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7vqwb1
why is it that militaries can't use tear gas but police forces do?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7vqwb1/eli5_why_is_it_that_militaries_cant_use_tear_gas/
{ "a_id": [ "dtue1u5", "dtugae6", "dtum9oo", "dtv4xqi", "dtv5ubf" ], "score": [ 25, 9, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "1. It's easy to confuse tear gas with chemical weapons, which are banned *internationally*\n\n2. Tear gas is non-lethal and used for suppression. Most milita...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
5etmty
for a non-american, why does the president pardon a turkey?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5etmty/eli5_for_a_nonamerican_why_does_the_president/
{ "a_id": [ "daf1cco", "daf2fyb" ], "score": [ 41, 8 ], "text": [ "It's seriously just a stupid tradition. There's literally no other reason behind it, and it has no political or legal effects at all. It's not even a binding pardon, as the turkey is an animal.", "It really all comes ba...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a3pkhp
what causes people to lose large chunks of memories after psychologically traumatic events? is there any fix/cure?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a3pkhp/eli5_what_causes_people_to_lose_large_chunks_of/
{ "a_id": [ "eb844iw", "eb85w27", "eb8ay9i" ], "score": [ 19, 12, 3 ], "text": [ "It's not that they lose it afterwards so much as they weren't properly recording it during the event. Panic does not allow for hardly any memory processing to occur. Too many things happening at once ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
346kng
why do some people "run hot" or "run cold"?
As in, why do some people always seem to be hot and some always seem to be cold. What are the scientific and medical reasons for this ? I hate running hot!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/346kng/eli5_why_do_some_people_run_hot_or_run_cold/
{ "a_id": [ "cqrscqw", "cqrsdwi", "cqs6kie" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "AFAIK your thyroid settles this. I also seem to be hot a lot and feel uncomfortable in situations where other people are just fine. I've asked my dermatologist why is that and she asked if anyone in my ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3vg9sl
how are the sheikhs/saudi princes personally rich?
I understand that many of the Arab nations own a lot of oil but why does that make the Sheikhs and many princes wealthy personally instead of the country? Do they just receive an extremely generous salary or in their power as princes give their own businesses the oil for free which they then sell? How does it work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vg9sl/eli5how_are_the_sheikhssaudi_princes_personally/
{ "a_id": [ "cxn9i7q" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "In Saudi Arabia, the government owns all the oil wells. And it's an absolute monarchy, so that means the royal family owns all the oil wells." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6e9qve
why do bad news resonate more than good news?
Nobody bats an eyelash when some study says that the world is the safest it has been since recorded history. Everybody loses their shit when a cop shoots somebody. Why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6e9qve/eli5_why_do_bad_news_resonate_more_than_good_news/
{ "a_id": [ "di8oho6" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Our species has evolved a big brain, and language, as a way of helping us to stay alive and have thriving offspring. Paying excess attention to news of deadly threats is one of the ways that happens. Meanwhile, paying attention to happy facts tha...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2wm9is
what exactly are orchestra conductors doing with their hands and/or conductor sticks?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wm9is/eli5_what_exactly_are_orchestra_conductors_doing/
{ "a_id": [ "cos5k8d", "cos5ora", "cos5w69", "cos79ir" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "First and foremost keeping the beat and indicating the down stroke for each musical bar so that the players can keep communal time and know how many bars pass when resting or hold...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
ely05g
why would you need to solve a quadratic equation?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ely05g/eli5_why_would_you_need_to_solve_a_quadratic/
{ "a_id": [ "fdkz1ra", "fdkz69b", "fdkz7m4", "fdl4uh6", "fdl7xmq", "fdla0dg" ], "score": [ 37, 5, 7, 14, 4, 13 ], "text": [ "Suppose you wanted to toss something through the air and hit a target, using a precise calculation of the required force as opposed t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5ayrn9
why are mirror mazes so difficult for us?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ayrn9/eli5_why_are_mirror_mazes_so_difficult_for_us/
{ "a_id": [ "d9kgvo0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There are many factors at play, sometimes, the mirrors are angled so that you don't see your reflection until you are right up against the mirror, and sometimes, your brain can't tell if you are headed for a mirror or a doorway with a mirror a li...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dbc3x9
where does the idea of magic come from?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dbc3x9/eli5_where_does_the_idea_of_magic_come_from/
{ "a_id": [ "f2007xf", "f20mk5v", "f20x0oo", "f20y9gl", "f2111ii" ], "score": [ 116, 26, 15, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Magic is sort of the primordial version of science. You eat this and something happens. You do this and something else happens. You don't know *why* it...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_recognition_(psychology\\)", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apophenia" ], [], [], [] ]
dq1hr4
why do many of us simply never get car/air/sea-sick, if it's supposed to be a normal biological response from the brain?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dq1hr4/eli5_why_do_many_of_us_simply_never_get/
{ "a_id": [ "f601thg", "f6021qz", "f6029wc", "f602dwb", "f602e3q", "f602elh", "f602j06", "f602n0f", "f602r7k", "f604ouo" ], "score": [ 7, 36, 23, 9, 20, 344, 3, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ " < off-topic > \n\n\nOk, I have no idea w...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/motion-sickness#inheritance" ], [], [] ]
38uh6c
what is it about the belmont stakes that makes it so hard to win when compared to the derby and preakness?
It seems like every year, or every other year at least, a horse is able to win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, but that horse never seems to be able to win the Belmont. What is it about the Stakes that seems to stop the triple crown from being won so often?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38uh6c/eli5what_is_it_about_the_belmont_stakes_that/
{ "a_id": [ "crxxjfc" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The Belmont Stakes is a longer race. Kentucky Derby is 1 1/4 miles, the Preakness is just a hair shorter at 1 3/16 miles. The Belmont Stakes is 1 1/2 miles. Horses that run well for 1.25 miles may not be the best at a race that is 1/4 mile longer...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
jmvpw
how do cable cars work?
