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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4tk2ae | when we use an object to feel another object, (a pair of chopsticks to touch broccoli cooking in a pan), how can our senses feel it? | What part of the human body/biological senses is responsible for this? How does it relay information from the body part doing the touching to the brain or other organs? Since your actual fingers didn't touch the broccoli in this example, how can our senses know if the broccoli has been cooked long enough, is tender, et... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4tk2ae/eli5_when_we_use_an_object_to_feel_another_object/ | {
"a_id": [
"d5hx34l"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Pressure. It's the pressure being translated through the instrument (fork, chopstick) that you feel every so slightly, combined with you visually seeing it. \n\nTry picking up something with chopsticks, then do it again with your eyes closed. The... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6hzlm6 | why does a plane breaking the sound barrier shatter glass? how do the physics work? is the sound wave just the perfect frequency? why does a missle, though obviously smaller, not do the same when thing when it breaks the sound barrier? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6hzlm6/elif_why_does_a_plane_breaking_the_sound_barrier/ | {
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"When a plane breaks the sound barrier it creates a large differential in pressure, so much so that it makes the sonic boom that you hear. This pressure difference will travel throu... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/400-current-events/75461497",
"http://www.phys.uconn.edu/~gibson/Notes/Section5_2/Sec5_2.htm"
],
[]
] | ||
sv83v | how does the "neutral" wire work in cars? | Ok yesterday, I hardwired my radar detector into my car. The power cord that goes into the unit, has only two wires sticking out of it. One is a RED wire and one is a BLACK wire.
Now the red wire, I warped around a fuse (my radio fuse) and plugged it into the fuse box, and the black wire is the GROUND wire, so I just ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/sv83v/how_does_the_neutral_wire_work_in_cars/ | {
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"text": [
"the ground is the frame of your car, which is in contact with your engine block, which is wired to one end of your battery. basically anything metal in your car that is grounded IS the other \"wire\".",
"In the car, you'... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2d30rl | how can dictionaries vary in size? who chooses what words to leave out? | I own this mega dictionary that's so big I can hardly carry it, and another pocket dictionary. What's the point of the smaller dictionary if it misses out so many words? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d30rl/eli5_how_can_dictionaries_vary_in_size_who/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjljo0q"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"not every word is used in common language. \n\na more comprehensive dictionary is going to have tons of not commonly used words like Defenestration"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
22io1o | how does a rotor-based vehicle (e.g. helicopter, quadricopter) generate lift to carry something? | Hey, its my first post here on reddit and I just wanted to find some stuff out!
I'm a high school student about to move onto college who recently acquired an interest in flying drones, and I thought about their possible use to save people in dangerous areas like the ocean or up high in the mountains.
| explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22io1o/eli5_how_does_a_rotorbased_vehicle_eg_helicopter/ | {
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"text": [
"[This video series](_URL_0_) isn't strictly about the lift generated by helicopters, and focuses more on the other related physics and mechanisms involved in manipulating a rotor based vehicle, but it is a great watch and might help you understan... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdEWzqsfeHM"
]
] | |
2mven1 | why we don't have monstrous shadows from mercury or venus blocking out the light to earth? | If they get in our path, shouldn't they leave a planet sized shadow on/over Earth?
EDIT: Thank you, everyone! My tired mind was thoroughly stumped by this. Thank you for clarifying for me! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mven1/eli5_why_we_dont_have_monstrous_shadows_from/ | {
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"score": [
6,
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3,
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"text": [
"Does a fly block out light from a light bulb? ",
"Mercury and Venus are tiny compared to the sun, and are really far away from Earth. [This is what Venus looks like in front of... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Fennell_Observatory%2C_Oakland%2C_TN_35.2597%C2%B0N%2C_89.5125%C2%B0W.png/246px-Fennell_Observatory%2C_Oakland%2C_TN_35.2597%C2%B0N%2C_89.5125%C2%B0W.png"
],
[],
[]
] | |
5d32vh | why do areas not flood after a blizzard? | For areas that have a lot of snow in the winter, where does it all go when it melts? I don't live in area with snow and am having a hard time picturing what happens to all of that water once the snow is melted. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5d32vh/eli5_why_do_areas_not_flood_after_a_blizzard/ | {
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"text": [
"Large amounts of snow melt slowly over time, mostly due to the sun. So it's a slow trickle of water. Three days of temperatures at 50 degrees Fahrenheit can ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2bov6g | what would have happened if the u.s. lost world war ii | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bov6g/eli5_what_would_have_happened_if_the_us_lost/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"I highly recommend reading \" The Man in the High Castle\" by Philip k. Dick.\nHe will draw an entire world inside your head.",
"Whether America won or lost the war, Germany was never going to win. The Soviet Union was a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
9086ny | how does sorting by "controversial" work? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9086ny/eli5_how_does_sorting_by_controversial_work/ | {
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"text": [
"Controversial are posts and comments with a similar number of upvotes and downvotes. So a post will be more controversial if it has lots of upvotes and downvotes, and the upvotes to downvote ratio is c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://github.com/reddit-archive/reddit/blob/master/r2/r2/lib/db/_sorts.pyx"
]
] | ||
jhqyz | the valerie plame scandal. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jhqyz/the_valerie_plame_scandal/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"She was outed as a CIA Operative, and had to resign, as her career was now effectively ruined, and her safety risked.",
"Explaining like you're five is going to be tough. How a... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2mhhwf | are four leaf clovers just a genetic mutation of a three leaf clover? why are they so hard to find? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mhhwf/eli5_are_four_leaf_clovers_just_a_genetic/ | {
"a_id": [
"cm49sbn",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"It's _URL_0_ could be a recessive gene(an abnormal gene passed down to the dna of every clover regardless the number of its leaves) that's causing it or just a mutation.",
"Yes, they are a mutation... | [] | [] | [
[
"debated.It"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
2ix5ks | why do retailers store millions of credits card numbers? shouldn't they be required to delete these once they have received payment? | Shouldn't credit card info be deleted immediately purged once payment has been transfered into their accounts? Why do some retailers keep tens of millions of credit card numbers? Obviously, this data storage has been exploited time and time again. Shouldn't they be required by law to delete this info daily?
