earth can they...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
wcoot
what are the main differences between the ios and the droid operating systems?
I'm switching to Verizon and most of my Facebook friends are saying I should get a Droid but it really just depends on which operating system appeals to me more. It's hard to do that when I don't know anything about either of them. Lay it on me! I prefer if the answers are unbiased (: I know this can be a heated topic...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wcoot/eli5_what_are_the_main_differences_between_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c5c6qys", "c5cai1c", "c5cazn7", "c5ccbzt", "c5cjxjs" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The iPhone has a \"more unified user experience\" (i.e. using your iPhone will remain generally the same throughout the entire time you own it and the softwar...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
24fg5d
why are police scanners legal?
Saw a couple of friends in Texas with police scanners in their cars and wondered..
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24fg5d/eli5why_are_police_scanners_legal/
{ "a_id": [ "ch6lt5l", "ch6q9x2" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They are only \"legal\" for police, ambulance, emergency ambulance, firefighters, volunteer firefighters or any one else that has a legitimate reason to own one.\n\nIt may be that they are volunteer firefighters who keep the...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
66b2kj
why do we find certain songs "catchy" over others? what causes these songs to get stuck in our head all day?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66b2kj/eli5_why_do_we_find_certain_songs_catchy_over/
{ "a_id": [ "dgh2vq0", "dghho3b", "dghn6cl" ], "score": [ 53, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are several reasons to why we like a song and most of them are cultural and have to do with our experience. I'll start with an example: a person from India who has mostly listened to ragas will f...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earworm" ] ]
5iuv4b
what's happening in your brain when you're trying to fight yourself not to fall asleep?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5iuv4b/eli5_whats_happening_in_your_brain_when_youre/
{ "a_id": [ "dbbwbn5", "dbbxcf3" ], "score": [ 9, 16 ], "text": [ "When I saw this I was curious about it too. Unfortunately I'm not cool enough to already know the answer, so I googled it and found this _URL_0_", "You experience your waking moments as they are determined by tiny chang...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.medicaldaily.com/struggle-against-sleep-what-happens-your-brain-when-you-try-stay-awake-339812" ], [] ]
1fvoor
why can't i feel treble like i can feel bass?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fvoor/why_cant_i_feel_treble_like_i_can_feel_bass/
{ "a_id": [ "caeaezh", "caebo4r", "caed0f3", "caeru8b" ], "score": [ 45, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Think of soundwaves as a physical object that moves air. ~ there's a certain amount of air on each side of the little squiggly line (my soundwave). The lower the frequency (pitch)...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_note", "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zczJXSxnw" ] ]
1ipwj5
how do we take photos of the universe that aren't from earth's perspective
Kind of like [this one.](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ipwj5/eli5_how_do_we_take_photos_of_the_universe_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cb6v1f5", "cb6vrmh" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The photos either are taken from our perspective or are artist renderings based on data we've collected.", "This photo is taken from earth perspective." ] }
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/C9pL3Vc.jpg" ]
[ [], [] ]
j8taa
the importance of eating fruits and vegetables?
What is so important about eating fruits and vegetables? Why can't we just take some supplements every day instead?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j8taa/eli5_the_importance_of_eating_fruits_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c2a2qu2", "c2a5lkr", "c2a2qu2", "c2a5lkr" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 4, 5 ], "text": [ "We don't really know that much about nutrition. What we do know is that foods in their natural state are healthier for us than processed things. Supplements will help prevent certa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5sik5j
what do people get out of arguing over such trivial things on the internet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5sik5j/eli5_what_do_people_get_out_of_arguing_over_such/
{ "a_id": [ "ddfc5a1", "ddfctlz" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "In my opinion, people are dissatisfied with their real lives or just a bad day. It gives them a sense of power over someone else when they have come up short. Today's example: I suggested music more intense that would get th...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
375al3
why is suing and litigation seen as a bad thing?