I just took a cable car to this place called Schauinsland, by Freiburg in Germany. It's like an 18-minute ride up to the top of the mountain, and my history-major ass was completely unable to explain to anyone why we didn't fall off the mountain and die. I'm guessing that I wasn't dropped because it was a strong cord, ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jmvpw/how_do_cable_cars_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c2dj5p1", "c2dj5p1" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Most large cable cars like that have two cables. One that keeps you alive (holds the car in the air). And one that drags the car up the cable (much like how an elevator works). Check out [this](_URL_0_) picture and you ca...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/Cablecar.zelllamsee.500pix.jpg" ], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/Cablecar.zelllamsee.500pix.jpg" ] ]
42wbyp
can smoke get wet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/42wbyp/eli5_can_smoke_get_wet/
{ "a_id": [ "czdm5pd" ], "score": [ 23 ], "text": [ "Depends what you mean by \"wet\". \n\nSmoke is by definition an airborne substance and the individual particles in it would just become suspended in water (in fact, that's how they make the 'liquid smoke' seasoning that is used to flavour chilis...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bkjuuu
what's the difference between something that is hereditary vs something that is genetic.
I tried googling it and i still don't understand it
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bkjuuu/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_something_that/
{ "a_id": [ "emh5ahg", "emh5ccj", "emh729h", "emhi5vz", "emhpuhk", "emhr4fc", "emhtmkt", "emi152o", "emi2y37", "emi5zsl", "emipi66", "emirkhf", "emj3uyf", "emjguks" ], "score": [ 7511, 131, 173, 12, 5, 2, 2, 3, 2, 10, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
bbl8gj
when do you use the different gears with an automatic transmission?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bbl8gj/eli5_when_do_you_use_the_different_gears_with_an/
{ "a_id": [ "ekjiio2", "ekjj869" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "They're basically all for towing. Sounds like you have a 5 speed. If your car is struggling to stay in 5th gear because of too much resistance (towing, headwind, lots of uphill driving) then you want to set a different \"max...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.cars.com/articles/what-do-the-numbers-and-letters-mean-on-an-automatic-transmission-1420690417141/" ] ]
ff3tzs
how do polygraph tests differentiate honest nervousness and deceptive answers?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ff3tzs/eli5_how_do_polygraph_tests_differentiate_honest/
{ "a_id": [ "fjvartw", "fjvorvc", "fjw1sfo", "fjw9t9v", "fjwfnuh", "fjwkmxd", "fjwzhq1", "fjx1arf", "fjx37at", "fjx42d6" ], "score": [ 280, 13, 47, 6, 3, 2, 9, 4, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It can't. This is why they are not admissibl...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-meter" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
fvdw3y
i fish for bass and bluegill in a small pond near my house. no one has ever stocked it so how did the fish get there originally?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fvdw3y/eli5_i_fish_for_bass_and_bluegill_in_a_small_pond/
{ "a_id": [ "fmhwrs7", "fmi008y", "fmj3qak" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "We found catfish in our small pond one year. There's several others close by so we assumed the eggs were traveling on frogs and/or turtles that moved between ponds. Very interested to know the real answ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4cl8xf
why are pretzel bags made of different material than chip bags?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cl8xf/eli5_why_are_pretzel_bags_made_of_different/
{ "a_id": [ "d1j5d1g", "d1jvl7k" ], "score": [ 233, 23 ], "text": [ "Chips tend to rub off grease onto their packaging. Pretzels are grease-free. So chips are usually sold in opaque packages, because any window would look smeared and gross.", "It's actually a well known fact that chip ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2ni8i9
why annoying noises don't usually annoy the person making them even if it is a noise that person can not stand at all?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ni8i9/eli5_why_annoying_noises_dont_usually_annoy_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cmdthaj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "For the same principle as you don't laugh when you tickle yourself" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9culiz
what factors affect the average life-expectancy of an organism?
To clarify I'm specifically referring to species-level life-expectancy. Thanks for your time.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9culiz/eli5_what_factors_affect_the_average/
{ "a_id": [ "e5dbqs5", "e5dc4bf", "e5fj9i0" ], "score": [ 7, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The best predictor is metabolism. \n\nAnimals that run hot have shorter lifespans (e.g. mice). \nAnimals that run slow have longer lifespans (e.g. tortoises)", "There are two ways to look at a quest...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7v2r4v
why was england immune to the development of different languages within in, as it occurred in other european countries?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7v2r4v/eli5_why_was_england_immune_to_the_development_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dtp1fd8", "dtp1g8z", "dtp1zi8", "dtp5rss" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are actually many languages spoken in the UK to varying degrees of popularity, such as Scots, Welsh, Irish, Gaelic, etc,., and quite a few accents/dialects of the English lan...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3dd1l6
why is fat so delicous?
Butter, crispy bacon fat, chared steak with marbling... what's the deal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3dd1l6/eli5_why_is_fat_so_delicous/
{ "a_id": [ "ct3yy0n" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The human body needs fat. For the last ten million years, fats were hard to get so humans had to be motivated to chase them down. Nature did that by making them seem delicious. Nowadays fats are super easy to get, but just as desirable to the ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
683sdb
why is a 10% increase of 100 plus 10% increase of 100 equal to 10% increase of 200, but 10% increase of -50 plus 10% increase of 100 not 10% increase of 50?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/683sdb/eli5_why_is_a_10_increase_of_100_plus_10_increase/
{ "a_id": [ "dgvfl3l" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You're using \"increase\" to mean \"move in the positive direction\", but \"a 10% increase\" usually *actually* means a move 10% away from zero, which would be the same as multiplying by 110% (or 1.1). Hence your -50 component should go to -**5*...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
34dnf0
what pragmatic reasons are there for having children?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34dnf0/eli5_what_pragmatic_reasons_are_there_for_having/
{ "a_id": [ "cqtnkl3" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "When you're old and decrepit and need someone to take you to chemo, and wash the urine-soaked sheets of your soon-to-be deathbed, you need someone to take care of that for free. Children are the only ones you can guilt into doing this." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
47iluf
side effects on drugs/prescription medications
What is it exactly that causes side effects when taking prescription medications or drugs given by doctors/hospitals what's going on for your body to have those symptoms?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/47iluf/eli5_side_effects_on_drugsprescription_medications/
{ "a_id": [ "d0d5ygm" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The function of the drug many times causes side effects. Take for example, NSAID's (something like Ibuprofen). They inhibit COX, which inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, the things that cause fevers. However, COX is also needed for a myria...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
72xp1k
humans and knowing things naturally
For example a spider knows how to spin a web, how to bite things when it's in trouble, how to mate, etc. Birds know how to build a nest, what to and not to eat, how to chirp. How do they know these things without someone to teach them? Humans need be taught to walk, talk, make things, dig, jump, etc. Why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/72xp1k/eli5_humans_and_knowing_things_naturally/
{ "a_id": [ "dnm2ogh", "dnm2yk8", "dnm4i6k", "dnm4qzm", "dnm749y", "dnm8oxa", "dnmmjo9" ], "score": [ 6, 6, 3, 3, 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Do you REALLY need to be taught to walk though? I'm sure if a child was left alone it would figure it out eventual...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
9yoffg
singing in a tonal language
Wouldn't singing in a tonal language, where changing the sound/tone/pitch of the word is what changes its meaning, make it really difficult or even impossible to maintain the meaning of the words?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9yoffg/eli5_singing_in_a_tonal_language/
{ "a_id": [ "ea2zp2z", "ea3cw7c" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Sung words have meaning identified by neighboring words and sentence structure. The words are sung without tone. This can be specifically used for lyrics with double meanings, just like lyrics in English songs can be wi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
347i77
why don't movies leak like albums do?
