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1y0l5e
what are the long term effects of lsd use?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1y0l5e/eli5_what_are_the_long_term_effects_of_lsd_use/
{ "a_id": [ "cfgbdt0", "cfgduzy", "cfggoeb", "cfghyk7" ], "score": [ 6, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "becoming a wizard", "Calmness and an overall deeper understanding of life and the beauty of existence.", "Okay everyone thats saying \"Happiness\" and \"clarity\" are prett...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1qoaem
how to some dogs instantly hate each other at first sight and some love each other, even though they've never met before?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qoaem/eli5_how_to_some_dogs_instantly_hate_each_other/
{ "a_id": [ "cdf3a5o" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Just as there are manners with humans, there are manners dogs. Just like humans, some dogs don't understand these manners. \n\nThey're little things people often don't notice. They aren't supposed to look other dogs straight in the eye at first m...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3mpvsa
what do the dilation drops actually do to your eyes and why does it make your eyes sensitive to light?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mpvsa/eli5_what_do_the_dilation_drops_actually_do_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cvh1bxo" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Dilation drops open up your pupils, much like they would naturally do in the dark, to allow more light in. Helps the doctor see better when he's examining your eyes. Going outside while your pupils are dilated hurts because your pupils are alread...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4f9wrd
how can car manufacturers seemingly copy features and ideas from each other without getting sued?
10 years ago, all these fancy new features like blind spot monitoring systems, keyless/push button start, voice controlled climate systems, adaptive cruise control, backup cameras, park assist, etc, were all unheard of. Now, they're all options on virtually every car. One car manufacturer adds some new, previously unhe...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4f9wrd/eli5_how_can_car_manufacturers_seemingly_copy/
{ "a_id": [ "d273kfm", "d275v0e" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "You can only sue for stuff like this if you have a patent. Either the originator of the feature put it directly into public domain, the patent was denied, or they are giving the other companies permission to use the feature....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3pdqy7
explain radiation, radioactive material, and isotopes to me. literally like i'm 5.
I know all these words but have no idea what they mean other than don't touch the radioactive material. Edit: And fusion/fission, or does that belong in another post?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pdqy7/eli5_explain_radiation_radioactive_material_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cw5ejhv", "cw5fasi" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically, atomic nuclei are made up of protons and neutrons. The number of protons determines the chemistry of the resulting atom (1 proton is hydrogen, 2 is helium, 3 is lithium, etc.). Nuclei can also have neutrons which,...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
dql6cd
why does the colour black go with any other colour?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dql6cd/eli5_why_does_the_colour_black_go_with_any_other/
{ "a_id": [ "f66a7tl", "f66rfwt" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Black is zero. When you mix something with black, you are essentially mixing it with the darkest possible shade of itself, and shades of the same color tend to work together.", "Black and white are shades and tints, not ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4403at
how is it that many american republicans are strongly against the iran nuclear deal, when it is a shining example of good democracy in european countries?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4403at/eli5_how_is_it_that_many_american_republicans_are/
{ "a_id": [ "czm9x6d", "czmaci4", "czmajsl" ], "score": [ 5, 15, 11 ], "text": [ "The view it as giving Iran too much ground. Argued we should have limited them more etc.\n\nIt doesn't hurt that well republicans (the far right ones, not the more middle) look for reasons to hate Oba...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
yhyzv
what is a proxy, how do i get one and why do i want to?
Is TOR a proxy? If so what does it do and why do I have it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yhyzv/eli5_what_is_a_proxy_how_do_i_get_one_and_why_do/
{ "a_id": [ "c5vrrs1", "c5vs6vi", "c5vtmnc", "c5vvo6t" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Basically it makes so people can't track your IP address and trace downloads or other browsing back to you.", "a proxy is where you have a computer look at web pages remotely a...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tor_%28anonymity_network%29" ], [], [] ]
1pxyjd
what is jihadism? what do jihadists believe?
Can someone explain the common beliefs and practices of jihadism to me? Thank you for any answers.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pxyjd/eli5_what_is_jihadism_what_do_jihadists_believe/
{ "a_id": [ "cd77f21", "cd77i2n", "cd7d8as" ], "score": [ 7, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "As far as I know, Jihad is a noun that roughly translates to \"struggle\". In Islamic texts, particularly the Shaiahs, it refers to the \"struggle\" against those who do not believe in the Islamic God....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jihad" ] ]
dhz83x
where do all the fonts get their names from?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dhz83x/eli5_where_do_all_the_fonts_get_their_names_from/
{ "a_id": [ "f3s61ce", "f3s75jy", "f3sd27q", "f3t7ll5", "f3tj1gy" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a little unclear what you mean, especially as you normally don't name fonts, but rather typefaces and within each typeface normally there are many fonts....
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.97thfloor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Serif-Sans-1-04-1.jpg?width=1000&height=399&name=Serif-Sans-1-04-1.jpg", "https://creativemarket.com/TobiasSaul/1963894-Brilon-Font-Extras", "https://creativemarket.com/DesignSomething/104244-Winchester-Condensed-Font", "http...
30mdwh
where is drinkable water stored before it hits my taps (big city)?
Never seen a water towers in my city, Phoenix. Its a huge city too, so where is all this "ready to go" water stored?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30mdwh/eli5_where_is_drinkable_water_stored_before_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cptqirk" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "at the water treatment plant. \n\nit's like they make a batch of 1million gallons and put it in a pool somewhere. the plant is continuously running all the time to filter and make potable water." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bigh8x
why is it that when rain falls, it doesn’t hurt us although it has an enormous potential energy as the water has a mass, and the height is unbelievable?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bigh8x/eli5_why_is_it_that_when_rain_falls_it_doesnt/
{ "a_id": [ "em0g02s", "em0g1bp", "em0g6pb", "em0gen5" ], "score": [ 33, 12, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Water droplets don't have that much mass so they can't carry that much potential energy to begin with.\n\nSince they are a liquid the energy is also dissipated upon impact. Compa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
a545b7
how can sterility caused by a crispr gene drive spread when sterile mosquitoes can't breed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a545b7/eli5_how_can_sterility_caused_by_a_crispr_gene/
{ "a_id": [ "ebk70yt" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "One technique involves releasing large volumes of sterile male mosquitoes to reduce populations. Even though they can't breed successfully, they still *try,* and this means the sterile males are competing with their non-sterilized brethren, which...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
43b4wy
how does child lock work in cars?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43b4wy/eli5_how_does_child_lock_work_in_cars/
{ "a_id": [ "czh95oe" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "From experience, on Toyotas, the child lock moves a guide pin out of position, causing the interior door handle to not be able to engage the lock latch. The outer door handle has a separate connection to the lock latch, allowing the two handles t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3fnf1h
obama's new climate action plan.