I don't get why people sneer at lawyers and people who sue just because they agree with one side or the other and expect people to just get over it or solve their problems. In some places it can take so long to sue someone, say an insurance company, to force them to pay up when they're supposed to that people don't b...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/375al3/eli5_why_is_suing_and_litigation_seen_as_a_bad/
{ "a_id": [ "crjsx9b" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "a lot of people sue who don't have a case, and it works because the company says \"well it will cost us $10000 to defend the lawsuit, let's offer $5000 and see if they go away.\" this is a drain on the economy." ] }
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[]
[ [] ]
62uxu6
why is india's currency grouped in 2's (₹20,00,00) rather than in 3's (£100,000)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62uxu6/eli5_why_is_indias_currency_grouped_in_2s_200000/
{ "a_id": [ "dfpb6c7", "dfpjio9" ], "score": [ 10, 8 ], "text": [ "In the West, people count by thousand (1,000), million (1,000,000), billion (1,000,000,000). In India, people count thousand (1,000), *lakh* (1,00,000), *crore* (1,00,00,000). Each currency uses the more familiar comma syst...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_numbering_system#Vedic_numbering_systems" ] ]
p9q33
what is jail breaking?
What does it mean to jail break a phone and what are the benefits and risks?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/p9q33/eli5_what_is_jail_breaking/
{ "a_id": [ "c3nmup2", "c3no3vj" ], "score": [ 15, 6 ], "text": [ "Most phones are made so that they only run programs that the phone maker will let you. Jailbreaking (to break the phone out of its jail) is the act of hacking the phone so that you can run whatever programs you want on it.\...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
eza7rz
how does the end of a whip travel faster than sound when the person’s are doesn’t go anywhere near that fast?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eza7rz/eli5_how_does_the_end_of_a_whip_travel_faster/
{ "a_id": [ "fglx049", "fglxfrm", "fgm2kcz" ], "score": [ 11, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "So when you throw a ball, your hand goes faster than your elbow, and your elbow is going faster than your shoulder, right? \n\nSo a whip is like a continuation of that, the tapered shape of the whip a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnaASTBn_K4" ] ]
bctuy4
what does it mean when people say you can buy something just to write it off? isn't getting a writeoff usually a small fraction of a purchase price?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bctuy4/eli5_what_does_it_mean_when_people_say_you_can/
{ "a_id": [ "ektgp1d", "ektrtut" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "I went to dinner with the owner of 22 million dollar a year company and about 18 other people. The tab was 12 grand and the tip 10 grand (trust me the staff earned every penny). Halfway through dinner the CFO had the owner ...
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[ [], [] ]
3lehlq
how was the trialing of "witches" via the drown/float method ever accepted when there's clear contradictions in the method?
Seems strange that the system was: "If you drown, you're innocent and it's too bad that we have to kill you to find this out." How was this ever "approved" by anyone? Surely they must have seen the contradiction when the method was thought up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lehlq/eli5_how_was_the_trialing_of_witches_via_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cv5mi3c", "cv5mw1d", "cv5nekv", "cv5r3fo" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because a dead innocent is better than a living witch. And I'm sure there were some who were against this, but there's only so much you can do against a scared, paranoid mob. ", ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3c27n0
military weapons/equipment/vehicles usually have names with letters and numbers, such as ak47, m16, f16, etc. are these names arbitrary, or do the letters/numbers mean something?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3c27n0/eli5military_weaponsequipmentvehicles_usually/
{ "a_id": [ "csrleug", "csrlwk1" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "AK stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova, Kalashnikova coming from the creator's name(Mikhail Kalashnikov) and \"Avtomat\" translating to automatic. 47 is for the year the model was produced.\n\nEdit: AR stands for \"Armalite Rifl...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
bmuv54
what would happen if the government printed a ton of new bills, but made it illegal for anybody to raise prices?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bmuv54/eli5_what_would_happen_if_the_government_printed/
{ "a_id": [ "emzufb4", "emzuicx", "emzzpxi" ], "score": [ 6, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "In an extreme example, you could see a case of massive inflation sort of like what has been seen in Venezuela: the official prices and exchange rates exist as mandated, but nobody is willing to produce ...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4ry4bb
why is it so hard to tell which smoke alarm is going off?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ry4bb/eli5why_is_it_so_hard_to_tell_which_smoke_alarm/
{ "a_id": [ "d553bx7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "High pitched sounds tend to bounce around a lot off of walls and stuff. This can make it really hard to figure exactly where they're coming from because you're hearing the original sound and all the reflections equally well.\n\nIn comparison, de...