*credit c... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ix5ks/eli5_why_do_retailers_store_millions_of_credits/ | {
"a_id": [
"cl6cq12"
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"They shouldn't be storing credit card numbers, it's a basic component of [PCI compliance](_URL_0_).\n\nThere's just lots of really bad brogramers writing shitty business software out there."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payment_Card_Industry_Data_Security_Standard"
]
] | |
litwz | boxing championships | What does it take to get "a shot at the title?" How does the ranking system work if there aren't bracket-style tournaments? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/litwz/eli5_boxing_championships/ | {
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"text": [
"It's a broken system based on politics. The promoter has to represent their client, and find fights for them. If you don't have a promoter, you generally cannot become ranked.",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
85794y | how do ncaa athletes balance travelling for their sport and college work? | I'm in college, and I just don't see how it's possible to balance school work while traveling the country during times like March Madness. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/85794y/eli5_how_do_ncaa_athletes_balance_travelling_for/ | {
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"text": [
"They are enrolled into very hands-off classes that are easily done without being present. Basically, classes are chosen so that they can play sports, not so that they can have a ca... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1kpjoq | why do we consider suits and ties professional and view other clothes like t-shirts and jeans more as casual? | Not because suits are less common and more expensive or anything like that, but what about the fashion makes it more appealing to the human eye? Objectively, it's just a collection of flaps and buttons, but things like suits and dresses are indisputably held in a higher regard than t-shirts and jeans. Is there somethin... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kpjoq/eli5_why_do_we_consider_suits_and_ties/ | {
"a_id": [
"cbrb02p",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"It's cultural, not biological. Wearing clothes that had more colors (which in the past required expensive dyes), made of more expensive materials, and/or require more preparatory work (tying, snapping, ironing, etc.) is a s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2bgqin | is it possible to be allergic to food? (not one specific food like peanuts, but literally everything you eat) | Is it possible to be allergic to food? (Not one specific food like peanuts, but literally everything you eat) I have heard of people being allergic to things like cold temperatures and other weird stuff. Is this possible? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bgqin/eli5is_it_possible_to_be_allergic_to_food_not_one/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj568h4"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Not a true allergy but there's a condition called refeeding syndrome. It occurs when people have gone through long periods of starvation who then have food reintroduced to the system. What happens is the person's body treats food as a foreign con... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refeeding_syndrome"
]
] | |
3urkis | why are tigers so comfortable in cold areas like russia, while they also live i hot areas like bengal? | To me it feels like the tiger is an exotic animal, living i warm climate, but they seem surprisingly comfortable in living i cold enviromenits as well. Why is it so ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3urkis/eli5_why_are_tigers_so_comfortable_in_cold_areas/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"There are different sub-species of tigers, and the ones living in Russia (Siberian Tigers) have small adaptations that help them survive in that cold climate. They have a thicker winter-coat which helps them handle the cold.... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
66ziev | how/why did organisms go from single cell division to requiring a separate partner to reproduce? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66ziev/eli5_howwhy_did_organisms_go_from_single_cell/ | {
"a_id": [
"dgmsi8y"
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"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"I've always tied it to the invention of meiosis. Mitosis divides cells, but meiosis make half-cell kits, that can then combine in rapidly expanding numbers of ways. I see it as several billion years of mitosis and then meiosis gets discovered an... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
dcnsbg | why is biodiversity important ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dcnsbg/eli5_why_is_biodiversity_important/ | {
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"text": [
"Different plant and animal species are unlikely to be affected by the same problems, therefore if all of one plant species is killed due to a disease or change in climate, anothe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3jj15j | why is kim davis being held in contempt of court instead of just being fired for insubordination? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jj15j/eli5why_is_kim_davis_being_held_in_contempt_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"cupmg5m",
"cupml6n"
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"score": [
2,
2
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"text": [
"She's an elected official. Under the KY Constitution she can only be removed via impeachment.\n\nSource: [Sections 66-68 KY Constitution](_URL_0_), in particular Section 68 (\"Civil officers liable to impeachment -- Judgment... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/legresou/constitu/list1.htm"
],
[]
] | ||
9vdl7p | how google expands their databases so that they can supply the customers' storage demand? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9vdl7p/eli5_how_google_expands_their_databases_so_that/ | {
"a_id": [
"e9bapl1"
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"They go to Best Buy and buy more hard drives...\n\n\nBut seriously they either add more data centers once it looks like they are nearing capacity or expand their current ones/bring online existing hardware to fill the demand. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6beex1 | when we are hot and sweaty after a workout, we want to take a hot shower but want to drink cold liquids | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6beex1/eli5_when_we_are_hot_and_sweaty_after_a_workout/ | {
"a_id": [
"dhly4y0",
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"score": [
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8,
2
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"text": [
"Simply put: your body needs repair.\n\nWhen you perform (inefficient) strenuous activities, your body needs to get energy to specific areas of your body faster than usual. To do that, your heart starts ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/weight-loss/question447.htm"
]
] | ||
9tv4ii | on a utility scale, why is battery energy storage a thing but hydrogen storage not? | I get that hydrogen in cars doesn’t make much sense, but using wind and solar to create hydrogen for use at nighttime or when the wind isn’t blowing makes a lot of sense, no? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9tv4ii/eli5_on_a_utility_scale_why_is_battery_energy/ | {
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"text": [
"Because there are much more efficient ways to store energy such as lithium ion batteries or mechanically storing the energy in the form of pumping water to a higher elevation. Hydrogen storage requires a lot of space and ne... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1ocse1 | why do humans have to treat water to make it safe to drink? | Why can animals drink dirty water and be fine, but if we drink from the same water we could get sick and possibly die. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ocse1/eli5_why_do_humans_have_to_treat_water_to_make_it/ | {
"a_id": [
"ccqsos4"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"We don't have to. We just have the option of reducing our relatively small risks to near zero instead. If chimps could do that, they would, and would benefit from it as much as we do. \n\nWaterborn illnesses are common whether you're human or no... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
bes5qx | when you think of something that makes you feel anxious, you can sometimes feel it briefly in your chest. what causes this feeling? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bes5qx/eli5_when_you_think_of_something_that_makes_you/ | {
"a_id": [