A few questions I have: 1)How does it work? 2)Does it entail cap and trade? 3)Is it a law or is it just a proposal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fnf1h/eli5_obamas_new_climate_action_plan/
{ "a_id": [ "ctq7tza" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The Clean Power Plan (as it is called) is a series of EPA regulations and budget proposals that look to reduce CO2 emissions by 32% (from 2005 levels) by 2030, increase renewable energy generation by 30% by 2030, and provide a framework to measur...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
13kop7
timeline of gaza/israel conflict pre-1967
I've been reading about the recent events (from this subreddit and large media outlets) in Gaza/Israel, but I don't have much historical knowledge about their general relationship. I've seen timelines that started from 1967 (Six Days War) when the Israelis began to occupy Gaza. Can anyone give me a general timeline of ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13kop7/eli5_timeline_of_gazaisrael_conflict_pre1967/
{ "a_id": [ "c74tydc" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Ok, super simple version of the timeline\n\n*bits before 500 BCE assume the bible is somewhat accurate in regards to the migrations of people groups*\n\n~2000 BCE: Group of people migrate from Mesopotamia to what would become Israel (Abraham etc....
[]
[]
[ [] ]
aoveb3
why is it important that animal should not become extinct? i don't see how it would have a major impact on the earth overall.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aoveb3/eli5_why_is_it_important_that_animal_should_not/
{ "a_id": [ "eg3t1qg", "eg3t4h8", "eg3yjcr", "eg3ywzv" ], "score": [ 6, 6, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Some animals are indirectly helping us by keeping the environment clean, or are at the start of our food cycle. Take Bees for example, and Coral.", "Some animals play major rol...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2xik9p
how do routers know where to send outgoing packets if it has never before encountered the destination address?
For example, if the IP belongs to a computer across the world, how does the router know where to send the packet?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xik9p/eli5_how_do_routers_know_where_to_send_outgoing/
{ "a_id": [ "cp0f3hj", "cp0f6dj", "cp0t0ns" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It doesn't. Your computer kicks it up the chain.\n\nWe'll take IPv4 since it's easier to visualize.\n\nYour address is 32.12.25.17. The destination address is 85.42.36.78.\n\nSo your computer sends a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1l1zxo
what is a musical scale?
my friend said it was like a major scale has 7 different notes in it or whatever, and then theres like a root note and then 2nd 3rd 4th etc. and i get it, but how do i actually tell someone what a musical scale IS?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1l1zxo/eli5_what_is_a_musical_scale/
{ "a_id": [ "cbuys58", "cbuz0n5", "cbv1g5n" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "a musical scale is any collection of notes that forms a pattern.\n\nionian, dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian, aeolian, and locrian are all 7 note scales.\n\nmajor and minor pentatonic scales are 5 n...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
280pcj
how come my feet will hurt after a while in flat shoes, but not when barefoot?
How come I can work all day in flat shoes and my feet will kill me.. but I kick them off (essentially still walking on a flat surface) and actually feel relief?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/280pcj/eli5_how_come_my_feet_will_hurt_after_a_while_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ci6977m", "ci6es03" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Pressure from the shoes.", "The human foot isn't designed to be covered in a shoe. We are meant to walk barefoot. We invented shoes to protect our feet. If you look at the bottom of your foot you will see it is arched...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2norah
how can mother ducks have 6 and more ducklings of the same age follow them if they have to lay an egg for each one of them?
Chickens usually lay an egg every day. I'm assuming that ducks have similar egg laying habits which means they would have to lay a fertilized egg a day for more than a week straight. But even then, the ducks don't look like there is any age difference. How do ducks do that? Do they crank out several eggs at once? Does...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2norah/eli5_how_can_mother_ducks_have_6_and_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cmfgcky", "cmfgqug" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "When a duck breeds, there is more than one embryo available to be fertilized, so all the eggs being laid technically have the same (or nearly the same) gestational age despite not having been laid at the same time and will t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5x0cf5
who doesn't 911 services not have a way to contact them through text?
There are surely people who are in distress, but can not call or talk.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5x0cf5/eli5_who_doesnt_911_services_not_have_a_way_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dee8u24", "dee8uwi" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Some areas *do* have that feature, as a matter of fact.\n\nHowever, text is very difficult to convey important information with, and doesn't allow dispatchers to ask questions to get that important information.", "It is ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8o0efm
what would happen to an economy if inflation was always at 0%?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8o0efm/eli5_what_would_happen_to_an_economy_if_inflation/
{ "a_id": [ "dzzqecj" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "Inflation encourages people to spend money now as they know prices will get higher. People not spending money is one of the biggest threats to a capitalist economy, as it starts a vicious circle that ends with lots of people being unemployed, so...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
a01lny
how do usb splitter hubs work? how do multiple devices simultaneously transmit signals through a single port without stuttering?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a01lny/eli5_how_do_usb_splitter_hubs_work_how_do/
{ "a_id": [ "eads5ed", "eaeh69i" ], "score": [ 13, 4 ], "text": [ "They don't simultaneously transmit. Rather, they transmit one at a time.\n\nHowever, USB transmits so quickly that you'll rarely run across situations where it matters. Most USB peripherals - your mouse/keyboard, for exampl...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a476ue
why would a solar storm's sustained magnetic field not destroy all data-even tape drives? if a degausser wipes data with powerful sustained magnetic fields, why would a weeklong solar storm not have the same effect on our data?