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[ [] ]
27sfs1
why can i clearly see dust particles inside when a sun ray shines through but cannot see any while outside in full sun?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27sfs1/eli5_why_can_i_clearly_see_dust_particles_inside/
{ "a_id": [ "ci3wc4m", "ci42ddg" ], "score": [ 16, 2 ], "text": [ "You're looking at illuminated dust particles against a dark backdrop. They're easy to see because of the contrast. When you're outside, you have all the ambient light to deal with, or the bright sky as a backdrop.", "...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
40av3f
do people find people of similar attractiveness to them, "more" attractive?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/40av3f/eli5_do_people_find_people_of_similar/
{ "a_id": [ "cysxagi" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Physical attractiveness is only one aspect of overall attractiveness. In addition to physical attractiveness, we are also attracted to certain psychological traits like kindness, intelligence, and shared values. \n\nMore to the heart of your ques...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4d14nx
how do heat seeking missiles seek heat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4d14nx/eli5_how_do_heat_seeking_missiles_seek_heat/
{ "a_id": [ "d1mvlkt", "d1mzvhu", "d1n3afg" ], "score": [ 111, 31, 3 ], "text": [ "Infra red sensors.\n\nHave you ever seen thermal imaging goggles? All objects that have warmth radiate in the infra red.\n\nIf you are hotter than your surroundings you glow in the infra red spectrum...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3t505p
why do bus windows rattle so much?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3t505p/eli5_why_do_bus_windows_rattle_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cx34svd", "cx3eg5e" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I imagine it's because they are usually emergency exists which are designed to be knocked out with relative ease. ", "They are designed to be cheap and durable. This means they don't have as many of the soft padding arou...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2u9kcf
why does assaulting a police officer result in a much harsher punishment by the legal system than assaulting a civilian when the offending act is the same?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2u9kcf/eli5_why_does_assaulting_a_police_officer_result/
{ "a_id": [ "co6e7td" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because when someone assaults a police officer they are directly trying to avoid the consequences for their actions. \n\nThere is normally another motive for other types of assaults, the person is fighting with another person or something to that...
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[ [] ]
879nwe
what’s the difference between all the different types of lightbulbs? incandescent, fluorescent, led, any others?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/879nwe/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_all_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dwb7ldf", "dwbx8s3" ], "score": [ 7, 4 ], "text": [ "Brief explanation:\n\n**incandescent**: *very* thin tungsten wire is heated by putting electrical current through it, this creates a lot of heat and some orange looking (\"warm\") light. Not very efficient as a light source,...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
4v0oqh
the united states immigration process
After twenty minutes of research, it seems even more convoluted than I heard/imagined. It seems that: You need to be awarded citizenship to be a citizen You need a green card to be awarded citizenship You need a visa to be awarded a green card I cannot imagine any of this is free, or quick.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4v0oqh/eli5_the_united_states_immigration_process/
{ "a_id": [ "d5ufa9p", "d5ufoi6", "d5uqhnk" ], "score": [ 3, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "I've done it all so here is my story. \nYou need a visa to enter the country. The type of visa will determine if you are allowed to work in the USA. A tourist visa will not allow you to work but Spous...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-130instr.pdf" ] ]
2elh0t
what makes platypuses so unique in the animal kingdom
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2elh0t/eli5_what_makes_platypuses_so_unique_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ck0maz4", "ck0rm4s" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a furry mammal with a beaver's tail, a duck's bill, poisonous spines on it's rear legs, and it lays eggs", "They have all matter of properties normally not seen in mammals like:\n\n - They have Venom (very few mamma...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4fnzzw
why are other republicans still running their campaigns when it is mathematically impossible for them to win enough delegates to get the nomination?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4fnzzw/eli5_why_are_other_republicans_still_running/
{ "a_id": [ "d2afwto", "d2afy1f", "d2agba0", "d2agcdz" ], "score": [ 7, 32, 8, 5 ], "text": [ "Because there is actually no legal requirement for the nomination to go to the winner of the primaries. The GOP can completely ignore every single vote cast in the opinion polls a...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
339u2p
how/why does cracking a glow stick "activate" it?