"el85tzl"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Association.\n\n & #x200B;\n\nLike when you smell a certain scent and it makes your mouth water, or makes you feel hungry for whatever food that is. \n\n & #x200B;\n\nThis same phenomenon exists but with feelings / triggers of anxiety. You can re... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2a2g3h | if venus didn't have such a thick atmosphere with greenhouse effect inducing molecules, would it be habitable? | If anyone has the time, would you mind typing up how we could thin the atmosphere? It doesn't matter if the solution isn't realistic. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a2g3h/eli5_if_venus_didnt_have_such_a_thick_atmosphere/ | {
"a_id": [
"ciqtsyd"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Not likely, at least not to humans. Venus is outside the habitable zone for our solar system (too close), and so you wouldn't be able to strike a balance between atmospheric pressure and temperature that would be good for us. If you tried to mimi... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3rmb6z | i've seen tons of "music videos" that predate the 80s. where would people watch these videos before mtv? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rmb6z/eli5_ive_seen_tons_of_music_videos_that_predate/ | {
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"cwpci16",
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29,
13,
4,
4,
5
],
"text": [
"The earliest videos were often just of the band doing a number and weren't really a 'story'. They'd often be shown as part of a TV special such as them bein... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3fjf0y | anonymous sources the news agencies always quote, high level officer inside who gives info. who are these guys? are they paid by the news agencies? isn't illegal to leak info? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fjf0y/eli5_anonymous_sources_the_news_agencies_always/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctp5j5p",
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"score": [
5,
3
],
"text": [
"It's only illegal to leak *classified* information. It's rarely classified information being leaked.\n\nOften, these \"leaks\" are from the agency itself, when it wants to get information out there but not be tied to it. For... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4mq1r5 | what scientifically is happening when odor gets trapped in a fabric. i.e my workout tshirts no matter how many times i wash them still smell. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mq1r5/eli5_what_scientifically_is_happening_when_odor/ | {
"a_id": [
"d3xgao8"
],
"score": [
164
],
"text": [
"Ironically work out clothes are typically made of synthetic fabrics and these are notorious for holding odors, even after washing. For the least smelly workout experience your best bet is plain cotton. \n\nThe odor is actually a chemical that i... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2ray8j | often times for a big sporting event, the stadium is filled over capacity. how does this happen and why is it allowed? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ray8j/eli5_often_times_for_a_big_sporting_event_the/ | {
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"text": [
"I have never heard of this being done with sporting events, as you are given assigned seats. \n \nBut with airlines, they know that on average, a % of people don't show up, so th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9ucdsi | why do small cuts and bruises appear a while after they happened? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ucdsi/eli5_why_do_small_cuts_and_bruises_appear_a_while/ | {
"a_id": [
"e936cdf"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"They dont you just notice them after they have happened as they are not a great pain to your body."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3fb7zr | how come everytime i get a new phone, the battery lasts less and less on a single charge in the following months? | My only guess is that as we download more apps and software on our phone, there is more going on since day 1, and more background programs running constantly. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fb7zr/eli5_how_come_everytime_i_get_a_new_phone_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctmzp3j"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Well your hunch is probably a big factor, but also this is just kind of the way things go with batteries. Batteries release energy by allowing a chemical reaction to occur internally. That reaction can be induced to run in reverse with an input o... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
22aft4 | i watched "honey i shrunk the kids" last night and wondered: could a human being function if they were suddenly shrunken down to the size of an ant? why or why not? | - Would their smaller size create an atmospheric difference in which their lungs could or could not function in?
- When the kids were eating the oatmeal cookie (which looked pretty tasty), would their bodies be able to digest it? I figured that since they're smaller, the molecules might be significantly bigger than wha... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22aft4/eli5_i_watched_honey_i_shrunk_the_kids_last_night/ | {
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282,
4,
10,
18,
5,
6,
3,
6,
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.kylesconverter.com/pressure/inches-of-water-to-pounds-per-square-inch",
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overpressure"
],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1wjzxe | what would happen if the world ran out of all fossil fuel tomorrow? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wjzxe/eli5_what_would_happen_if_the_world_ran_out_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"cf2o78t"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Chaos. Lots of people wouldn't be able to get to work, power shortages, shops closing leading to rioting and looting. Bad news. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
110ll6 | why are oceans so salty and how much salt are we talking about. if you were to pile all of the salt from all of the oceans and seas and put it in one place how big would it be? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/110ll6/eli5_why_are_oceans_so_salty_and_how_much_salt/ | {
"a_id": [
"c6i8prx",
"c6i8zpw",
"c6i9s4n",
"c6ial93"
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"score": [
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2,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"The oceans are between 3-4% salt, there are roughly 1.37 x 10^21 kg of sea water in total, 4% of that would come out to 5.48 x 10^18 kg of salt.",
"I can't completely answer al... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
rzdsp | why is it important to eat and chew your food slowly | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/rzdsp/eli5_why_is_it_important_to_eat_and_chew_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"c49uucr",
"c49v2ri",
"c49v4vh"
],
"score": [
2,
9,
2
],
"text": [
"Otherwise you'll get a tummy ache.",
"Because [mastication and saliva are part of the digestion](_URL_0_). Tiny bits of food are easier to digest, that's why you have to chew it. The longer the food... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digestion"
],
[]
] | ||
43fq3d | why do they cut the tails off certain types of adorable dogs? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43fq3d/eli5_why_do_they_cut_the_tails_off_certain_types/ | {
"a_id": [
"czhuus3"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"There are over 70 breeds of dog that traditionally have had their tails cut off a few days after birth. The reason some breeds and not others are docked is simply because of the fashion set for that particular breed. Each breed has an arbitrary s... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
aprirm | why/how do electronics such as phones interfere with equipment in places like hospitals? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aprirm/eli5_whyhow_do_electronics_such_as_phones/ | {
"a_id": [
"egaozqs",
"egauir8",
"egaz85x"
],
"score": [
7,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"There can be lots of reasons for signs like these. Firstly they may not want people to take pictures or record the sound or things of that nature. They might have sensitive information such as patient j... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4ebnwe | if intelligent alien life landed on earth right now, what would happen? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ebnwe/eli5if_intelligent_alien_life_landed_on_earth/ | {
"a_id": [
"d1yo324"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"This is a terrible question for ELI5 because it is extremely hypothetical. Nobody can accurately explain *the* answer, since it depends on hundreds of factors: where they land, how they land, what they are like, and so on."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
8z5nnj | why is illumination(e.g. flash) so much more important for cameras than for the human eye? | Example:
You look in the mirror in a dimly lit room, you take a picture with your camera, look like shit on it and nothing like in reality.