I was watching a trailer for Age of Ultron and it got me thinking, why do albums leak normally but movies usually never do?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/347i77/eli5_why_dont_movies_leak_like_albums_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cqrz110", "cqs0hbj" ], "score": [ 9, 5 ], "text": [ "They don't? Cause I see pirated movies all over.", "They do just before oscar season. You get lots of screeners then. Perfect copys with an occasional watermark saying property of this or that company. Not intended f...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
adxap1
how does shutting down the government help anything?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/adxap1/eli5_how_does_shutting_down_the_government_help/
{ "a_id": [ "edkrhzt", "edkribb", "edksm4y" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Presumably this is in reference to the American government? I am in the UK so this question doesn't necessarily imply that. But I believe that the shutting down of the American government is a consequen...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
aetair
do the new radio waves received from deep space change anything in terms of how we understand our universe?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aetair/eli5_do_the_new_radio_waves_received_from_deep/
{ "a_id": [ "edsecty" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Sadly, those radio waves are not from alien radios, but from pulsars. they help our understanding of the universe, but we haven't proven alien life yet.\n\nAs an addition, remember that 1.5 billion years ago civilization didn't even exist yet, le...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3kfsdh
can the us go further into debt perpetually? what happens when debt interest payments equal government income?
I'm under the assumption that the US at least pays interest on the majority of its debt. Would there not come a point when the dept interest payment would equal total government income/expenditure? What happens at that point? Equally, won't the US increasingly need to incur more debt to meets its debt obligations?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3kfsdh/eli5can_the_us_go_further_into_debt_perpetually/
{ "a_id": [ "cux14bs", "cux18nh", "cux1iia", "cux1tg5" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The US pays interest on the *entirety* of its debt. It has never missed a debt payment. Since the government is able to make its debt payments, we call this \"serviceable\" debt.\n...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_government-debt_crisis" ] ]
41t3sr
hegel's philosophy
Could someone with more understanding hit me with Hegel's theory of dialectical reasoning in a concise way? Thanks for the time and effort.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41t3sr/eli5_hegels_philosophy/
{ "a_id": [ "cz4y7an" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "In thinking through things in the way that asks what they mean and how they are meaningful you end up with contradictions when you start hitting at the real meaning. These contradictions are dialectics, they are unavoidable and generated from wit...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1poupf
do tv stations make money when you record shows with a dvr or tivo?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1poupf/do_tv_stations_make_money_when_you_record_shows/
{ "a_id": [ "cd4g26f" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Technically the money made is on the original advertisement spot - your DVR or Tivo is outside of that scope. However, chances are the networks still use the fact that the ad will be in DVR/TiVo recordings as a marketing/selling point, as an adve...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://money.cnn.com/2012/05/25/technology/dish-auto-hop-lawsuit/", "http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/18/us-dish-hopper-lawsuit-idUSBRE98H18T20130918" ] ]
3j2k2y
how does software like internet download manager can increase the download speed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3j2k2y/eli5how_does_software_like_internet_download/
{ "a_id": [ "culp3d4" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Depends, sometimes.\n\nDownload managers increase speed by using multiple connections to download a file. Connection 1 downloads the first half, connection 2 downloads the second half, both at once.\n\nWhy does this work?\n\nOn the server side, t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3d3y5w
why do news anchors and radio personalities talk with a strange, fake voice?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3d3y5w/eli5_why_do_news_anchors_and_radio_personalities/
{ "a_id": [ "ct1k7yr", "ct1m34l", "ct1ma7s" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "It's meant to hide accents and noticeable dialects. That way you're not biased and will watch the news. ", "That's just what we sound like in the Midwest. For some reason it got adopted as the stand...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
o1mj2
el5: if exercise is so good for me, why does my body hate it?
If I'm doing strenuous labor, my brain says, "dude, fake a stroke. this is terrible." whereas if I'm just maxing/relaxing playing video games, my brain says, "this is alright. Let's continue on this route until I'm hungry." So why is this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/o1mj2/el5_if_exercise_is_so_good_for_me_why_does_my/
{ "a_id": [ "c3dnjuh", "c3dnr1r", "c3dsxi4" ], "score": [ 8, 17, 2 ], "text": [ "Maybe you're just not used to it. During strenuous exercise, your brain releases endorphins, which can generate something called a \"runner's high\". If you lived an extremely active lifestyle for a fe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2b41cw
how do illegal immigrants get jobs? how do companies who pay them "cash under the table" not have major gaps in their balance sheets? hundreds of illegals, even at low wages, is still hundreds of dollars you have to account for at the end of the year...
I don't mean maids, **I mean operations where hundreds of illegals are doing farm work. TL:DR: Where does the money come from, how do companies hide it, how do they pay illegal immigrants?** I realized my understanding of this woefully inadequate. While dealing with IRS paperwork today, I was trying to understand how ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2b41cw/eli5_how_do_illegal_immigrants_get_jobs_how_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cj1l2uo", "cj1l9ny", "cj1n0wx", "cj1nmaw", "cj1nqzb", "cj1o66l", "cj1os9y", "cj1ou3x", "cj1ozer", "cj1p0kd", "cj1peby", "cj1q43t", "cj1q4ff", "cj1q618", "cj1q7e1", "cj1qa50", "cj1qouf", "cj1qu2u", "cj1r49x", "cj1r5iz", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/facts-about-individual-tax-identification-number-itin" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
o1dqo
iran/ us diplomatic relationship and the possibility of war
Is there any chance we will have an armed conflict?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/o1dqo/eli5_iran_us_diplomatic_relationship_and_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c3dmfxe", "c3doljy" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Iran are well aware that any straight-up conflict with the US will end with the utter devastation of their armed forces.\n\nThe US are well aware that any straight-up conflict with Iran will have to be followed by years and ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
25zvhk
what is the internal dialogue in your head?