An eli5 and more scientific definition would be awesome.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/339u2p/eli5_howwhy_does_cracking_a_glow_stick_activate_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cqiuqs4", "cqiurem", "cqiv9q9", "cqiwu3y" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The ELI5 is this: A glowstick works by mixing two liquids which undergo a chemical reaction that produces light. The two parts are kept separate by a thin, fragile division inside ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
e7d5ho
howcome we can see a campfire from miles away but it only illuminates such a small area?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e7d5ho/eli5_howcome_we_can_see_a_campfire_from_miles/
{ "a_id": [ "f9xw6yi", "f9y0fa5", "f9y5nsp", "f9y7bzq", "f9y8ayd", "f9yfea1", "f9yg57g", "f9ympig", "f9z4afd", "f9zcg6s", "f9zkglu" ], "score": [ 10984, 240, 8, 7, 27, 3, 7, 2, 6, 51, 6 ], "text": [ "In order to see it...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6wog3g
in mafia type movies, why does the assassin drop the gun at the crime scene? isn't the wise thing to take the gun with you so there's no evidence?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wog3g/eli5in_mafia_type_movies_why_does_the_assassin/
{ "a_id": [ "dm9kctw", "dm9kcuh", "dm9kt1v", "dm9sbw9" ], "score": [ 25, 7, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Before DNA science was practical in criminal cases, the only evidence left on a gun would have been fingerprints, which gangsters (both real and fictional) would prevent either by...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3cbhj0
why could dogs and cats be domesticated and become pets but not similar animals from their families like wolfs, tigers and lions?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cbhj0/eli5_why_could_dogs_and_cats_be_domesticated_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cstyhjx", "cstz4b6" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, dogs are just wolves that have been so genetically altered by human selection that they can no longer breed with other wolves (and are thus their own species). A wolf can be domesticated. We've domesticated wolves befo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
coz037
how do outsiders affect protests within countries?
Do they have any impact at all? Or are protests mainly used to gain support the people from said country? Was wondering because in APUSH we weren't taught about the global ramifications (cuz it's USH not WH) of the civil Rights movement but surely other countries tried to help too? And how will Hong Kong even protest? ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/coz037/eli5_how_do_outsiders_affect_protests_within/
{ "a_id": [ "ewm3m9q" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's generally seen as \"impolite\" (for lack of a better word) for citizens of one country to stick their noses into the politics of other countries, and if there is one way to turn popular opinion against a protest or cause (regardless of what ...
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[ [] ]
4cia41
smelling salts. if you can't smell whilst you're asleep, can you smell while unconscious?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cia41/eli5_smelling_salts_if_you_cant_smell_whilst/
{ "a_id": [ "d1if5g1", "d1ih24z" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "You can't smell whilst asleep or unconscious.\n\nSmelling salts release ammonia gas which triggers inhalation (reflex) because the muscles that control breathing work faster. By irritating the nose and lungs, the heart rate ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3qbilh
what is actually going on in a computer when it starts to slow down (during gaming, heavy computing, etc.)?
I suppose I understand over heating but how exactly does it go from working perfectly to struggling? The question could apply to phones also. My phone will be working perfectly and then boom its hit with random slowdowns while doing something its done a thousand times before.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qbilh/eli5_what_is_actually_going_on_in_a_computer_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cwdpmq6", "cwdqcw0" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not so much processing speed slowing down as it's got more to process than it can keep up with. Think of your CPU as a funnel. The faster your processor speed, the larger the funnel tip, and faster the flow. If you pour...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
58v5td
why can diesel engines not rev as highly as petrol engines?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/58v5td/eli5_why_can_diesel_engines_not_rev_as_highly_as/
{ "a_id": [ "d93g6yz", "d93icti", "d93qoci" ], "score": [ 3, 10, 3 ], "text": [ "The faster the revs on the engine the less time each piston has for a full travel of its stroke. \n \nDiesel fuel combusts slower than petrol and therefore cannot complete strokes much faster.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroke_ratio" ] ]
3ipkrj
please explain rules of baseball to european person.