You activate the Flash function, take another pic, suddenly it fits a lot better.
Why can the human eye deal so much better with low or unevenly distributed amounts of light wi... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8z5nnj/eli5_why_is_illuminationeg_flash_so_much_more/ | {
"a_id": [
"e2g9bza",
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],
"score": [
2,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Your pupil is controlled by a ring of muscles that dilate (shrink or make bigger) it appropriately to the amount of light in an area. Your brain is also better than whatever computing power a digital ca... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-dynamic-range_imaging"
]
] | |
yo9rd | the difference between ghz and mbps in routers. | I'm looking at buying a new router as my old one is beginning to die. I keep noticing the main stats are for GHZ and Mbps but after doing a quick google search I can't get any answers that I can understand. Also a quick and easy explanation of what Ghz and Mbps are in the first place. Thanks!
Edit: Thanks a lot guys! ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yo9rd/eli5_the_difference_between_ghz_and_mbps_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5xcxn0"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"GHz isn't as important- it's kinda like channels on a TV. 2.4GHz is a pretty common channel, but other things use the same channels as well, like cordless phones and other wireless devices. However, if you buy say a 5GHz router it \"talks\" on a ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
60a9tm | how are genes, genomes and dna related, especially in relation to "decoding" them? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60a9tm/eli5_how_are_genes_genomes_and_dna_related/ | {
"a_id": [
"df4p0fy"
],
"score": [
7
],
"text": [
"A genome is all of the genetic material that is in an organism. So ALL of your genes. Which is also all of your DNA. \n\nDNA is the molecular building blocks of genomes. \n\nA gene is a segment of DNA that encodes to make a specific protein.\n\nT... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
5yileq | why do so many people seek external validation from strangers rather than self acceptance and acceptance from those whom matter in their lives? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5yileq/eli5_why_do_so_many_people_seek_external/ | {
"a_id": [
"deqez52"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I would imagine because so many of the requirements for a comfortable life in a society rely on these external strangers rather than yourself or those with which you are close, especially when seeking any kind of stardom. Humans, being a social c... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
25z8gj | why is thinking/mind not a sense/sixth sense? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25z8gj/eli5why_is_thinkingmind_not_a_sensesixth_sense/ | {
"a_id": [
"chm4cv4",
"chm664o"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Because the mind doesn't have stimulus of its own. It interprets, decodes and combines the information provided by the senses to allow you to function and interact with your environment. ",
"Yeah, \"senses\" allow you to... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2269pe | how do people physically cross the dmz to defect to/from north korea? | AFAIK it's one of the most heavily armed areas on Earth with both sides being on max alert. I'm wondering how exactly do people get across (or around/underneath) the DMZ. I know the North Koreans had some tunnels that had been discovered but aside from that i've got no clue at all. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2269pe/eli5_how_do_people_physically_cross_the_dmz_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"cgjr2at",
"cgjre31"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"they don't, they go through china.",
"Some defectors have crossed the DMZ from the North to the South.\n\nHow did they do it?\n\nVery very cautiously and carefully."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4eatch | what happened at the colorado republican primary? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4eatch/eli5_what_happened_at_the_colorado_republican/ | {
"a_id": [
"d1ynu9n"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Months ago the Colorado GOP decided to not have a primary or caucus that resulted in delegates being bound to a particular candidate. Instead, they decided to have their own convention where the unbound delegates to the national convention are el... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
66oh37 | why does nipples sit differently on the chest on women and men? | I tried drawing something that was SFW: _URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66oh37/eli5_why_does_nipples_sit_differently_on_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"dgk0zy9",
"dgkob7k"
],
"score": [
40,
3
],
"text": [
"They actually sit about the same, the shape of the breast changes where the nipple lies, which is altered by both fat and muscle. If you compare a flat chested topless female to a male who has similar muscle tone in their c... | [] | [
"http://imgur.com/a/zF7ZM"
] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5bsbnf | // why do humans ( and most animals) produce males and females at a 50/50 split? surely seeing as a male can impregnate multiple females ,whilst 1 female carries a child for 9 months, it would be more reproductively efficient to have more males born? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5bsbnf/eli5_why_do_humans_and_most_animals_produce_males/ | {
"a_id": [
"d9qvm4x",
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"d9qwis9",
"d9qwohx",
"d9qwywz"
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"score": [
40,
4,
2,
2,
11
],
"text": [
"Wouldn't it be more efficient to have more females born? As you said one male can impregnate multiple females and males can't give birth. Therefore you woul... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
af14fz | extracting metals in the ancient civilsation | I was wondering how the people could, in the era of the ancient civilisation, extract metals like steel, gold and silver? And they could distinguish the different types of metals they were extracting? I mean what were the signs they were looking at when they wanted to dig it from the ground? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/af14fz/eli5_extracting_metals_in_the_ancient_civilsation/ | {
"a_id": [
"eduk5zs",
"edut3vc"
],
"score": [
12,
2
],
"text": [
"They looked for shiny things at first, native gold and copper are both pretty shiny. Eventually people learned that green rocks sometimes have copper in them. Then they got lucky and found a deposit of copper with some tin ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
7ks8vw | the theory of time travel via high speeds | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ks8vw/eli5_the_theory_of_time_travel_via_high_speeds/ | {
"a_id": [
"drgroki"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Basically, by travelling really fast, time slows down for the traveller. The formula for it is [here](_URL_0_). \n\nAs you get closer and closer to the speed of light, time for you slows down faster and faster. Note that it is not a linear relati... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/timedilation.htm"
]
] | ||
3gg541 | casimir effect for spinning casimir plates | So I'm a physics undergraduate .... I would like to understand the considerations this person is taking into account ... For the following question (more than half the things he said went above my head) ... _URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gg541/eli5_casimir_effect_for_spinning_casimir_plates/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctxuy3x"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It's a rough argument, and this is going to be an even rougher summary. But anyway, have you studied the regular Casimir effect (without rotation)? If not, the important thing to note is that the plates will feel a slight attraction due to effect... | [] | [
"http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/197507/casimir-effect-for-spinning-casimir-plates"
] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unruh_effect"
]
] | |
2f3xr9 | official thread: isis | This is the official thread for the current situation in the Middle East.