Maybe it's just me but in my mind it's like I have a conversation between two people. I suppose it could be my ego but then what is the other voice?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25zvhk/eli5_what_is_the_internal_dialogue_in_your_head/
{ "a_id": [ "chmb6y7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I strongly recommend the book *Incognito* by David Eagleman, which is a bit heavy for a 5 year old. He goes into it pretty well, but to summarize in ELI5 manner: \n\nThe brain is more complicated than a computer, because it is made of several com...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
698wu2
how are we able to adjust volumes on things like a tv or a radio and not just have them at one constant level?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/698wu2/eli5_how_are_we_able_to_adjust_volumes_on_things/
{ "a_id": [ "dh4z586" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A knob (most knobs (a.k.a. potentiometer), not just volume) works by bleeding off some signal to ground. So when dimed the max possible signal gets through. As you turn down the volume more and more signal goes to ground, rather than continuing t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4613lw
how do you calculate time when using terms like 1.5 speed?
I get that .5 speed is half speed, so it would take twice as long. But with 1.5 speed what kind of fraction would you multiply the length by? It's 3/2 so would it be 2/3 since 1/2 goes to 2/1?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4613lw/eli5_how_do_you_calculate_time_when_using_terms/
{ "a_id": [ "d01mhbk", "d01njkz" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "1 is default.\n\n1.5 is 50% faster.\n\n2/2 is default. \n\n3/2 is also 50% faster ", "yes. \n1km at 1km/h would take 1/1 = 1 hour. \n0.5 or 1/2 the speed would take 1/(1/2) as long, 1/(1/2) = 2/1 - > 100km/50km/h = 2h....
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.mathsisfun.com/reciprocal.html" ] ]
79f56b
how does food that advertises "no preservatives" have a super-long shelf life?
I recently bought a jar of alfredo sauce from Wal-Mart that advertised "NO Preservatives", but also "Made with Fresh Cream". On the lid, the expiration date is 02-28-2019... Almost a year and a half away?!? And without requiring refrigeration? I know that there's probably salt in it, which is a natural preservative, bu...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/79f56b/eli5_how_does_food_that_advertises_no/
{ "a_id": [ "dp1h71d", "dp1t0wc" ], "score": [ 11, 3 ], "text": [ "It's been canned. Even without artificial preservatives, they can seal it in an airtight container after superheating it to kill all the microorganisms that would lead to it rotting. This makes it shelf stable for quite s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1xbrte
can new addictions take the place of current ones if they both effect the body the same way?
If someone had a dependence on nicotine, could a steady increase in THC intake or morphine (anything that gives the nicotine feeling) take its place and make one eventually lose his/her nicotine addiction but develop a new one. Just wondering if substance addictions can replace other substance addictions.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xbrte/eli5_can_new_addictions_take_the_place_of_current/
{ "a_id": [ "cf9wslp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yes and no. Addiction is both psychological and chemical. You become physically and psychologically dependent on the chemical. Your brain tells you you need it because your body has become accustomed to having it around.\n\nChemically, the substa...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
yr1wn
50 shades of grey: what makes it so popular/controversial?
I haven't read the book. I've wanted to read it, just to find out what the fuss is about, but it would be preferable if someone could explain it to me instead.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yr1wn/50_shades_of_grey_what_makes_it_so/
{ "a_id": [ "c5y1zwy", "c5y22y5", "c5y30qg", "c5y30vl", "c5y4nv8", "c5y4zyb", "c5y5hd4" ], "score": [ 307, 11, 15, 55, 3, 5, 8 ], "text": [ "Ok, so you know how you say \"EW GROSS!\" any time mommy and daddy kiss? Well, believe it or not, some people...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-of-Stupid-ebook/dp/B00868IJ42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1345828847&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=50+shades+of+stupid" ] ]
8dkxai
other than simply not liking it, what biologically causes sudden loss of interest in something?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8dkxai/eli5_other_than_simply_not_liking_it_what/
{ "a_id": [ "dxnzglg", "dxovpm8" ], "score": [ 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Effort vs. perceived reward. If I've already gotten as much entertainment as I think I'll need out of a project, I'll probably stop working on it.\n\nIf playing the piano isn't fun any more, you might stop playing it.\n\nIf...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a72njw
why was new york city so dangerous in the 70s + 80s and how did it get that way?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a72njw/eli5_why_was_new_york_city_so_dangerous_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "ebzvt4n", "ebzvtwx", "ebzvy7j", "ebzz14b", "ec01eo8", "ec04hbq", "ec04v3w", "ec06kso", "ec097ch", "ec0a1n2", "ec0clrk", "ec0cqvf", "ec0dwbq", "ec0e1nc", "ec0ee4j", "ec0f84u", "ec0h0ex", "ec0h385", "ec0h38c", "ec0hnvq", "e...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071402/", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead%E2%80%93crime_hypothesis", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled_Substances_Act", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_flight#Association_with_urban_decay", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C...
2dznvb
how does a record player actually work and would you be able to do the reverse order and actually create a voice by scratching it into a record?
So I am just trying to figure out how Record players work? Do they just scratch a pin along a record which creates a sound? Would you be able to manually create a pattern on the record and make your own voice? It may be a bit confusing but overall I'm just trying to figure out how it works and if you could do it in r...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dznvb/eli5_how_does_a_record_player_actually_work_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cjunqob" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "mythbusters basically used a broom and raw clay pot to make a record, theirs was horrible if i recall, but it was definitely possible to do this." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
63q5e5
the hot pocket sleeve
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/63q5e5/eli5_the_hot_pocket_sleeve/
{ "a_id": [ "dfw5a5h" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Normally microwaves won't heat food beyond 212 degrees because at that point the water inside the food begins boiling and carrying the excess heat away. However, to get \"crisp\" food needs to be exposed to temperatures above 280 degrees, so a m...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1oc8fi
why do you get little botches than burn into your eyes after you look at a light for to long, and show up again when you blink?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oc8fi/eli5why_do_you_get_little_botches_than_burn_into/
{ "a_id": [ "ccqo7la" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The cells of your retina continuing transmitting for a time even after the light source has been removed. The brighter the light the longer they continue transmitting. This is why you can watch a movie which is just, traditionally, 24 still pict...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
174ca7
how can you tell from graffiti alone that the artist is banksy and not someone mimicking him?