Could a solar storm big enough and sustained long enough destroy all data storage devices that aren't inside a Faraday cage? Why or why not?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a476ue/eli5_why_would_a_solar_storms_sustained_magnetic/
{ "a_id": [ "ebc2dwq", "ebc2uvj", "ebc5hx9" ], "score": [ 2, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "We have a shield! Earth's magnetic field protects us from the worst of it and funnels what's left to the poles. \n\nAnd assuming we have a storm big enough to wipe hard drives, the power grid would hav...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_shielding#Magnetic_shielding" ] ]
5q20qy
how are dictionaries compiled? how do words get picked to be in a dictionary? how do they not 'forget' to put in a word?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5q20qy/eli5_how_are_dictionaries_compiled_how_do_words/
{ "a_id": [ "dcvwxmb", "dcw1neu" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Nowadays they take help of computers. With the computer you can basically count all the words occurring in all newspapers and all of last year's released books within a very reasonable timeframe (hours?). Sort the counts and...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
11bja2
stone age
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11bja2/eli5_stone_age/
{ "a_id": [ "c6l02nv" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The Stone Age is the period of time, believed to be around a few million years, between when humans figured out how to use tools made out of stone and when humans figured out how to make tools out of metal instead. Metal tools were a big turning ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_age" ] ]
r1own
how open source projects/developers make money
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/r1own/eli5_how_open_source_projectsdevelopers_make_money/
{ "a_id": [ "c426n84", "c426r41", "c427wxz", "c428a1p", "c428xt6", "c42epw5" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 4, 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Many of them have day jobs that pay the bills, and the open source stuff is done in their spare time, for fun and/or learning.", "Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "jboss.org", "https://openshift.redhat.com/app/" ], [] ]
3pquui
how are vortexes in water created? image in description
_URL_0_ I ran into that on another sub ([r/dubbedGIFs](_URL_1_)) How are these vortexes created? What causes them? How are they even truly called, in order to google them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pquui/eli5_how_are_vortexes_in_water_created_image_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cw8nfqi" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The vortex in that gif is caused by the interaction of a body of cold water with one of warmer water. The cold water is denser (I think) so it gets pushed down, while the warm water goes up. These opposing currents create that vortex." ] }
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/n0X9NBR.gifv", "https://www.reddit.com/r/DubbedGIFS/comments/3ppm6q/pufferfish_caught_in_a_vortex/" ]
[ [] ]
biq4cw
why all of a sudden are insect populations on the decline globally? is it just a climate thing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/biq4cw/elif_why_all_of_a_sudden_are_insect_populations/
{ "a_id": [ "em29y8k", "em2dh4s", "em2o2t4" ], "score": [ 13, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Insects have been on the decline for a while now but only recently has this information become more readily available to the public. \n\nThe main factor that is causing insect populations to decline is...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5tt7l0
why do wireless companies treat tethering data differently than mobile data?
if i pay for data, does it really matter how it's being used? if i use my phone to stream netflix, or use it to tether to my computer to stream netflix, isn't the data being used regardless? is tethering more strain on the network than mobile data? if i stream 2gb on my phone or tether 2gb, what is the difference betwe...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5tt7l0/eli5_why_do_wireless_companies_treat_tethering/
{ "a_id": [ "ddosp1b", "ddp641s", "ddpegjv" ], "score": [ 25, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "There is no technical reason for this, and a few years back they did *not*. The bottom line is that they can make more money selling you an additional service. ", "Honestly, it's just a way to char...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1x2cq7
what causes a cowlick?
I am curious as to why everyone has one or two (I have three!), and what causes them.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1x2cq7/eli5what_causes_a_cowlick/
{ "a_id": [ "cf7i0sz", "cf7pdf1" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Believe it or not, it's a consequence of the [hairy ball theorem.](_URL_0_) ", "It more so depends on your hair follicle. This is what determines which way the hair grows out of the scalp. So essentially cowlicks are tuf...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairy_ball_theorem" ], [] ]
2d8yd6
why does the water used for tea and many instant meals have to be boiling?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d8yd6/eli5_why_does_the_water_used_for_tea_and_many/
{ "a_id": [ "cjn7pcx", "cjn7ys3", "cjn901v", "cjnd777" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Instant meals are designed for the water to be a specific optimal temperature. Boiling water has the convenient property that it's always at the same temperature, so you don't have...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
9sdj5g
what is the survival instinct?
Why does the survival instinct in humans only emerge after several years, yet for other species it seems to be innate? In other words why do some species have to learn survival skills, while in others it is an innate instinct?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9sdj5g/eli5_what_is_the_survival_instinct/
{ "a_id": [ "e8nx2jy" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "You’re really asking a nature vs nurture question. With humans, we live in relative safety and usually almost never experience anything that requires our survival instincts to kick in, and on top of that, even if they did, our brains are able to ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4ep9bv
how do doctors know when a limb has to be amputated?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ep9bv/eli5_how_do_doctors_know_when_a_limb_has_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "d224ji6", "d2260cl" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "It's mostly based on the prognosis, or what is likely going to happen to the limb if they don't cut it off. If you have gas gangrene, nothing anyone can do will save it. It's better to cut if off to stop the infection from s...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.mdcalc.com/mangled-extremity-severity-score-mess-score/" ] ]
1fv2g9
what causes us to pe attracted to a specific race?
I am a white female. Ihave always been almost exclusively attracted to black men. This has been going on ever since I was old enough to be attracted to anyone.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fv2g9/eli5_what_causes_us_to_pe_attracted_to_a_specific/
{ "a_id": [ "cae3hrd", "cae3lid", "cae7tyk" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I've wondered this. I think Freud would bring the parents into it, but even from my own experience this doesn't quite stack up. My 5c would be that it might have *something* to do with our early experie...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
d4ri7z
why do women sometimes get urinary tract infections from intercourse?
For a natural activity it seems awfully flawed if for an example trying to conceive, the woman can get a uti?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d4ri7z/eli5_why_do_women_sometimes_get_urinary_tract/
{ "a_id": [ "f0fn4dp", "f0fo364", "f0fojeo" ], "score": [ 4, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Women have a very short urinary tracts. This gives UTIs an easier path to cover.", "During sex, the urethra often comes into contact with bacteria from the genitals and anus. If a woman urinates a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5zy9pm
how exactly do skateboarders manage to keep their balance when going up the side of a halfpipe?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zy9pm/eli5_how_exactly_do_skateboarders_manage_to_keep/
{ "a_id": [ "df1zlf5", "df23mt1" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The black thing on top of our boards is called griptape which helps us keep our shoes on the board when we go up. It's also a little bit like a swing, when we go down or up the transitions we bend our knees and lean either f...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
782ji1
how do radio waves for cell phone signals penetrate into buildings if light can't travel around corners or visible light can't shine through opaque objects? wouldn't you need a direct line of sight to the tower?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/782ji1/eli5_how_do_radio_waves_for_cell_phone_signals/
{ "a_id": [ "doqhju6" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Light and radio waves are all part of the electromagnetic spectrum. \n\nThey don't all behave or interact with stuff the same. Xrays, infrared and microwaves are also part of that spectrum. They, like radio waves can be reflected like visible lig...