We've been getting dozens of questions for the past month or so, so let's pool all of our explanations, questions, etc. in a central location!
Thanks guys :) | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2f3xr9/official_thread_isis/ | {
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"c... | [] | [] | [
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"http://imgur.com/7V0QmXW"
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[
"http:... | |
nqipj | why it is evolutionarily advantageous for trees/bushes to grow fruit/nuts | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/nqipj/eli5_why_it_is_evolutionarily_advantageous_for/ | {
"a_id": [
"c3b4s71",
"c3b4s71"
],
"score": [
17,
17
],
"text": [
"The point of all seeds is to propagate the plant. Usually they want to get the seeds away from the main plant so the new child isn't competing against its parent.\n\nFruit contain seeds, the fruit is then designed to be ap... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
6aaw13 | why do you get startled/feel a rush of a adrenaline if you catch yourself falling asleep? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6aaw13/eli5_why_do_you_get_startledfeel_a_rush_of_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"dhd3udp"
],
"score": [
5
],
"text": [
"Are you talking about hypnic jerk (sometimes called hypnagogic jerk)? That feeling where you jerk suddenly back awake sometimes when you're falling asleep? The prevailing theory is this is an evolutionary holdover from our earlier primate days, a... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
528v6p | what causes the "pressing" feeling in your lungs that makes you want to cough when inhaling marijuana smoke? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/528v6p/eli5what_causes_the_pressing_feeling_in_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"d7ia4b1"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"That is your lungs wanting to expel what is in them because they need something richer in oxygen content."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
7zyrbv | why can't we reproduce abiogenesis in a lab environment? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7zyrbv/eli5_why_cant_we_reproduce_abiogenesis_in_a_lab/ | {
"a_id": [
"durpbe2",
"dusfxdm"
],
"score": [
9,
2
],
"text": [
"We're not patient enough.\n\nSome experiments with electrical sparks (simulating lightning) and inorganic chemicals have produced organic chemicals. It might have taken many thousands of years of that to produce the first c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
d3btkz | what retained earnings are and why they are considered a liability | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d3btkz/eli5_what_retained_earnings_are_and_why_they_are/ | {
"a_id": [
"f01913k"
],
"score": [
9
],
"text": [
"They arent a liability. retained earnings is equity. In fact, its all the cumulative earnings that stayed in the company, rather than passed out to its owners.\n\njust because its normally a credit balance on the balance sheet doesn't mean its a ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4ffbak | when a car goes underwater. how do the lights stay on even though the batteries under water? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ffbak/eli5_when_a_car_goes_underwater_how_do_the_lights/ | {
"a_id": [
"d28chkg"
],
"score": [
6
],
"text": [
"The water is not a good enough conductor to short out the 12 volt system. \n\n After some time water would flood the electrolyte the battery or corrosion at connectors between the + & - wires would short it out. \n \nSince this short would b... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
4evi1p | what is "physical" information? why is it notable that black holes may cause it to "disappear"? | I have very cursory understandings of quantum physics and the like. So really do please dumb this down for me.
A black hole consumes matter, energy, light, it is an object so massive that it squeezes space time into an itty bitty singularity and nothing can escape it.
So. Where does the "information" paradox come i... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4evi1p/eli5_what_is_physical_information_why_is_it/ | {
"a_id": [
"d2g9nnt"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"You can think of information as a property of a system, where it's basically everything you'd need to know to tell the state of your system apart from other states. A very simple example would be a bit in your computer that can be 0 or 1; you jus... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
j9vvd | what is western buddhism? | I have had friends recently tell me my outlook and beliefs are similar to the Buddhist teachings. What is Buddhism?