I understand that Banksy has a level of anonymity, which always made me wonder how someone would know that he did it and not someone simply copying him.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/174ca7/how_can_you_tell_from_graffiti_alone_that_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c8230bp", "c823otu", "c823q7o", "c824fy6", "c824ij1", "c824ikc", "c824n7i", "c8250cd", "c8259gb", "c825h4u", "c826ltz", "c827jq5", "c828r86", "c829959", "c82a6ag", "c82d2y3", "c82g5do", "c82l0dm" ], "score": [ 322, 1230, ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://bigdizzler.com/view/image/banksyrobbo.jpg" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blek_le_Rat" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3a4v9s
why, with the whole "never again" attitude after the holocaust, does the whole world seem look past the north korean labor camps? are we seriously just waiting for the dprk to collapse by itself??
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3a4v9s/eli5_why_with_the_whole_never_again_attitude/
{ "a_id": [ "cs9b6le", "cs9brrp", "cs9d4qh", "cs9dxa8", "cs9ejer", "cs9elst", "cs9fn5m", "cs9fqdq", "cs9glfp", "cs9jeo0", "cs9jtcp", "cs9n44o", "cs9nat3", "cs9rg1k", "cs9ucrw" ], "score": [ 203, 28, 2, 31, 7, 6, 4, 17, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
7gglbs
what's wrong with having a firewalled internet
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7gglbs/eli5_whats_wrong_with_having_a_firewalled_internet/
{ "a_id": [ "dqiwpxd", "dqiwsod", "dqiwza0", "dqix3ev" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "That would just be another way for the people in charge to censor anything they don't want you to see. See:North Korea. ", "Have you travelled to China? It is incredibly annoyi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
37axkh
hypothetically, if infinite parallel universes do exist, would that not mean there would be a universe in which a parallel universe couldn't exist?
I've seen a lot of questions similar to this be asked, but not this specifically. I love the idea of parallel universes as I love the science fiction that can be based around it, but it always seemed like an obvious paradox that a parallel universe scenario would be undone by the mere fact that a universe would have to...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37axkh/eli5_hypothetically_if_infinite_parallel/
{ "a_id": [ "crl4toj", "crl5m9v", "crl5rg6" ], "score": [ 5, 19, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, no, because the point is that the parallel universe, if it exists, exists in parallel (that is, beside) the others. It's not that the other universes exist within this one. Each universe would ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2vz1ej
how x-rays are produced?
Studying A level physics, wondering if anyone can give me a clear explanation. Thank you.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vz1ej/eli5how_xrays_are_produced/
{ "a_id": [ "com4tan", "com5tw4", "com90o7" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There is more than one way, but I believe in standard x-ray machines, you start with an electron gun (a heated cathode), then you accelerate the electrons and shoot them into matter so that they emit br...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://whs.wsd.wednet.edu/faculty/busse/mathhomepage/busseclasses/radiationphysics/lecturenotes/chapter6/chapter6.html" ] ]
1nypqn
- if water expands when it freezes shouldn't shore lines recede if the polar ice caps melt?
Please don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to deny climate change or try to imply that coastal regions aren't actually in serious peril due to the ice caps melting. That being said, if there is less ice wouldn't there be more room for the melted water and thereby resulting in receding coast lines or, at the very least,...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nypqn/eli5_if_water_expands_when_it_freezes_shouldnt/
{ "a_id": [ "ccnalkd", "ccnams5" ], "score": [ 3, 21 ], "text": [ "A huge amount of ice is on land. Most of the Antarctic is on the continent itself. The Greenland Icesheet is, likewise, on top of a huge landmass. When that ice melts it add directly to the ocean. ", "The correct answ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOCqHRpQh88" ] ]
2z11fc
why do we choke on water or at least feel like we are choking?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2z11fc/eli5_why_do_we_choke_on_water_or_at_least_feel/
{ "a_id": [ "cperaul" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Edited for accuracy: Because there is a muscle that contracts to prevent things from going down the wrong tube. When you accidentally trigger it, you will feel like you are choking. Read this:\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laryngospasm" ] ]
5cighn
why do some place's card readers process faster than others?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cighn/eli5why_do_some_places_card_readers_process/
{ "a_id": [ "d9wqd4l" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The hardware of the device (how powerful that model is), the added software on that device (all the ads and logos related to the business, [example](_URL_0_)), and the Internet connection of the business, as they have to send your card's data to ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.1nps.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/VeriFone-MX850-Credit-Card-Terminal-5.gif" ] ]
3jqn27
why doesn't western animation have longer storylines compared the japanese animation?
Just wondering why that is. The only real example I can think of in western animation is Avatar. Although there seem to be more nowadays, still not a whole lot though. So I'm wondering why it happens to be like that.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3jqn27/eli5_why_doesnt_western_animation_have_longer/
{ "a_id": [ "curh57x", "curllvl" ], "score": [ 15, 6 ], "text": [ "Most anime is based on [manga](_URL_1_), the Japanese version of comics. Authors create their stories in a set of still pictures that, if the strip is popular enough, are then brought to life. Comic strips in Japan, however...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/editorial/1998-07-09", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manga", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto" ], [] ]
80sf41
how does marijuana affect your metabolism? why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/80sf41/eli5_how_does_marijuana_affect_your_metabolism_why/
{ "a_id": [ "duy3fn7", "duy4knk", "duybu0x" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "I'm not 100% sure if its true, but from what I've read smoking weed lowers your blood sugar and that is what triggers \"the munchies\". Since after smoking weed that last thing you really want to do is ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.medicalmarijuanainc.com/obesity-medical-marijuana-research/amp/" ], [] ]
l0rtg
who is a republican and who is a democrat?
I am not from the US so I don't get it. Tried the internet but got more confused. Basically, what is their ideology and stance on various issues? Are there any more political parties besides these two?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/l0rtg/eli5_who_is_a_republican_and_who_is_a_democrat/
{ "a_id": [ "c2otsrw", "c2oty8g", "c2otyv5", "c2ouat1", "c2ouprh", "c2ovcq2", "c2ovf9h", "c2ovp9t", "c2ovrad", "c2owo9q", "c2otsrw", "c2oty8g", "c2otyv5", "c2ouat1", "c2ouprh", "c2ovcq2", "c2ovf9h", "c2ovp9t", "c2ovrad", "c2owo9q" ], ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_parties_in_the_United_States#Politics_comparison", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_parties_in_the_United_States" ], [], [ "http://imgur.com/m2Zft" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Po...