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ipkrj/eli5_please_explain_rules_of_baseball_to_european/
{ "a_id": [ "cuihfwz" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "There are 9 players on a team. Each inning the offense is sent out one at a time to bat and all 9 players play defense. Each player is sent out to bat in turn and continues batting until the defense earns three outs against the offense. An out...
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[ [] ]
feigd1
why does connecting to a wifi take so long while connecting with mobile data is basically instant?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/feigd1/eli5_why_does_connecting_to_a_wifi_take_so_long/
{ "a_id": [ "fjo7cxz", "fjot172" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Mobile is essentially an always on technology. Typically when connecting to WiFi you need to authenticate, get a dhcp address, etc... which can take a bit of time.", "If you turn your mobile data off and turn it back o...
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4g49si
what is neoliberalism and why is being blamed for so many problems?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4g49si/eli5_what_is_neoliberalism_and_why_is_being/
{ "a_id": [ "d2eg64l", "d2eh6cr", "d2eij5f" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "First of all we need to know what a neoliberal is. Outside of America, to be liberal means that you believe in a small state (i.e. limited government), low taxes, low tariffs, and low regulations for pr...
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brr1r6
saw spiral shaped rain line in radar today, any explanation? (pic in comment)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/brr1r6/eli5_saw_spiral_shaped_rain_line_in_radar_today/
{ "a_id": [ "eofw7f8" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I am not sure what made you think that it's going clockwise. If you look at an animated map, you can clearly see that [it's spinning counter-clockwise](_URL_0_)." ] }
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[ [ "https://www.dacomacoop.com/pages/weather-new.php?title=US%20Radar/Satellite%20(animation\\)&map=nation560.cgi&zip=73731&mapzip=73731" ] ]
4wfx77
why does milk remove the stickiness of peanut butter in the mouth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wfx77/eli5_why_does_milk_remove_the_stickiness_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d66tihm" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Remember chemistry class when they were talking about polar molecules breaking down other molecules and non-polar doing the same for other non-polar molecules? We see this all the time when we try to mix oil and water. Well Dairy is very fatty, s...
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3qjlal
does the body shut itself down in case of a natural death? if so, how? if not, what happens?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qjlal/eli5_does_the_body_shut_itself_down_in_case_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cwfqpy8" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Death is the point where the entity can't continue operating. Either through natural decay or external intervention. This applies to both whole creatures, organs, and individual cells. \n\n\nTo be able to answer your question, you need to be able...
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2so3d8
how can the fcc ban cussing and nudity on tv and not violate the 1st amendment?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2so3d8/eli5_how_can_the_fcc_ban_cussing_and_nudity_on_tv/
{ "a_id": [ "cnrb3bx" ], "score": [ 15 ], "text": [ "The first amendment does not give blanket freedom to say whatever you want. For instance, you can't say that you're going to kill me. You can't attempt to provoke people to violence. You can't lie under oath. Etc.\n\nIn terms of the FCC, the...
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o8vav
how to use the phrase "the latter"
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/o8vav/eli5_how_to_use_the_phrase_the_latter/
{ "a_id": [ "c3fb6in", "c3fgkpr" ], "score": [ 10, 2 ], "text": [ "The phrase comes from a more complete phrase about \"the former and the latter\".\n\nWhen you mention two things, like you're talking to someone about your car and your friend's car, you can refer to those two things a shor...
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sm6r4
mead vs wine
Whats the difference between mead and wine. Is it the process the two go through?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/sm6r4/eli5_mead_vs_wine/
{ "a_id": [ "c4f415k", "c4f74q6" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Mead is made primarily from water and honey. Some recipes add some spices or hops, but that's optional.\n\nWine is just grapes, yeast and water.\n\nBoth are delicious, but pretty different.", "Mead and grape wine go thro...