EDIT: Thank you all for the explanations. I'm planning on visiting a ?Zen Center? and checking it all out first hand | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j9vvd/eli5_what_is_western_buddhism/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2acq5k",
"c2acvhc",
"c2acq5k",
"c2acvhc"
],
"score": [
8,
7,
8,
7
],
"text": [
"It's basically Buddhism light. \n\nBuddhism contains a lot of things us westerners would find alien and scary, so they removed and changed some things around to make it easier for ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5fkcr2 | at which point an emergency landing from a plane becomes a crash, pure and simple? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fkcr2/eli5_at_which_point_an_emergency_landing_from_a/ | {
"a_id": [
"dakurwo",
"dakux89",
"dakv9dq"
],
"score": [
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Pilots often joke that every time they land a plane it's a controlled crash. \n\nBut the disintinction you are thinking about is whether or not\n\nA: The plane is damaged in the process\n\nand/or\n\nB: ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
ye5lp | agnosticism | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ye5lp/eli5_agnosticism/ | {
"a_id": [
"c5uq4k4",
"c5uq5q4"
],
"score": [
18,
6
],
"text": [
"It's basically saying \"I don't know,\" to the idea of god/God/gods. \n\nSome people call themselves agnostic because they think it's arrogant to say they know the mind of god. Some people call themselves agnostic because t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4aemaf | collection agencies. how do they get you to pay? why are they better at it? how long is your credit affected by them? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4aemaf/eli5_collection_agencies_how_do_they_get_you_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0zopkh",
"d0zpgg3"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Collection agencies buy debt from the people to which you owe money. If you owe me $100, I'm already out the $100. I might sell your $100 debt to a collection agency for $25 since I'd at least get something.\n\nThe collectio... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5ma08n | why did ancient sculptors never sculpt any aroused male subjects? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ma08n/eli5_why_did_ancient_sculptors_never_sculpt_any/ | {
"a_id": [
"dc1ycmk",
"dc1z5f5",
"dc20k23",
"dc24tz9"
],
"score": [
42,
16,
15,
2
],
"text": [
"They did. All the time. The statues with erections don't tend to end up in art history books, unless you are studying fertility art, but they existed. Here's a link to a Google ... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.google.com/search?q=ancient+statues+with+erections&client=ms-android-verizon&prmd=isvn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj7i_i-l6zRAhXRfiYKHSgQCdUQ_AUIBygB&biw=360&bih=560"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9j64y6 | how do plastic oil absorbing sheets work? why do they not absorb water? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9j64y6/eli5_how_do_plastic_oil_absorbing_sheets_work_why/ | {
"a_id": [
"e6pdpvl"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Water and oil are opposites. Water is polar (has a + and - side) while oils are nonpolar (no net charge).\n\nOil absorbing sheets are made from non-polar materials, so liquid oil can “mix” into them. Polar water is rejected from the material beca... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3k2k56 | how does anyone with a normal job afford to live in the san francisco bay area? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3k2k56/eli5_how_does_anyone_with_a_normal_job_afford_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuu8ybc",
"cuu93x8"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Commuting. The bay area itself is really expensive, but there are tons of homes on the outskirts and in other areas you can save a lot of money. \n\nFor example I live in Las Vegas, average rent of a 1 bedroom apartment here... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
a8n4o0 | why is bread more malleable when it’s warm? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a8n4o0/eli5_why_is_bread_more_malleable_when_its_warm/ | {
"a_id": [
"ecc1fn3",
"ecc1gb3"
],
"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"When it heats up, it's atoms move faster. Just like when you boil water, the water's atoms are moving faster than when it's at room temperature, it's just harder to see with bread. The heat is doing some of the work for you.... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
k30jn | how wine is made. | Also, is making champagne much different? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k30jn/eli5_how_wine_is_made/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2h4mk2",
"c2h4mk2"
],
"score": [
19,
19
],
"text": [
"Yeast is the real secret. It's used in a lot of things, and it loves to eat sugars. When it eats sugar, it poops out alcohol and burps carbon dioxide. Some kinds of yeast make more carbon dioxide and some make more alc... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1mb2sb | streaming media servers | An external drive has all my movies and music on it and is connected to my router via USB.
I have my laptop connected to my router wirelessly, and it's acting as a media server.
My smart TV is connected to the laptop's media server, playing files from my router connected hard drive.
What's happening here? What is t... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mb2sb/eli5_streaming_media_servers/ | {
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"Based on a combination of DLNA and Samba (Media specific sharing and computer specific sharing):\n\nYour laptop has gathered a list of all media it can get a hold of, either manually added or through a general search.\n\nIt's constantly listening... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
dfhwr9 | why does traffic come to a standstill during rush hour? if the front cars are going the speed limit, shouldn't traffic flow consistently at the speed limit? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dfhwr9/eli5_why_does_traffic_come_to_a_standstill_during/ | {
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"f... | [] | [] | [
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"https://youtu.be/Suugn-p5C1M"
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],
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[],
[],
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"http://transportationen... | ||
724euu | why are some chemical names different from their symbols/formulaes? | Hello! First post here.
Anyway, I'm learning Chemistry in Form 4(*that's the 10th Grade for US & Key Stage 3 for UK*). Thank God, I can understand most of the topics. But one is bothering me: why do **potassium, sodium & mercury have different symbols or chemical formulaes than their names**?
Thanks in advance! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/724euu/eli5_why_are_some_chemical_names_different_from/ | {
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"text": [
"The names those symbols are based on are Latin, not English. If you look up the latin name for the element, the symbols make sense\n",
"It's about langua... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
bnp4ve | why is it that, when trying to relax, your mind starts remembering all the embarrassing/stupid things you’ve ever done? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bnp4ve/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_trying_to_relax_your/ | {
"a_id": [
"en80flf",
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"score": [
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"text": [
"It's might be due to stress with relating the intensity of what is causing the stress agai... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
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[]
] | ||
20r1vz | why isn't ukraine defending itself? they have an army. why aren't they using it? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20r1vz/eli5_why_isnt_ukraine_defending_itself_they_have/ | {
"a_id": [
"cg5xf5y",
"cg5xj6q",
"cg5xl95"
],
"score": [
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4,
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],
"text": [
"Why doesn't the ant fight off the boot that steps on it? Because it's futile.",
"Ukraine's military is horribly underfunded, equipped, and staffed. The Ukrainians do not field a force capable of tak... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2692e9 | why is africa filled with deserts/savanna and south america has huge rainforests if they are at the same latitude? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2692e9/eli5_why_is_africa_filled_with_desertssavanna_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"chot8t9",
"chotax3",
"chovi5r"
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"score": [
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2,
