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7ofv98
how do contactless cards generate their rfid signal?
Surely there needs to be a source of energy to generate this signal but how come I don't need to charge my card
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ofv98/eli5_how_do_contactless_cards_generate_their_rfid/
{ "a_id": [ "ds96nhb", "ds96s9n", "ds96te2" ], "score": [ 2, 10, 2 ], "text": [ " Yer not alone in askin', and kind strangers have explained:\n\n1. [ELI5: How is it that RFID stickers work without any batteries? ](_URL_1_) ^(_10 comments_)\n1. [what powers the RFID tags in passport...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1iovw6/what_powers_the_rfid_tags_in_passport_etc/", "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5aqqdh/eli5_how_is_it_that_rfid_stickers_work_without/" ], [], [] ]
cdo3jr
when a generator rotates it produces electricity, which is flow of electrons. from where is the generator getting unlimited source of electrons?
As far as i know, If you keep rotating the generator shaft using wind or water or any other source, it keeps producing electricity. But from where is it all coming?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cdo3jr/eli5_when_a_generator_rotates_it_produces/
{ "a_id": [ "etv7430", "etv791a", "etv7kjl", "etvak56" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2, 11 ], "text": [ "the electrons are already there it just moves them, you can think of electricity like water and the generator is the pump, you crank the pump it moves the water, thats as simple a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
9auvgf
psychologically, why is it easier to adopt several habits slowly and one at a time instead of taking them all up at once?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9auvgf/eli5_psychologically_why_is_it_easier_to_adopt/
{ "a_id": [ "e4yc4v8", "e4yewa6" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Habits take time and focused energy to form (good habits anyway). If you do a ton at once it takes a lot of energy and old habits kick in and most people give up. It's much easier to figure on one thing, get into the routine...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
fhouwm
how hashes work for the encryption of passwords and what a “salt” for the hash is?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fhouwm/eli5_how_hashes_work_for_the_encryption_of/
{ "a_id": [ "fkcp056", "fkcgcj2" ], "score": [ 9, 4 ], "text": [ "A hashing algorithm is a program that turns any input into a number. So let's say we have a hashing algorithm that everyone uses for saving passwords. And this hash says that the number for the password \"hunter2\" is 45.\n\...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3gcwa0
why do some plants have hundreds of seeds, while others only one?
Smaller but more vs. bigger, and usually only a few, if not only one. Like watermelon/avocado. I assume it is in connection with the spreding of the seeds and the animals they eat them, but I don't get the whole picture.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gcwa0/eli5_why_do_some_plants_have_hundreds_of_seeds/
{ "a_id": [ "ctwyy8v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Larger seeds have a greater energy investment and are more likely to succeed, but one the other hand, if there are a lot of them only a small percentage need to survive.\n\nAlso on the matter of seed size is the mode of dispersal. A fruit with la...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
di3p16
when alcohol, or other non-water liquids, evaporate off during cooking, where do the vapors go?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/di3p16/eli5_when_alcohol_or_other_nonwater_liquids/
{ "a_id": [ "f3t6see" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Same place water liquids go when cooked off. \nThey exist as gas in the air. \nThey might condense pretty quickly back into liquid somewhere else though." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
csbl67
why are the ends of passenger jet wings typically curved upwards? does the size matter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/csbl67/eli5_why_are_the_ends_of_passenger_jet_wings/
{ "a_id": [ "exdtn6a", "exdttsx" ], "score": [ 8, 6 ], "text": [ "The angled ends reduce vortex formation at the ends of wings. Air under the wings is under higher pressure than air over the wings, and so it tries to go around the wingtip from the bottom to the top. The fins at the wingtip...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/Images/winglets.jpg" ] ]
usmjv
what does it mean for a piece of music to be in a key? example: tchaikovsky's symphony no. 5 in e minor
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/usmjv/eli5_what_does_it_mean_for_a_piece_of_music_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "c4y67vb", "c4y7w6b", "c4y9203" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 10 ], "text": [ "A \"key\" is simply a pattern of notes depending on the root note. \n\nFor a minor key, the pattern is, whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole\n\nSo if you wanted to play something in E minor yo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1r4ch1
the us constitution's "full faith and credit clause"
I was reading about fungiculture and ended up reading about psilocybe cubensis. In many places, including the US, cultivation of this species is illegal as it is a Schedule I drug. However, [New Mexico](_URL_0_) is the only state to claim that personal cultivation is not technically the "manufacture" intended for illic...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r4ch1/eli5_the_us_constitutions_full_faith_and_credit/
{ "a_id": [ "cdjigdb", "cdjltl9" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "IANAL, but I think it means that every state has to respect the laws and actions of every other state, and help to enforce them, when necessary.\n\nSuppose you are accused of breaking a law in state A, and a state court in s...
[]
[ "http://web.archive.org/web/20060701112912/http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/29120.html" ]
[ [], [] ]
37opwv
what is causing this, "screechy" sound when i have my earbuds plugged into my laptop, even though there is nothing being played?
Just a question I have that has been bothering me for awhile. Its a screechy sound, almost similar to a pipe that has a small puncture. The only video that is close to what im hearing is [this](_URL_0_).