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6gve2l
how do your lungs absorb the nicotine from smoke?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gve2l/eli5how_do_your_lungs_absorb_the_nicotine_from/
{ "a_id": [ "ditf3fb", "ditijg9" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "During normal breathing oxygen and carbon dioxide [diffuse](_URL_0_) across the alveolar membranes between the capillaries and the inhaled air. The blood upon reaching the lungs is deoxygenated and carbon dioxide-rich, so th...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffusion" ], [] ]
50myt9
- given the changes to tv licensing in the uk, which comes in force today, how will the bbc/government actually enforce those who watch iplayer without a license?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/50myt9/eli5_given_the_changes_to_tv_licensing_in_the_uk/
{ "a_id": [ "d75bym5", "d75eg49" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's an \"honour system\", at least at first. See [this page] (_URL_0_) on the BBC's own website, which says: \n\n > It is unclear how the new rules will be enforced. Viewers are now prompted to declare if they have a TV li...
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[ [ "http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-37226030" ], [] ]
t7kzb
how did bluray win over hd in thier battle for our money?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/t7kzb/eli5_how_did_bluray_win_over_hd_in_thier_battle/
{ "a_id": [ "c4k7xqp" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Mostly by convincing the major movie studios to back them, and one in particular. It was too expensive for film studios and hardware makers to support both formats, and consumers wouldn't buy much of either one until a clear winner started to eme...
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bg7ls0
why are potatoes cleaned if they are peeled later on?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bg7ls0/eli5_why_are_potatoes_cleaned_if_they_are_peeled/
{ "a_id": [ "elixk2m", "elixm2p", "elixn4o", "elixsf8", "elj6bhp", "eljj1cu" ], "score": [ 6, 8, 19, 5, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Because you don’t need to peel them?", "TIL that not everyone peels potatoes.", "Because often, they aren't peeled. Many recipe...
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bi4pn9
anti aging techniques
I recently saw month nicole Kidman in aquaman and Michelle pfeifer in antman and was impressed by how young they look. What sort of techniques does the modern wealthy person use to reduce aging? Stem cells? Blood transfusions? Or is it just improved plastic surgery?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bi4pn9/eli5_anti_aging_techniques/
{ "a_id": [ "elxzv9g", "ely73dp" ], "score": [ 6, 9 ], "text": [ "Lots of Botox and plastic surgery I’m sure. People did one of those spreads in celebs who don’t drink alcohol a few years ago and I remember being blown away at how young they all looked... Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, Rob ...
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1thevr
how have the colors and the symbols of the green ‘check-mark’ and red 'x' come to represent what they mean today?
Much like how ELI5 uses a green check to mark an explained post.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1thevr/eli5_how_have_the_colors_and_the_symbols_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ce7zi0s", "ce8g0i8" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Red is the colour of danger and green peace - although they've come to check marks through things like traffic lights ([helpful link](_URL_0_))\n\nAs for the symbols themselves, X was universal as a mark for people who could...
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[ [ "http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/03/the-origin-of-the-green-yellow-and-red-color-scheme-for-traffic-lights/" ], [] ]
8qtdro
how does the countersteering and gyroscopic force works on a motorcycle?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8qtdro/eli5_how_does_the_countersteering_and_gyroscopic/
{ "a_id": [ "e0m1v5n", "e0m248w" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The gyroscopic force tends to keep the bike upright. I used to have a youtube video link where a dude welded the handle bars on a motorcycle straight. They then had a stunt man literally jump up and down on one foot peg to t...
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[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljywO-B_yew", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgUOOwnZcDU" ], [] ]
39mgt3
what's the deal with cigars?
Like really, what's the point to just "spitting" back out the smoke? Why do we inhale cigarettes but not cigars? Is it not a waste?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39mgt3/eli5_whats_the_deal_with_cigars/
{ "a_id": [ "cs4kzlv" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "You inhale a cigarette because it's about getting a nicotine fix.\n\nYou do not inhale a cigar (generally) because cigars are about enjoying the flavor, not about getting nocotine." ] }
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27nbb1
what are gnats trying to do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27nbb1/eli5_what_are_gnats_trying_to_do/
{ "a_id": [ "ci2h95v", "ci2iko4", "ci2jkm0", "ci2ju5x", "ci2k3kj", "ci2klj1", "ci2mjao" ], "score": [ 13, 36, 29, 2, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Eat, survive and reproduce -- just like us.", "When they get into your eyes and ears; they're looking for m...