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"text": [
"north africa has the desert which is on the same plane as Northern mexico and the southwest of the us which has the great sonoran and the Chihuahuan desert southern africa is green, same as south americ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.google.com/maps/place/South+America/@-21.7351043,-63.28125,3z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x9409341c355d34b5:0x69d40ccfc9c6e32b"
],
[]
] | ||
3jfmgy | why is the famous heart symbol such a wildly inaccurate depiction of a heart? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jfmgy/eli5_why_is_the_famous_heart_symbol_such_a_wildly/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuotlaf"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"So, there are a couple of theories on how the hearty symbol got to be so un-heartlike. \n\nFirst up, and very popular here on Reddit, we have [Silphium](_URL_0_), \"an herb used in classical antiquity as a seasoning and as a medicine.\" Silphium ... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silphium"
]
] | ||
3otqg0 | why did walmart's stock fall so hard? | Nam sayn? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3otqg0/eli5why_did_walmarts_stock_fall_so_hard/ | {
"a_id": [
"cw0e777",
"cw0g7ez"
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"score": [
17,
7
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"text": [
"It is very easy to see if you work within the company or pay attention to the moves they have been making. Awhile ago, they spent somewhere in the ballpark of a billion dollars to raise the pay of store associates. I rememb... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2qgleq | how is google fiber faster than verizon fios? | Aren't they both fiber optic? What makes one faster than the other? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qgleq/eli5_how_is_google_fiber_faster_than_verizon_fios/ | {
"a_id": [
"cn5w87w"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"It's likely that for whatever plan Verizon puts you on, it is limited by the subscription contract to a speed lower than what Google puts you on. It is true that they are both fiber-optic and have the same *theoretical* limit, but how they divide... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
eejpa2 | why does your body feel heavier when you’re relaxed? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eejpa2/eli5_why_does_your_body_feel_heavier_when_youre/ | {
"a_id": [
"fbu2u2e",
"fbu8d6f",
"fbudd6x"
],
"score": [
2,
12,
5
],
"text": [
"Muscle and skeleton make up your body weight support system. That is they bear the weight of your body. When your muscles (you) are relaxed they are no longer helping bear the weight as much as when th... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4h4dlc | how do magnetic rail guns work? how is the projectile able to achieve super sonic speeds? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4h4dlc/eli5_how_do_magnetic_rail_guns_work_how_is_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"d2na2zk"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"A rail gun is called that way because it mostly consists of 2, long, parallel conductive bars. They are very straight, very parallel, and the gap between them is much smaller than their length. In between the rails, at one end, is the projecti... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
tgz3o | why do we (citizens) get to vote on some laws while others are passed without voting? | Why do we vote on some laws (proposition 8 in california, for example) while things like CISPA push through the house/senate without us? What decides if some form of legislature is voted on by the people or not? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/tgz3o/eli5_why_do_we_citizens_get_to_vote_on_some_laws/ | {
"a_id": [
"c4mizvb"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Some state constitutions allow for referendums. Referendums are popular votes on laws, such as Proposition 8 in CA. They generally require some X number of people to sign petitions expressing concern about the law before a referendum will be made... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2ye095 | what is the psychological reason why people who are close affectionately poke fun at each other? | Why does my best friend and I greeting each other with "what's up you fuckin' slut" draw us closer? By all accounts it doesn't make sense. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ye095/eli5_what_is_the_psychological_reason_why_people/ | {
"a_id": [
"cp8mscs",
"cp8n4vx",
"cp8n8ub"
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"score": [
4,
25,
10
],
"text": [
"It's a way to demonstrate how close you are. \"I can call you a dirty slut and you wont even bat an eye, because you love me too damn much, and know I love you too much to actually mean it.\"",
"A... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
6dfkch | why are our brains wired to memorize music so well, but not strings of terms or numbers for example? | Even only after hearing a song a few times, I can basically anticipate the melody/lyrics coming right after. However, I always have trouble memorizing lists of terms for school (just one example) | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6dfkch/eli5why_are_our_brains_wired_to_memorize_music_so/ | {
"a_id": [
"di2a6gp"
],
"score": [
23
],
"text": [
"The human brain has a *massive* hard-on for patterns. It's so hungry for patterns, that it will even [see them](_URL_2_) when there are [none present](_URL_1_).\n\nThings like terms or numbers don't usually have much of a pattern to them. It's n... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmrcJe9qD6k",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apophenia",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia"
]
] | |
5e6oy1 | what are we smelling when we smell the "new car smell"? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5e6oy1/eli5_what_are_we_smelling_when_we_smell_the_new/ | {
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71,
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"text": [
"Mostly you are smelling \"outgassing\" -- the various plastics and adhesives used to make car steadily emit small amounts of gases.... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-car-smell-is-toxic-study-says-which-cars-are-worst/",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9r9scv | did t-rex's sleep standing up and how did they get up if they fell over ? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9r9scv/eli5_did_trexs_sleep_standing_up_and_how_did_they/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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187,
297,
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"text": [
"Anything we know about dinosaurs behavior is based on speculation with very little information. We do not see... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8VDbFUjHmI"
],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1h2ujp | why do some tv channels (comedy central in particular) air their shows with irregular time slots? | For example, half hour shows are aired from say 6:26 to 6:56 instead of at exact half-hours. These shows are prerecorded so there's no time-delay issue. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1h2ujp/eli5_why_do_some_tv_channels_comedy_central_in/ | {
"a_id": [
"caqa2h5",
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"car4kpg"
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"score": [
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2,
2
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"text": [
"So that you're less likely to change the channel. Whatever show you were going to flip to already started.",
"My guess is they want to make DVRing shows a pain in the ass. And it works. I recorded ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4htik4 | does hiv always turn into aids? and how long can one live with aids? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4htik4/eli5_does_hiv_always_turn_into_aids_and_how_long/ | {
"a_id": [
"d2s7308",
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"score": [
8,
9
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"text": [
"With treatment you could live your whole life with out getting AIDS but you still carry HIV. It's not really a given, but these days it's more common. At least ones life could be extended long enough for a cure to come out. ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://aidsetc.org/guide/hiv-classification-cdc-and-who-staging-systems"
]
] | ||
3xxi2h | the potential danger of an electromagnetic pulse (emp) coming from a solar storm or attack by an opposing country | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xxi2h/eli5_the_potential_danger_of_an_electromagnetic/ | {
"a_id": [
"cy8o8kh",
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"score": [
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2
],
"text": [