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[]
[ [] ]
a6l370
how do different forms of mass communication work worldwide, when we're all so seperated by oceans? (we don't connect to internet servers across the globe through satellites, right?)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a6l370/eli5_how_do_different_forms_of_mass_communication/
{ "a_id": [ "ebvsry3", "ebvstj3", "ebwyuy2" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There's huge cables running across the oceans.\n\n[Here's](_URL_0_) all the connections.", "Most communications take place through fiber optic cables, which are buried under the ground (on land) and...
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[ [ "https://media.pri.org/s3fs-public/styles/story_main/public/story/images/Screen%20Shot%202015-04-17%20at%202.51.06%20PM.png?itok=r5i_ys_w" ], [], [] ]
4rdqgy
why do companies need to put the ® or ™ symbols beside their product names every time it is written?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4rdqgy/eli5_why_do_companies_need_to_put_the_or_symbols/
{ "a_id": [ "d5083j8", "d5087tu", "d508e9v", "d50gxm8", "d50h3x4" ], "score": [ 190, 4, 16, 65, 3 ], "text": [ "The \"TM\" symbol is generally used for unregistered trademarks (including those that are still in the process of being registered) and doesn't do anythin...
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[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21s0yf/eli5_why_do_game_companies_feel_the_need_to_stick/" ], [], [] ]
1cgff7
how does the nintendo 3ds display work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1cgff7/eli5how_does_the_nintendo_3ds_display_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c9g8tps" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The trick with 3D is to make each eye see a different picture. \n\nThe Nintendo screen does this by having a series of pointy 'ridges' on the screen with a different picture on each side. Your right eye sees the right side of all the ridges, and ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenticular_lens" ] ]
fs8son
n95 masks and how they work
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fs8son/eli5_n95_masks_and_how_they_work/
{ "a_id": [ "fm0237f", "fm02wtj" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It's the same principle as a coffee filter, you have the layers in the mask itself that are very fine as to catch anything in the air that passes through it like dust, harmful bacteria, fine moisture droplets that may harbou...
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[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIOSH_air_filtration_rating" ] ]
v1pfx
disk frag/defragmentation
What does it mean when a hard drive is "fragmented", what is a fragment? What does it do when a program "defrags" a hard drive?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/v1pfx/eli5_disk_fragdefragmentation/
{ "a_id": [ "c50ihza", "c50kd3p", "c50kqjl" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Every time you access a program or file, think of it like an overflowing folder of paper work, while you are moving with it from point A, to point B, you drop a few pages in different places, and when y...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
fb6dmq
how is ceramic dinnerware so durable?
I'm talking about your typical glazed plate or bowl or mug. I have plates and bowls that my parents got on their wedding day 35 years ago. After decades of washing and having other dishes rub against them and sharp knifes pressed on the surface, the glossiness has barely even worn off, let alone any other noticeable ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fb6dmq/eli5_how_is_ceramic_dinnerware_so_durable/
{ "a_id": [ "fj2mz3r" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "It has to do with hardness. Some materials like steel are very strong, but not terribly hard. You can scratch steel with most rocks, which we don't regard as being nearly as \"tough\" as steel. Wear tends to be an accumulation of small scratch...
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[ [] ]
10dwge
stealing home base.
*Is it purely undertaken to entertain the crowd due to it's sheer outlandishness & unpredictability? Or is there a logic behind it under the right circumstances?*
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10dwge/eli5_stealing_home_base/
{ "a_id": [ "c6cmry2", "c6cnyyi", "c6cqmm1" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It's also done so that the team can get a run in before the batter can possibly strike out, ending the inning with a third out. \nOther bases also have advantages when stolen, because then if the ball i...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
bj390t
how does the earth’s magnetism work if metals lose their properties with intense heat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bj390t/eli5_how_does_the_earths_magnetism_work_if_metals/
{ "a_id": [ "em4xz63" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Earth's magnetic field is generated by moving currents in the outer core. In that sense, it's more like a gargantuan electromagnet than a permanent magnet.\n\nMoving charge generates a magnetic field, and the liquid outer core moves in circular...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cl50i8
why are there more two headed animals being born than two headed humans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cl50i8/eli5_why_are_there_more_two_headed_animals_being/
{ "a_id": [ "evswmr5" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Two headed babies is a form of Siamese twins. This can only happen when there is twins. The probability of a twin birth depend on the mothers genes which is different between species. For humans this is quite rare but most animals give birth to t...
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[ [] ]
4z8zbe
why does air cool when it's pressure decreases? (conversely, why does air heat up when it's pressure increases?)
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4z8zbe/eli5why_does_air_cool_when_its_pressure_decreases/
{ "a_id": [ "d6tupvd" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Temperature is caused by atoms and molecules whizzing around and hitting off each other. The more collisions, the higher the temperature. If you hold a finite volume of air in a container (say 1 mole, a unit of measurement for atoms and molecules...
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[]
[ [] ]
35aqx6
ukip had over three million votes, why did they only get 1 mp ?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/35aqx6/eli5_ukip_had_over_three_million_votes_why_did/
{ "a_id": [ "cr2ljep" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Let me explain with a really simplified version of the election:\n\n2 Parties run in 100 local elections, each local election gets 201 votes.\n\nBy sheer luck; Party 1 wins EVERY election 101 votes to 100. That means they win every seat.\n\nThe e...
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[ [] ]
4pu712
why are airplanes and other aircrafts forward facing tips rounded instead of arrow shaped?
Wouldn't it cut through the air more efficiently if it was sharp?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4pu712/eli5_why_are_airplanes_and_other_aircrafts/
{ "a_id": [ "d4nvf3i" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ " > Wouldn’t it cut through the air more efficiently if it was sharp?\n\nOnly if the air only comes in perfectly straight. Otherwise it creates zones of low pressure which causes drag. A rounded nose allows the pressure wave which extends forward...
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[ [] ]
qb5es
how do criminal bonds work?
I recently got arrested and had to bond out with a bondsman. I just kind of want a rundown of how the system works. Why does a bondsman take on a bond? Is it because a lot of people can't end up paying the difference? On another note, what happens to the money that you post to bail? Is it used for the jail? County? ya...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qb5es/eli5_how_do_criminal_bonds_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c3w6ln8" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Bail isn't used for anything ideally. It's held by the court, and then given back to you when you show up at the required time. The bondsman just loans you the amount necessary to pay bail, and you agree to have the court pay him back directly.\n...