5na9s8
why is florida so flat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5na9s8/eli5_why_is_florida_so_flat/
{ "a_id": [ "dca10u2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Florida was below sea level in the past between ice ages. It will be below sea level again between ice ages. When its voters went for Trump they did what they could to drown their state as fast as possible. \n\nAreas which are inundated when the ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
396n9l
why do people get turned down for car/house/business loans often, but student loans are almost always available?
I imagine it has something to do with repay-ability, since someone making 30k a year is unlikely to repay a loan on a 450k house anytime soon. Although couldn't the same be said about a 300k student loan for a degree in underwater basket-weaving?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/396n9l/eli5why_do_people_get_turned_down_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cs0rtdn", "cs0s3e3", "cs0s9n2", "cs0sdvz", "cs0si5x", "cs0siow" ], "score": [ 5, 166, 2, 3, 3, 13 ], "text": [ "excuse me, are we talking about the United States here?", "One reason for this is that student loans are more secure than other t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1kjvm6
when you use a handheld sprayer on a hose, why doesn't the hose explode from pressure when the sprayer isn't spraying?
I was doing yard work this morning.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kjvm6/eli5_when_you_use_a_handheld_sprayer_on_a_hose/
{ "a_id": [ "cbpo8bd", "cbpocvi", "cbpoeid" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Why would it? The hose's material is (usually) relatively strong, and it doesn't contain near enough water to rupture. ", "Most hoses that I've seen are made from a rubber material inside that doesn...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1j5nz5
the us presidential electoral system. i do not get it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1j5nz5/eli5_the_us_presidential_electoral_system_i_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cbbdxf2" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "US History teacher here. All of these are great answers, I thought I would add a little backstory as to the creation of the electoral system.\n\nWhen the US Constitution was being hammered out in the years following independence, there was a stea...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3r2hio
would gravity affect how a human grows?
Would growing up in a different gravity environment change how a human looks?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3r2hio/eli5would_gravity_affect_how_a_human_grows/
{ "a_id": [ "cwkbjs7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, very much actually.\n\nI don't have much time to explain, but i recommend you watch [this](_URL_0_) Video.\n\nIt only covers what it would be like if you were born in a 0G Area, but the principle is the same :)" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTL_sJycQAA" ] ]
5mpkoy
can someone explain why a government deficit is made out to be so bad, especially since it appears that most governments are running them?
As a follow up, who owns all of the debt? If private citizens own it in a certain country, would that ownership somehow balance out the debt of their own country?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5mpkoy/eli5_can_someone_explain_why_a_government_deficit/
{ "a_id": [ "dc5el83", "dc5fb6l" ], "score": [ 2, 19 ], "text": [ "Its made out to be bad because most people have no clue what it is and it makes for amazing talking points and headlines -- its a PR dream! You can put up giant numbers, tie things to it from the budget and govt expenses an...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
85gosv
animals getting saved from extinction.
If a species was to be limited down to a handful of animals left is there a way the species could be saved without the dangers of inbreeding? Or is this risk just accepted as it would be better to have a sick few than none at all?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/85gosv/eli5_animals_getting_saved_from_extinction/
{ "a_id": [ "dvxjd7s" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I believe the smallest population size to prevent inbreeding is ~4000 individuals. If the species is limited to < 1000 individuals then inbreeding will be a serious problem which might cause the species to die out completely. \n\nThere are metho...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6ysdhu
why are action/ fight scenes in modern movies cut so heavily?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ysdhu/eli5why_are_action_fight_scenes_in_modern_movies/
{ "a_id": [ "dmpt50y", "dmpt927" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "This is actually easy to answer, the actors don't know how to fight and choreography usually is only good in spurts. Notice with Jackie Chan movies his fights are all long shots where you see every hit and every moment of ac...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1jrwj5
basic us government positions
Hey guys, clueless Canadian here so don't get too pissed with my basic questions. I follow the US elections and politics because they're better than ours in my opinion (more important, more interesting, etc.). I've tried looking up some of this stuff but everything I've Googled has turned up really wordy. Anyway, can ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jrwj5/eli5_basic_us_government_positions/
{ "a_id": [ "cbhoj88", "cbhoktt" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Congress consists of both the house of representatives, which is very similar in function to our own house of commons, plus the senate. Senators are pretty much what they are here - the upper house of the legislature, excep...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7psndt
how does music from your phone go through a metal wire and come out as music at the other end?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7psndt/eli5_how_does_music_from_your_phone_go_through_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dsjqvli" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The wires end in little coils inside the earbuds which also contain a small magnet. When current flows threw a coil, it generates a magnetic field which moves the coil against the magnet. Attached to the coil is a thin membrane that makes the air...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3luked
how can they make silent electric cars, while my electric appliances are still loud as hell?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3luked/eli5_how_can_they_make_silent_electric_cars_while/
{ "a_id": [ "cv9epia", "cv9f22r" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "They could. They could dramatically increase the noise reduction of household appliances, but would you still be willing to pay for a blender with an extra $50 of sound proofing added? Also, most methods I can think of will ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7u3fs7
why does the throat "freeze" when you chew/eat a peppermint gum/candy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7u3fs7/eli5_why_does_the_throat_freeze_when_you_cheweat/
{ "a_id": [ "dth8egt" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Your nerve receptors (in your mouth) interpret a compound in pepermint as \"cold\" in a way it is tricking your body. If you had pepermint extract or oil and put it anywhere on your body you would still have the same effect but however to a more ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2a66v7
why can't we block one side of a magnet to make it only attractive on one side?
Is there a material you could put on the back of say a flat square magnet that would block the magnetic properties of one side?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2a66v7/eli5_why_cant_we_block_one_side_of_a_magnet_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cirv9oi", "cirvmdp" ], "score": [ 2, 8 ], "text": [ "That square magnet would have both north and south, there by making the excercise futile. \n\nAnyway, the magnetic field is a closed loop. It has north and south poles. It is not possible to \"cut off\" the field. The lines ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.sci-news.com/physics/science-dirac-monopole-01740.html", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_monopole" ] ]
18mnkn
how does a irrevocable trust fund work and how do i set one up?
I am going to be getting some money soonish and I am wondering if I could put it in a trust and get some kind of interest+principal payout each month? Also if my funds go directly into the trust do I have to pay taxes on it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18mnkn/eli5_how_does_a_irrevocable_trust_fund_work_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c8g4ztq", "c8g5ttw" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "While I applaud your efforts at saving money, you probably should speak with an attorney. ", "IANAL.\n\nThe main benefit of an irrevocable trust is for giving assets to people after you die. There isn't any significant ...