"Our entire infrastructure is computerized at this point, so any point in that system that is susceptible to an EMP burst or attack could become damaged or entirely destroyed and deny us critical features.\n\nEMP pulses, espe... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4k50j6 | why is it easier to remember images/pictures as compared to textual words? | Simply put, why is it easier to remember someone's face then their name? Why are so memory techniques revolving around forming imagery connections(apart from mnemonics and rhymes)? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4k50j6/eli5_why_is_it_easier_to_remember_imagespictures/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"It's not for me. People learn differently. I see words in my head. I often forget people's faces. ",
"Probably because (if you think about it from a scientific, evolutionary perspective) animals evo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0010028573900327"
]
] | |
3ir3p1 | what causes the moving wavy stripes effect on lines? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ir3p1/eli5_what_causes_the_moving_wavy_stripes_effect/ | {
"a_id": [
"cuiv2fr"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"This is called a [Moire pattern](_URL_0_) and it is a pattern formed when the lines in the image *almost* intersect with the lines in the digital picture (the pixels)."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moir%C3%A9_pattern"
]
] | |
3i2h6u | why is it that rap talks of sex, drugs, and violence, but metal is considered the devil's music? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i2h6u/eli5_why_is_it_that_rap_talks_of_sex_drugs_and/ | {
"a_id": [
"cucpge2",
"cucpght",
"cucpgz2"
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"score": [
2,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"People who hate the lyrics of metal music also hate the lyrics of rap music, and would characterize both kinds as immoral or devilish. There's no rule that you can dislike only one kind of music.",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
2xm7ke | what do "electronic warfare" aircraft actually do? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xm7ke/eli5_what_do_electronic_warfare_aircraft_actually/ | {
"a_id": [
"cp1byez"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Jam enemy radar. Protect their own radar. Anything that makes friendly targeting capabilities easier and make enemy targeting capabilities harder. Thats a very basic explanation\n\nMethods of doing so are rather classified"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
26kvcj | in quantum physics, why do particles react differently when being observed? | Thanks guys! This is all really interesting stuff. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26kvcj/eli5_in_quantum_physics_why_do_particles_react/ | {
"a_id": [
"chrzn6m",
"chs08iv",
"chs2q2p",
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"score": [
133,
9,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"It's important to remember that what you normally think of as \"observation\" is not the same as how we usually \"observe\" tiny particles like photons. Most people relate \"obse... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26kvcj/eli5_in_quantum_physics_why_do_particles_react/chs001i"
],
[],
[
"http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell%27s_theorem"
]
] | |
1sm3rq | why was /r/reddit banned? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sm3rq/eli5_why_was_rreddit_banned/ | {
"a_id": [
"cdyxgho"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Long, long ago (in Internet time, at least), there used to be no subreddits. There was just /r/reddit/, and all submissions lived there.\n\nThen the admins created subreddits, and /r/reddit/ was \"the default reddit\" that everyone saw unless th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
7mj1d0 | what is the difference between the cheap batteries that come in toys and major brand batteries, like duracell, and why does the latter last a lot longer? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7mj1d0/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_the_cheap/ | {
"a_id": [
"druar6f",
"drubw3y",
"drujktn"
],
"score": [
3,
22,
2
],
"text": [
"The cells in the nicer batteries are more energy dense, that is also why they tend to be heavier assuming you are using like for like alkaline vs alkaline, lithium vs lithium. This density is measured ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc%E2%80%93carbon_battery",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel%E2%80%93metal_hydride_battery",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_battery"
],
[]
] | ||
425997 | why doesn't the earth's core strong magnetic field affect our electronic devices? | Piggyback to this question: Why is our molten iron-core magnetic at all? Doesn't magnetic matter lose its magnetic features when it reaches very hot temperatures? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/425997/eli5_why_doesnt_the_earths_core_strong_magnetic/ | {
"a_id": [
"cz7o3k5",
"cz7oxs2"
],
"score": [
5,
2
],
"text": [
"Q1: Because the core is actually very weak, and cannot harm electronics. the reason it is able to \"fend off\" so much of the solar radiation is because there's just **so** much core.\nQ2: It's magnetic because it spins. Nor... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2bov7z | why are measuring cylinders and container vessels cylindrical? | Volume of such cylindrical objects use pi, a irrational and never ending figure that goes like '3.1415926535......', so wouldn't that make certain containers such as 100cm3 measuring cylinders inaccurate to a certain extent? Why not use a cuboid structure to eliminate this problem, as cuboids have a definite and exact ... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bov7z/eli5_why_are_measuring_cylinders_and_container/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj7f8mx",
"cj7faal",
"cj7ltvm"
],
"score": [
2,
4,
2
],
"text": [
"It's because when you're measuring such relatively massive quantities, you only rarely ever need to be extremely precise. Most applications that require 100cm^3 of anything are okay if it's 99.6cm^3 or ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4auapn | was early musket and gun based warfare really just standing in a line and taking turns shooting at each other? | from the american revolution to the civil war, standing in a line and shooting at each other seems like its suicidal and dumb and that more complex tactics and guerrilla warfare were needed to win a war. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4auapn/eli5_was_early_musket_and_gun_based_warfare/ | {
"a_id": [
"d13iipv",
"d13ikox",
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"d13oz1i",
"d13q0c1"
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"score": [
3,
7,
8,
6,
3,
4
],
"text": [
"there were also charging involved, that when bayonets and swords come into play. There were also cavalry, and cannons. You cant win war ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
8hnb4a | why does your cellphone get poor reception in some areas/rooms? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8hnb4a/eli5_why_does_your_cellphone_get_poor_reception/ | {
"a_id": [
"dyl0epo"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Depending on how the building is designed a lot of wires and piping could run around that room which would cause a room to act a bit like a faraday cage and block signals. Also, you have more layers of brick and building materials to degrade the ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
1utajc | bitcoin's blockchain | Everything I read on this subject is too technically advanced for me. I know the real innovation of bitcoin lies within the blockchain. I understand how bitcoin itself works and why the system is revolutionary, but I need someone to explain what the blockchain does.
Feel free to use analogies, low-level language and... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1utajc/eli5_bitcoins_blockchain/ | {
"a_id": [
"celgabv",
"celgc2y"
],
"score": [
2,
5
],
"text": [
"The blockchain is a ledger of every bitcoin transaction that takes place.",
"In a nutshell, the blockchain is a publicly-maintained database of every single bitcoin transaction to have ever taken place in the history of ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2n727y | how did pirates/navy track down other ships back before radar/sonar? | I wondered this while watching Pirates of the Caribbean and wondered how ships chased each other down? It's not possible to track steps through ocean. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n727y/eli5_how_did_piratesnavy_track_down_other_ships/ | {
"a_id": [
"cmaxlvp",
"cmay18a",
"cmayq54",
"cmbgyio",
"cmbh8tb",
"cmbhogr",
"cmbtrns"
],
"score": [
210,
5,
58,
4,
3,
2,
3
],
"text": [
"they really didnt. But often you knew where ships were likely to be. There are only so many ports, and the bigg... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] |
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