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[]
[ [] ]
3t7io9
what exactly are co-op apartments and how are they legal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3t7io9/eli5what_exactly_are_coop_apartments_and_how_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cx3r68y", "cx3rbvf" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Co-ops (at least New York style) are a type of apartment ownership that have a purpose similar to condominiums, but with some differences. \n\nWith a condo, you own your unit outright but have a shared ownership of the comm...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
2xwrzt
why do solid-state drives work more efficiently?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xwrzt/eli5_why_do_solidstate_drives_work_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cp43b58", "cp46bb3" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Let me begin by explaining how regular hard drives work. Imagine a record player. Replace the physical grooves on the record with a magnetic charge. Now make it really really tiny and spin very very fast. This is in essence ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
7wx6z2
why did people used to believe in witches, and why did things like 'wearing red lipstick' increase your chance of being one?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7wx6z2/eli5_why_did_people_used_to_believe_in_witches/
{ "a_id": [ "du3umah" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Witches were women (and, little known fact, in some cases men) who practiced pagan traditions and rituals (the name stemming from the german term 'wicca'). The church saw them as heretics and opposed them and their ways. After a while they began ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5ijf1p
why are tunnels round?
Why are all tunnels, whether underwater or in a mountain, round? What would happen if we made a square tunnel?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ijf1p/eli5_why_are_tunnels_round/
{ "a_id": [ "db8l8s3", "db8lk8v", "db8lldg", "db8q6cu", "db9ldo8" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 4, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "When they're naturally formed, a stream of water or something will be evenly eroding the material around it in the round shape.\n\nArches are also stronger th...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.quora.com/Why-do-tunnels-have-a-circular-cross-section" ], [], [ "http://www.ramboll.co.uk/~/media/Images/RUK/Projects/JKL/london%20underground%20deep%20tube%20programme/london-underground-270x270.jpg", "http://www.chicago-l.org/history/6000s@Evergreen.jpg", "http://c8.ala...
64mxpk
what does the 'cosmic microwave background radiation' picture show and why is it oval-shaped?
I'm referring to this picture: _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/64mxpk/eli5_what_does_the_cosmic_microwave_background/
{ "a_id": [ "dg3fq2m", "dg3fugc" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "The Cosmic Microwave Background is radio waves that come from seemingly empty outer space, from every direction. The Big Bang theory explains it as ancient light that has been 'stretched' by the whole universe expanding.\n\n...
[]
[ "http://space.mit.edu/home/tegmark/wmap.jpg" ]
[ [ "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mollweide_projection_SW.jpg" ], [] ]
f0lu3t
what is the difference between atp and nad?
I know that ATP is a form of energy produced by the mitochondria for use by the cell I was interested in NAD after reading this article - _URL_0_ that talked about how when researchers gave mice a boost in NAD, it rejuvanted the mice and allowed the mice to live longer. I know that NAD is involved in metabolism and ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f0lu3t/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_atp_and_nad/
{ "a_id": [ "fgv0es0" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "ATP is the energy molecule, which you're aware of. I don't know the full role of NAD, but it is part of the production of ATP. NAD becomes NADH when it accepts an electron, as glucose is broken down in multiple steps. Anyway, that accepted ele...
[]
[ "https://khn.org/news/a-fountain-of-youth-pill-sure-if-youre-a-mouse/" ]
[ [] ]
bc7ahu
how casinos opening in atlantic city destroyed atlantic city
I’m watching Action on showtime and it’s going through how casinos opening in AC killed the economy and town. Why is this economically?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bc7ahu/eli5_how_casinos_opening_in_atlantic_city/
{ "a_id": [ "ekoct99", "ekolxe0" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Casinos are a very high profit industry. Some people like them, and other people avoid them. The people who like them spend their money in them, making them profitable, but not helping the other businesses. The people who...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
4cwl9u
is there a way to induce hysterical strength (life-or-death adrenaline ) willfully?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cwl9u/eli5_is_there_a_way_to_induce_hysterical_strength/
{ "a_id": [ "d1lyr8r" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Of you can convince yourself you're in grave danger you can activate the flight or fight system. \n\nIt's kinda hard to do but i think i can sometimes do it of i think about something that gets me worked up or scared." ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
349wru
why is binary a more efficient system than decimal?
Why is 00100001 easier to process than 21?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/349wru/eli5why_is_binary_a_more_efficient_system_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cqslti6", "cqslv57", "cqslw8v" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not more efficient. It's simpler for computers.\n\nAt their most basic level, modern computers are a large number (an unimaginably large number) of switches. Just like your light switches at home, ...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1dq7iu
the us cellphone carrier market...
I live in the UK and it's pretty simple and cheaper than the US market. I.e. pricing, plans and usage. I literally don't understand the Verizon, AT & T etc etc. Any overviews why they have their own varients.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1dq7iu/eli5_the_us_cellphone_carrier_market/
{ "a_id": [ "c9ss02n" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "copy & paste from one of my other post with some minor changes.\n\nmostly it's due to population density difference and the land mass it has to cover. tbh, not everything is a conspiracy.\n\n > Total land area: (UK) 244,820 sq km. (US) 9,161,966...
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[]
[ [] ]
ku1j2
how do springs work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ku1j2/eli5_how_do_springs_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c2na19b", "c2na19b" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Do you mean water springs or metal springs?", "Do you mean water springs or metal springs?" ] }
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[]
[ [], [] ]
1xeq9h
why i eye squint
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xeq9h/why_i_eye_squint/
{ "a_id": [ "cfao84s" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "When you squint, you are limiting the amount of light entering your eye which allows you to focus on specific objects. " ] }
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[ [] ]
81q3sm
why are subreddits like r/shoplifting and r/stealing allowed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/81q3sm/eli5_why_are_subreddits_like_rshoplifting_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dv4b3el", "dv4bz1u" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Freedom of speech, coupled to both the fact that \"thought crime\" (i.e thinking about stealing) aren't easily punishable and the fact that every thing you say on the internet is satyre and shouldn't be taken literally.", ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
4knv7f
why is the european union often accused of being undemocratic?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4knv7f/eli5why_is_the_european_union_often_accused_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d3gcoif", "d3gfaeq", "d3gzxo6" ], "score": [ 17, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because many of the decisions are made by EU commissioners who are appointed, with many never having stood for any kind of elected office before. Other decisions are made by votes of MEPs who are elect...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Commission#Legislative_initiative" ], [] ]
4kgi0r
why do dogs roll around in things that smell weird?