[]
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[ [], [] ]
9v8sck
the difference between agonists, partial agonists, inverse agonists and antagonists
The last two are really confusing me. All help is much appreciated! & #x200B; Cheers! Edit: Thanks so much for the overwhelming response guys. I really appreciate it!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9v8sck/eli5_the_difference_between_agonists_partial/
{ "a_id": [ "e9a88cw", "e9alo5i", "e9ayj89", "e9ayqpv" ], "score": [ 179, 38, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Agonist = molecule that binds to receptor and acts like the endogenous ligand, causing X effect.\n\nPartial agonist = molecule that binds to receptor and acts like the endogenou...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
37pu0d
do people with neurological/body image disorders (anorexia, bdd, etc) actually see their bodies differently than "healthy" people?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37pu0d/eli5_do_people_with_neurologicalbody_image/
{ "a_id": [ "crornko" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "For me, it was more that I would focus on my stomach poking out rather than my very lovely thin arms, or proportions as a whole. I took only the bad, while most people take the bad with the good. \n\nNow that I'm not starving myself anymore and h...
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2th956
what's the difference between vaccines and antibiotics? why do we worry about the overuse of antibiotics creating super bugs, but worry about the under use of vaccines leading to more disease?
Apologies in advance, I know this is a really simple question for a lot of people. I mean, I sort of understand the differences, it's just one of those things where I would have no idea how to explain it if you asked me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2th956/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_vaccines_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cnz1bbk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Vaccines are composed of damaged or destroyed viruses. The idea is that your immune system will identify the harmless viruses as foreign invaders and add them to its antibody \"library.\"\n\nWhen a fully functional version of that same virus att...
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6om5hp
if fiber speeds up digestion, wouldn't it be bad for dieting because it makes you hungrier faster?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6om5hp/eli5_if_fiber_speeds_up_digestion_wouldnt_it_be/
{ "a_id": [ "dkifkz7", "dkijv2w" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Digesting fast won't necessarily make you feel hungry. Food energy gets absorbed into the blood and is depleted throughout the day (and night). Hunger can be triggered by many things, like stress, depression, boredom, pot, e...
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[ [], [] ]
2mjb8r
why were jennifer lawrence's nude pictures censored across the internet so heavily, while all the other leaked celeb pics weren't?
I was just thinking how strange it is that you can easily find nude leaks of a load of celebrities on the internet, but now it's pretty difficult to find the Jlaw pics at all. Even places like Reddit and 4chan banned all discussion about the Jennifer Lawrence leaks specifically. Is there something big going on behind t...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mjb8r/eli5_why_were_jennifer_lawrences_nude_pictures/
{ "a_id": [ "cm4s53l" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Last I heard she was pissed those were leaks. With the money she has she could of paid quite a few companies to go after places posting them. With enough money and manpower focused on a single task you can do a pretty good job of covering things ...
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5pym0h
how does the food you eat effect the taste of your sperm?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5pym0h/eli5_how_does_the_food_you_eat_effect_the_taste/
{ "a_id": [ "dcuvf1z" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This doesn't have anything to do with semen specifically. All of your bodily fluids and odors will be effected by your diet. It's just that semen is the most likely fluid to be consumed, and therefore tasted, by somebody else. " ] }
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2xndgg
is the deep web illegal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xndgg/eli5is_the_deep_web_illegal/
{ "a_id": [ "cp1n9s6", "cp1ncbb" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "From my little knowledge, the Deep Web is basically parts of the internet that can't be accessed through regular search engines. \n\nPeople take advantage of this inaccessibility to do criminal things. So the Deep Web isn't ...
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[ [], [] ]
1wne3s
why do sites "break" due to the reddit hug of death?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1wne3s/why_do_sites_break_due_to_the_reddit_hug_of_death/
{ "a_id": [ "cf3mewj", "cf3mi3m", "cf3nrg9", "cf3nuj2", "cf3ocbx", "cf3ofev", "cf3pfmk", "cf3qcj1", "cf3rl59", "cf3ur0j" ], "score": [ 5, 96, 16, 50, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Imagine a site is a house. Now imagine Reddit...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slashdot_effect" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "JoeSchmoesAlternativeToSoylent.net", "Facebook.com" ], [ "http://i.imgur.com/xudXxrk.gif" ] ]
1yz9mr
whats the big deal about karma on reddit?
I hear more and more people comment on posts stating things like "OP just posted this to get karma" and stuff like that. But in the end, you can't do shit with the reddit karma, can you? So whats the big deal with it? I don't get it... Edit: Alright seems like I was right with Karma beeing kind of pointless and its ju...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yz9mr/eli5_whats_the_big_deal_about_karma_on_reddit/
{ "a_id": [ "cfp31ss", "cfp31yt", "cfp338z", "cfp355v", "cfp3k4b", "cfp3n2t", "cfp41zj", "cfp4a6j", "cfp4u9b", "cfp4v4x", "cfp54xw", "cfp55xw", "cfp5gqu", "cfp5lwo", "cfp5r5v", "cfp67kb", "cfp67ws", "cfp6dh2", "cfp6oqc", "cfp6pjg", "c...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://media.tumblr.com/49111a8a8b2e897532086a13161a3dd6/tumblr_inline_mx4zrcYpvX...
4mo6xe
what is torque, and why do high torque engines not have super high rotation speed?
I asked my physics teacher this and she didn't really give me a proper answer. I want to know why engines with high torque do not spin super fast. Because, if you apply a bigger force to something, shouldn't it also move faster? Sorry if my understanding of engines is wrong, but I guess it also applies to a simple piv...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mo6xe/eli5_what_is_torque_and_why_do_high_torque/
{ "a_id": [ "d3wz9g8", "d3x0ngt", "d3x3kjg", "d3xa2x5" ], "score": [ 12, 4, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Torque is not related to rotation speed. Torque is defined as the force you are using to turn something multiplied by the distance the force is from the center of rotation. For ex...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
8trhwh
how did they do this effect?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8trhwh/eli5_how_did_they_do_this_effect/
{ "a_id": [ "e19lrna" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The floor isn't level, it slopes down toward the back. These guys are walking toward or away from the camera. The lines on the floor and everything else in the room are done a certain way to fool your brain into thinking it's a normal room and ...
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[ [] ]
3s9ziq
in the u.s. senate, what is a hold and how does it works?