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7hm6th
why does wind seem to affect my tv/cell phone data reception
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7hm6th/eli5_why_does_wind_seem_to_affect_my_tvcell_phone/
{ "a_id": [ "dqs6728" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Wind does not effect reception.. unless there were damage to the cellular towers/infrastructure of course." ] }
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32itn1
just watched vice and i'm still wondering who are boko haram and what are they trying to accomplish?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32itn1/eli5just_watched_vice_and_im_still_wondering_who/
{ "a_id": [ "cqbm4do", "cqbm5e9" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "They are an extremist Islamic group who hate western education. Boko Haram can be translated literally as \"western education is forbidden\".", "Boko Haram are an Islamist terrorist group, based mostly in northern Niger...
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4tcwkw
how are new things made?
So matter can't be created or destroyed, so all matter has been around since the planet formed. How, then, does a population increase? Shouldn't plants be unable to make new seeds without new carbon? How do cells even grow? Do they get more matter from somewhere?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4tcwkw/eli5_how_are_new_things_made/
{ "a_id": [ "d5gdedh", "d5gdvr7", "d5geo76" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ " > Do they get more matter from somewhere?\n\nOf course they do. Plants absorb water and minerals from the ground and carbon dioxide from the air. Animals eat plants (and other animals). Cells soak up w...
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[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochemistry", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomass", "http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-16787636", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_cycle" ], [] ]
cilb7z
how do people in saunas withstand the extreme heat?
Apparently people can sit in saunas approaching 300deg F for 10 minutes at a time without it causing any issues: _URL_0_ How is this possible, wouldnt their sweat boil and every surface in the sauna cause severe burns?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cilb7z/eli5_how_do_people_in_saunas_withstand_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ev7byod" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The sauna isn’t set to 300 degrees, that would kill you. Instead they built a sauna in a location that was extremely cold, so it was a 300-degree temperature differential between the outside temp and the sauna temp" ] }
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[ "https://www.saunatimes.com/sauna-information/saunatimes-guest-posts/father-and-two-sons-take-a-280-degree-f-sauna-documenting-the-only-300-club-in-north-america/" ]
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ca3slz
how do paper cups not get wet?
Additionally, why does it get wet (or translucent) when alcohol is poured in?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ca3slz/eli5_how_do_paper_cups_not_get_wet/
{ "a_id": [ "et5nbms", "et5nbn9" ], "score": [ 12, 2 ], "text": [ "Paper cups usually have a waterproof wax lining. Alcohol - I.e. ethanol happens to be a good solvent and might erode some of that layer making it translucent.", "They’re coated with wax on the inside. The wax creates a ...
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51enly
what prevents plants from growing beyond a certain height?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51enly/eli5what_prevents_plants_from_growing_beyond_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d7bcpjj", "d7bk69d" ], "score": [ 31, 9 ], "text": [ "A pant usually grows taller so it can outgrow all other plants and catch the most sunlight, which it needs. However, growing and keeping all those leaves healthy and hydrated costs a lot of energy, which is why a tree loses...
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8qjqo0
why does a pink band appear on the horizon at sunset?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8qjqo0/eli5_why_does_a_pink_band_appear_on_the_horizon/
{ "a_id": [ "e0jq0um", "e0jt8r2" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "When you shine a light through a prism it separates the single beam into the color spectrum. At sunrise and sunset the earth’s atmosphere works as the prism and the sun as the light source. So if you look closely you will a...
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[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvmq66op0G8" ] ]
e86zu8
battery life
I just went out to buy some 9 Volt batteries because the fire alarm decided to be my alarm clock today and tell me, quite loudly, it was hungry and needed more batteries (/s). I replaced the battery and went to go pick up some more batteries for when the other fire alarms require replacement batteries, and I had though...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e86zu8/eli5_battery_life/
{ "a_id": [ "fa9l0yq", "fa9yu8j" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Batteries slowly die even when in their package. I don't feel qualifies enough to explain why but I think it has sth to do with their internal resistance.", "Lithium batteries contain a solution inside of them that chang...
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