My dog will walk around the yard sniffing things then randomly stop to roll around. After I cut the grass today he kept rolling in the grass clippings He also rolls around when he's really happy (like when he has a favorite toy.) Why do they do that? Or is my dog extra weird?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kgi0r/eli5_why_do_dogs_roll_around_in_things_that_smell/
{ "a_id": [ "d3eqolg" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "Your dog is trying to mask his scent. This makes it easier to sneak up on prey and surprise it so he wouldn't have to chase it down." ] }
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[ [] ]
5lgnew
the idea of space as a vacuum.
Cannot. Understand.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5lgnew/eli5the_idea_of_space_as_a_vacuum/
{ "a_id": [ "dbviguq", "dbvkhtr", "dbvlzm1" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "It is called that because space has nearly no atmosphere and extremely low pressure. Liquids and gasses always will flow from an area of high pressure to areas with lower pressure while no other forces...
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[ [], [], [] ]
5cb5g9
how is it that something conceptual can make you feel something physical? ie: butterflies at something romantic, or feeling sick at the realisation of a mistake.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cb5g9/eli5_how_is_it_that_something_conceptual_can_make/
{ "a_id": [ "d9v4ras", "d9v810v" ], "score": [ 9, 3 ], "text": [ "The short answer is, the same way thinking to move your arm causes something physical to happen: your arm moving.\n\nYour brain is connected to your body by nerves and also produces hormones. When you're in love or very exci...
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[ [], [] ]
fdw4bz
how does this sculpture work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fdw4bz/eli5_how_does_this_sculpture_work/
{ "a_id": [ "fjk3u9i" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It works by being a lightweight net that is physically attached to different tethering spots by line that is difficult to see.\n\nIt is made of bits of mylar (the silver balloon stuff) attached to a big net.\n\n_URL_1_\n\n_URL_0_" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_Shard", "http://www.poetickinetics.com/liquid-shard/" ] ]
24d7f2
linear (in)dependence in linear algebra
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24d7f2/eli5_linear_independence_in_linear_algebra/
{ "a_id": [ "ch60y0k" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Linear independence of a set of vectors essentially means that you cannot create one by adding the others.\n\nAs a simple example, the \"unit vectors,\" or the vectors that correspond to the 3 coordinate directions, are [1,0,0], [0,1,0], and [0,0...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7th5r2
how do apps such as hq trivia earn profit from giving away money everyday? where are they getting this money from?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7th5r2/eli5_how_do_apps_such_as_hq_trivia_earn_profit/
{ "a_id": [ "dtcgzf2", "dtcjie4" ], "score": [ 9, 18 ], "text": [ "Their business plan is probably to raise a large following before they begin putting ads in their broadcasts. Most startups get money from angel investors. Ten thousand a day is not a lot considering most Internet startups ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
d6f01z
what exactly is happening to our bodies when we’re laying in the sun and feel it’s heat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d6f01z/eli5_what_exactly_is_happening_to_our_bodies_when/
{ "a_id": [ "f0sh3q8", "f0slvy3" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The nerves in our skin that detect warmth are called thermoreceptors (we have separate ones for hot and cold). The infrared radiation from the sun is heat. It makes our skin warm. The thermoreceptors in our skin send signals...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cdn5qm
; what is the mbti personality test, and does it hold any significant scientific validity?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cdn5qm/eli5_what_is_the_mbti_personality_test_and_does/
{ "a_id": [ "etv0vq1", "etv3pak", "etvpktu" ], "score": [ 19, 15, 2 ], "text": [ "It holds absolutely 0 scientific validity, yet everyone still refers to it for some reason. It was not developed using any kind of scientific study, it was just how one woman viewed people.", "MBT...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
663woq
why are violent crimes more present in states or cities with tough gun control laws?
I keep hearing this. Is this even true? This has never made sense to me. HOW? and please... pretend I'm five, because I keep trying to google it and I end up becoming more confused and 10 pages deep in a gun regulation debate and thats not what I want... I'm just trying to understand.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/663woq/eli5why_are_violent_crimes_more_present_in_states/
{ "a_id": [ "dgfcxmj", "dgfdl5q", "dgfdpj0", "dgffn58" ], "score": [ 10, 10, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "You may have cause and effect backward. It makes sense to me that states with more gun crime would have more public support for gun control laws.", "It's not, really. One exa...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5e1jck
with most countries so far in debt, how does china have all this money to loan other countries like the u.s. and u.k.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5e1jck/eli5_with_most_countries_so_far_in_debt_how_does/
{ "a_id": [ "da8yws6", "da90e4y", "da90nes", "da90rn7", "da92evx", "da96meo", "da9kdmo", "da9yhga", "daa6gzi" ], "score": [ 290, 3, 13, 162, 70, 3, 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "That's not how sovereign debt works.\n\nSovereign debt exists as...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Investment_Corporation" ] ]
cc6w7e
why do unused tabs drain cpu power
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cc6w7e/eli5_why_do_unused_tabs_drain_cpu_power/
{ "a_id": [ "etkx0x7", "etkzoaf", "etl0y09" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "They may be unused, but they’re probably running a bunch of JavaScript crap on the page. Things like banner ads rotations or animations. All those burn cpu cycles whether the page is the focus or not."...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1w4ejk
currently, what are the two sides of the net neutrality debates?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1w4ejk/eli5_currently_what_are_the_two_sides_of_the_net/
{ "a_id": [ "ceymbv5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This is a bit complex and hard to put in ELI5 terms.\n\n(a) many people who consume content online believe that all the content they consume should be treated the same by the ISP, whose role is limited to just *transporting* things that the consu...
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[ [] ]
1gsot0
the volatility of gas prices
In the past two weeks where I live, gas prices have gone up to $4.26/gallon and is now back down to $3.64/gallon. I know that sometimes oil companies capitalize on the collective fear after a terrorist attack or something similar, but in this instance there wasn't any huge news story like that. What makes the price go...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1gsot0/eli5_the_volatility_of_gas_prices/
{ "a_id": [ "canrci9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The reason the price of gas is so volatile is that there is no ONE reason that the price fluctuates; oil is a globally traded commodity that is used for pretty much ever facet of life. I'll try and list them, but I'll probably leave something out...