How is it that a single senator can block multiple nominations with a hold as reported in this [story] (_URL_0_)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3s9ziq/eli5_in_the_us_senate_what_is_a_hold_and_how_does/
{ "a_id": [ "cwvc2jl", "cwvc4ic" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The Senate, like most legislative bodies, has rules about how legislation gets to be voted on in the first place. Some of the Senate's rules require unanimous consent to move something forward, meaning a single senator can b...
[]
[ "http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/259569-reid-wants-details-on-clinton-email-probe" ]
[ [], [] ]
87249g
why do americans use "sir" or "madam" when referring to people that they don't know personally?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/87249g/eli5_why_do_americans_use_sir_or_madam_when/
{ "a_id": [ "dw9l89s", "dw9la3y", "dw9lb44", "dw9lfkx", "dw9lhtc", "dw9lhvt", "dw9lpbr", "dw9mxan", "dw9qp8g" ], "score": [ 17, 6, 5, 9, 5, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It’s respectful, what else would you call them? ", "We never use ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1v8hh6
if banks won't accept deposits from marijuana sales in washington state or colorado, can marijuana manufacturers/sellers just start their own credit union?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1v8hh6/eli5_if_banks_wont_accept_deposits_from_marijuana/
{ "a_id": [ "cepqmj4", "ceprop7", "ceprpkc", "cepzlmj" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "That's a lot of work. They will probably just launder the money through other channels.", "Banks probably are not taking the revenue because it's in violation of some other ban...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
2s1ygh
would a person with down sydnrome become normal after the extra chromosome was removed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s1ygh/eli5_would_a_person_with_down_sydnrome_become/
{ "a_id": [ "cnlegwn", "cnleigh", "cnlfwlq" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Not entirely. The extra chromosome causes developmental damage that can't just be undone.", "Some cells, such as the neuron (cell in the brain), don't regenerate.\n\nLet's say it is possible to rem...
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[ [], [], [] ]
14o8mj
why are college football bowl games such a big deal?
First off, I understand that there is a lot of money to be made by the schools, but to an average fan what is there to get excited about in a bowl game that isn't for the championship? To me it just looks like one extra meaningless game at the end of the year. I'm a big NFL fan, but I was never really raised on colle...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/14o8mj/why_are_college_football_bowl_games_such_a_big/
{ "a_id": [ "c7ewn4p", "c7exmmf" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "It allows for two different conferences to have a game that they wouldn't get in the normal season, and it's one more game to watch your team play in.", "Bowl games are a measuring stick for success and have many positiv...
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[ [], [] ]
w1nmo
how does a cathode ray tube work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/w1nmo/eli5_how_does_a_cathode_ray_tube_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c59gpn5", "c59h3ur" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "You know those static cling floor mops? You put them near dust, and the dust seemingly flies off the floor onto the mop. That's because there is an electrical interaction between the two: opposite charges attract, like charg...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_de_Graaff_generator" ], [] ]
7qpz91
the math behind determining pot equity in texas hold 'em
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7qpz91/eli5_the_math_behind_determining_pot_equity_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dsr1t3k", "dsri6lh" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "I mean... at any given time you (the television statistician) know what cards are already in play, what cards are left in the deck, and how many cards are going to be dealt.\n\nAfter the flop, for instance, there are only tw...
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[ [], [] ]
a0y08d
us debt/loan credit system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a0y08d/eli5_us_debtloan_credit_system/
{ "a_id": [ "eal8y4e", "eal93jd", "eal9gm0" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "People who conduct credit based transactions in the US are assigned a 'credit score' by three privately owned credit bureaus. The credit scores are supposed to be a rough estimate of the 'creditworthine...
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[ [], [], [] ]
5ve99b
if someone steps on a land mine today and that mine was laid in ww2 does that make them a ww2 casualty?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ve99b/eli5_if_someone_steps_on_a_land_mine_today_and/
{ "a_id": [ "de1dyzz", "de1jr6t", "de1k9rc" ], "score": [ 42, 2, 10 ], "text": [ "There are various different casualty counts that use different definitions. However it is common to count civilian victims after the fighting is over as casualties in the war. This is for example the ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
3c9ccz
how are skywriters so coordinated?
Saw some messages flying over my area. The whole time I was wondering how they were able to write the messages so perfectly.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3c9ccz/eli5_how_are_skywriters_so_coordinated/
{ "a_id": [ "cstfx4w" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The key is in the difference between skywriting and, what you probably saw, skytyping.\n\n > Skywriting is done by one plane that can generally write up to six characters, with a skilled pilot at times maneuvering upside down as they decide when...
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[]
[ [ "http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/skywriting.html" ] ]
4o09x9
differential privacy, like that which apple spoke about at the keynote
Apple spoke about something called differential privacy at the keynote, and it seems to have gotten a lot of people who know about these sorts of things excited. Can anyone elaborate on what it's all about?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4o09x9/eli5_differential_privacy_like_that_which_apple/
{ "a_id": [ "d48he57" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Differential Privacy is what allows a company to spy on you without invading your privacy essentially.\n\nIt allows a company like Apple to collect extensive information about exactly how you use a product/service, aggregate that information (acr...
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[ [] ]
25eozn
if i don't pee or drink anymore liquids will my body eventually reabsorb the liquid from my bladder
will i then sweat it out or how will it leave my body
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25eozn/eli5if_i_dont_pee_or_drink_anymore_liquids_will/
{ "a_id": [ "chgfdfy" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Nope. Bladder doesn't absorb. It only stores. Kidney only extracts water and toxin from bloodstream. Only organ that absorbs water is your intestine" ] }
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d17uwz
what does a company limited by shares mean?
Does it mean that if I buy shares in Apple for $100 and Apple goes bankrupt, I need to pay $100 to Apple? And how does this differ to companies limited by guarantee?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d17uwz/eli5_what_does_a_company_limited_by_shares_mean/
{ "a_id": [ "ezijeey", "ezikm33" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ " > \tDoes it mean that if I buy shares in Apple for $100 and Apple goes bankrupt, I need to pay $100 to Apple?\n\nNo, it means that if Apple loses all its worth and is in huge debt your share is now worthless, but that is al...
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[ [], [] ]
dzxvvj
how does one actually buy or make a bank?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dzxvvj/eli5_how_does_one_actually_buy_or_make_a_bank/
{ "a_id": [ "f8as9f7" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "A bank is a business. Investors put in money, and apply for a government license. Then they hire some staff, rent a building or part of one, open the doors, and start accepting deposits and making loans (or other investments)." ] }
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