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[]
[ [] ]
2bs92m
how do we not get sick from using manure as fertilizer?
Just curious how this is possible. How does this not cause sickness, but every few years theres an outbreak of something like E. coli on spinach?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bs92m/eli5_how_do_we_not_get_sick_from_using_manure_as/
{ "a_id": [ "cj8dscv", "cj8ei1c" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "There's two filters on manure before it typically gets into mass-produced food.\n\nOne is the fact that they use \"rotted\" manure which is essentially a rest that causes a further breakdown of the plants and animals that th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
30yz12
what determines nationality? why and when did the idea that our nationality is determined by where we are born start and is it internationally recognized?
If I'm American and my child is born in Japan, Canada, Saudi Arabia my understanding is my child is either or can later chose to be a citizen of that country. If I'm American and my husband/partner is Nigerian and the baby is born in China but raised in Thailand where is that child considered a resident? These ki...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30yz12/eli5what_determines_nationality_why_and_when_did/
{ "a_id": [ "cpx3tq9", "cpx3xac", "cpx3z64", "cpx75zf", "cpxcc60" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Local laws will vary, but generally place of birth and nationality of the parents come into play. Many countries allow multiple citizenships, so it's possible...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
284f81
what's wrong with the big pharmaceutical industry?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/284f81/eli5_whats_wrong_with_the_big_pharmaceutical/
{ "a_id": [ "ci7as2c", "ci7bhsj", "ci7coez" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Many people believe that \"big pharma\" is evil because when you can control the keys to health, there is a lot of room for exploitation. Suppose you were dying and you could only get the cure from me....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
cz4inh
electrical current and grounding
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cz4inh/eli5_electrical_current_and_grounding/
{ "a_id": [ "eyvy2fx", "eyvyz9n", "eywag6u", "eywev8z" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Birds have higher resistance than the cable they are sitting on, so electrons take the easier path.\n\nIf the bird had one leg between the cable and the ground, it becomes the easi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
72q9ar
if rockets use controlled explosions to propel forward, why can’t we use a nuclear reaction to launch/fly our rockets?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/72q9ar/eli5_if_rockets_use_controlled_explosions_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dnkgv5t", "dnkj4oy", "dnkjcs0", "dnkjdbe", "dnkkhr1", "dnkknpp", "dnkkojx", "dnkl4rg", "dnl310o", "dnlsh54" ], "score": [ 12, 37, 132, 5, 3, 4, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We have a plan to do it, but its not environ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Orion_(nuclear_propulsion)**" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_propulsion#Spacecraft" ], [], [], [], [], [ "https://jalopnik.com/the-flying-crowbar-the-insane-doomsday-weapon-america-1435286216" ], [], [] ]
4i280n
why do americans drink alcohol through a brown paper bag?
Is it a TV stereotype, or does it happen in real life as well? If anything, the brown paper bag seems to emphasise that the person is drinking alcohol.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4i280n/eli5_why_do_americans_drink_alcohol_through_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d2ue3m7", "d2ue8v8", "d2uekkg", "d2uny8c", "d2usvh3", "d2utw62" ], "score": [ 11, 36, 4, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Drinking in public is outlawed almost everywhere. So you use a brown paper bag or hope a cop doesn't recognize that your can/bottle is...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/0YrWiwUM3FA" ] ]
1qc8m0
are photos of nude underaged girls in mainstream movies considered child pornography?
It seems that, every time this question is asked, the answer from reddit is a resounding "NO!" The reason I need this explained to me like I'm five is that, despite this supposedly being the case, mods on multiple subreddits delete these photos immediately from any post. Two examples: Keira Knightly bared her breast...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qc8m0/eli5_are_photos_of_nude_underaged_girls_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cdbcrhj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The short answer appears to be \"Not if it has artistic value\". \n\nThe Supreme Court has not ruled on this issue in relation to *child* pornography, but for normal (heh) pornography this is the general rule. So yes you can show the breasts of ...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1qb19j/where_have_you_been_banned_from_and_why/", "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1p9kmn/eli5_how_can_american_beauty_have_under_18_nudity/" ]
[ [] ]
5btmmv
how can i stay anonymous on the internet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5btmmv/eli5_how_can_i_stay_anonymous_on_the_internet/
{ "a_id": [ "d9r43uo", "d9r5e1j", "d9r5ubu", "d9r5yuk", "d9r5z3z", "d9r6umq", "d9re3f3" ], "score": [ 41, 3, 2, 33, 7, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Do not use services such as Google, Facebook, Tinder, Snapchat, Twitter etc.\n\nMake use of a VPN and use the TO...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Privacy_Guard", "https://tails.boum.org/" ], [], [], [], [ "https://tails.boum.org/" ], [ "protonmail.com", "tuta.io" ] ]
3p1r85
why is a baby not nine months old when its born?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3p1r85/eli5_why_is_a_baby_not_nine_months_old_when_its/
{ "a_id": [ "cw2dz03", "cw2dz47", "cw2eluy" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 8 ], "text": [ "Because there is not a concrete date of conception that can be confirmed. Some infants are born later than 9 months of development, and some are born earlier. So we calculate age from a concrete date an...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5ofq3o
why is it that you never notice a person (mostly kids) aging when you see them regularly, but when you look back at old photos/videos, you only then realize how much they've grown?
I'll give my cousin as an example. He's in his "puberty" years, so a lot of bodily changes happen then. To me, he's always looked the same as he did a few years ago. I only really noticed a small change in his voice, but nothing major. Then I look back on old home videos, and saw how truly young he looked before "pube...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ofq3o/eli5_why_is_it_that_you_never_notice_a_person/
{ "a_id": [ "dcizsw2", "dcj8o0m" ], "score": [ 16, 4 ], "text": [ "Day to day things are stored in short term memory. The mundane gets replace a lot. Long term memory is stored elsewhere in the brain. Looking at an old photograph will bring those memories to the short term part of the brai...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
30ii8s
why when i drop something in the car does it not fly back?
I've always thought about this since I was a kid, and there's probably a really easy answer. If you don't understand the question, basically what I'm asking is that, why if I drop something outside the car it goes flying past (the car drives forward not the object falling back) but if I drop an object in the car it g...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30ii8s/eli5_why_when_i_drop_something_in_the_car_does_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cpsq6zp", "cpsq71s", "cpsq9fm", "cpsqc3e", "cpsqd45" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 22, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Newtonian physics. The item you drop already has the same forward speed (momentum) as you and the rest of the car. And object at motion will always stay in...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
3n38l1
if theirs a burglar in you're home and you're forced to hide in closet, why can't you text 911 for help?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3n38l1/eli5_if_theirs_a_burglar_in_youre_home_and_youre/
{ "a_id": [ "cvkdkos", "cvkerp3", "cvki38t" ], "score": [ 7, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "[Because that system isn't fully rolled out yet](_URL_0_)\n\nNew stuff cost money, particularily when it needs to be implemented with existing systems without having issues. Emergency services usually h...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.fcc.gov/text-to-911" ], [], [] ]
9o1y5p
why don’t humans have a thick fur like most other mammals?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9o1y5p/eli5_why_dont_humans_have_a_thick_fur_like_most/
{ "a_id": [ "e7qq3pd", "e7qrqup" ], "score": [ 19, 7 ], "text": [ "Our hunter gatherer ancestors hunted by chasing animals down in marathon runs until the animals died of heat exhaustion / regular exhaustion. In our base survival skills, endurance running is our animal specialty. Virtually...
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[ [], [] ]
22c6j3
why does australia use australian dollars and not australian pounds?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22c6j3/eli5_why_does_australia_use_australian_dollars/
{ "a_id": [ "cgld7xu", "cgldhmp", "cgldkck" ], "score": [ 2, 12, 3 ], "text": [ "We did use pounds, until February 14, 1966.", "Australia originally used Australian pounds (divided into 20 shillings, and 1 shilling into 12 pence).\n\nWhen Australia decided to switch to a decima...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_dollar#History" ], [] ]
b5qha6
what is the difference between an atom and a chemical element?
Atoms are the smallest unit of matter that cointains the chemical properties of a chemical element, but what is the difference between the two. How do we know for example if we have an atom of hydrogen or if we have a chemical element hydrogen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b5qha6/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_an_atom_and_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ejf4c9s", "ejf51bn", "ejf5ffg", "ejf6yyu" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Atoms are what makes up elements. Atoms are the smallest parts of elements that still have all the properties of that element.", "Atoms and elements are one and the same.\n\nAt...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://sciencing.com/what-is-a-diatomic-molecule-13712153.html" ], [], [] ]
lg0sv
store brands
Always been a mystery to me. I want to know about the whole industry.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lg0sv/eli5_store_brands/
{ "a_id": [ "c2sdmgq", "c2se794", "c2sfcfn", "c2sdmgq", "c2se794", "c2sfcfn" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Who are the people that try to mimic the original product?\nWhy is it legal for a retail store to profit off of similarity to an establi...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
858z33
why do food regulations require pork and chicken to be fully cooked to kill bacteria in the meat? whereas beef can be consumed half-cooked. how do we know the same harmful bacteria in pork and chicken isn't also in beef?
ELI5: Why do food regulations require pork and chicken to be fully cooked to kill bacteria in the meat? Whereas beef can be consumed half-cooked. How do we know the same harmful bacteria in pork and chicken isn't also in beef?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/858z33/eli5_why_do_food_regulations_require_pork_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dvvmon9" ], "score": [ 76 ], "text": [ "All meats can have e coli on them, but e coli can only live on the surfaces, it can't penetrate into the meat. Cooking on the outside kills e coli. You can also cut away surfaces to get a clean part, hence why people can eat raw beef like steak ...
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[ [] ]
5t1qqu
why do some people pay to get their taxes done, while others do it themselves for free?
First of all, this is my first year adulting/having a job, so taxes are very new to me. This year, my mom went to H & R block, and the little stands in Walmart to get her taxes done. They both charged a ridiculous amount of money, so she left, and said "fuck it I'll do it myself" She did both of our taxes in about 30...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5t1qqu/eli5_why_do_some_people_pay_to_get_their_taxes/
{ "a_id": [ "ddjg2fb", "ddjg6ik", "ddjg9v2", "ddjgayr", "ddji0ox", "ddjipra", "ddjsmrv" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Lack of knowledge on how to properly complete them. \nFurthermore, if you make for example half a million a year d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "turbotax.com" ], [], [] ]
4xnvn6
how do the opsin proteins we have in our eyes convert light into an electrochemical signal?
I just found an article regarding opsin and then I wanted to read about its function on wiki, but the article there is a bit too technical, to say the least, I quote: "Opsin proteins covalently bind to a vitamin A-based retinaldehyde chromophore through a Schiff base linkage to a lysine residue in the seventh transmemb...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xnvn6/eli5_how_do_the_opsin_proteins_we_have_in_our/
{ "a_id": [ "d6h0m5r", "d6h0n8w", "d6h7z06", "d6iyjqc" ], "score": [ 90, 6, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I'll attempt to translate this to layman's terms bit by bit, since I think that's what you're asking for. \n\n**Opsin proteins:** As you may know, \"proteins\" are the various ti...
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[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/Rhodopsin_3D.jpeg", "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/Phototransduction.png", "http://icanhasscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Photoisomerization-of-Retinal.jpg" ], [], [], [] ]
2kc2bi
could nitrogen in scuba tanks be replaced with an inert gas like argon to prevent nitrogen narcosis?
If there is no nitrogen in the tank but there is oxygen at normal atmospheric concentration, could that eliminate the decompression limit allowing someone to stay down as long as they have air?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kc2bi/eli5_could_nitrogen_in_scuba_tanks_be_replaced/
{ "a_id": [ "clju1lz", "clju2jj", "clju313", "clju4hn", "cljw27u" ], "score": [ 14, 2, 3, 7, 5 ], "text": [ "It can be, and is, replaced with helium for deep dives. People use either trimix (replace some of the N2 with He) or heliox (replace all of the N2 with He) ...
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[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-pressure_nervous_syndrome" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimix_%28breathing_gas%29" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_blending_for_scuba_diving" ], [] ]
26dbzd
how do employers in the us employ illegal aliens without any legal ramifications?
Several employers I've been have employed illegal aliens. How do they do so, without any troubles from INS or the IRS?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26dbzd/eli5_how_do_employers_in_the_us_employ_illegal/
{ "a_id": [ "chpy5f1", "chpy8mv", "chpyaut", "chpydoo" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "As far as I'm aware, you actually can't do that. They're likely paying them under the table, possibly less than minimum wage.\n\nI'm no legal professional, but I have worked for a ...
[]
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[ [], [], [], [] ]