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37opwv/eli5_what_is_causing_this_screechy_sound_when_i/
{ "a_id": [ "croiwnv" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Most likely it's internal crosstalk generated by other internal components in the laptop getting into the on-board sound curcuit. Basically it's very difficult to completely isolate the internal sound that's built into a motherboard due to the fa...
[]
[ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAYm3xhlTeY" ]
[ [] ]
1ugqsf
why are asians excluded from conversations about minority groups in america?
When politicians, companies, universities, and other institutions talk about their "diversity", more often than not they're referring to the amount of Blacks and Hispanics they have. Yet Asians are seemingly always absent from this picture. Just to take a few examples: 1. College admissions. Michele Hernandez, former ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ugqsf/eli5_why_are_asians_excluded_from_conversations/
{ "a_id": [ "cehwcxs", "cehwxeq", "cehwxhb", "cei0f06", "cei1gb2", "cei1q5t", "ceijqe6" ], "score": [ 6, 13, 3, 4, 4, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "because they don't piss and moan about not getting a fair shake just because they aren't Caucasian. instead they ...
[]
[ "http://www.morganstanley.com/about/careers/ischolarships_na.html" ]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_income_in_the_United_States#Over_time.2C_by_race_and_sex", "http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/09/25/sat-scores-are-down-and-racial-gaps-remain", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_United_States" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
bel2qc
why would productivity necessarily increase gdp?
So I understand that productivity means more output per unit. But assuming that everyone in a country is **living paycheck-to-paycheck**, even if productivity increases (and therefore the supply of a good is higher than ever in that country), who's going to pay for those newly produced goods? Correct me if I am wrong b...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bel2qc/eli5_why_would_productivity_necessarily_increase/
{ "a_id": [ "el6lvuz", "el6svsq" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "If productivity is higher than before, then more money is being made overall. Even if the working class is uniformly underpaid as you suggested, that money has to be going somewhere. There would still be the upper crust of p...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cqp7vo
how do actors/actress do sex scenes in tv/film?
Im talking about the ones where actors/actress are fully naked and you can see their asses.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cqp7vo/eli5_how_do_actorsactress_do_sex_scenes_in_tvfilm/
{ "a_id": [ "ewy4pnb", "ewy5s6d", "ewy6m08", "ewydirs", "ewyeq50", "ewyo1ni", "ewyp8ye", "ewypeu4", "ewysfw5", "ewyu3x6", "ewzl15b", "ewzzlcq", "ex09t9o", "ex0eaww" ], "score": [ 1724, 31, 45, 15241, 119, 9568, 3, 42, 2, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://m.ranker.com/list/real-sex-in-hollywood-movies/rydavis" ], [ "https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jai-courtney-nude-scenes_n_6879974#targetText=The%20first%20form%20of%20modesty,according%20to%20Courtney%2C%20quite%20pricey.&targetText=Then%20there's%20the%20“modesty%20pouch,%3A%20“Just%...
lqfgd
how and to what extent your ip address can be used to trace your identity.
I've been reading up on TOR/ proxies, etc and their uses in hiding one's identity online, but I've never really understood how an IP address can allow someone to trace one's identity in the first place. I've read those reports of police, etc tracing people through an ISP, but how does that work? Presumably your ISP has...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lqfgd/eli5_how_and_to_what_extent_your_ip_address_can/
{ "a_id": [ "c2uwrfb", "c2uwrfb" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Think of an IP address like a phone number. When you sign up for service, you are given an IP address that corresponds to your home/ modem, this is how packets know to get to you. Now, if someone does some illegal activity a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2c4c6u
why do spy shots of new model vehicles usually have weird/funky camouflage?
Whether on TV or in a car magazine, spy shots of new model vehicles seem to usually have a [weird black & white camo](_URL_1_), or [black material loosely covering](_URL_0_) the car.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c4c6u/eli5_why_do_spy_shots_of_new_model_vehicles/
{ "a_id": [ "cjbxcup" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The camo helps to stop people from getting a perfect understanding of the cars dimensions and styling - car manufacturers could have their car's features or styling copied from prototype models - as with other counterfeit goods there can often be...
[]
[ "http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2015-ford-mustang-spy-shots-1/", "http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2015-bmw-m4-spy-photos-news" ]
[ [ "http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1085935_spanish-police-bust-fake-ferrari-racket" ] ]
3gfyr2
why do cheap batteries not last as long as branded ones?
I've had a search, and although there are some similar questions I don't feel like there's been a proper ELI5 answer. I mean, in a chemistry sense, paracetamol and ibuprofen are as effective in their dosage whether branded or not, but how can zinc-carbon behave differently in cheap batteries and why don't the unbrande...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gfyr2/eli5_why_do_cheap_batteries_not_last_as_long_as/
{ "a_id": [ "ctxslr7", "ctxtsqq", "ctxxsk6", "cty4ml8", "cty8uv8" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The quality of the manufacturing process will affect the quality of the battery, obviously. There's a lot of details about exact composition, precision of ass...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.wired.com/2012/01/are-expensive-batteries-worth-the-extra-cost/" ], [] ]
b8vbks
why do the elderly often "hold" their breath between breaths?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b8vbks/eli5_why_do_the_elderly_often_hold_their_breath/
{ "a_id": [ "ek0hl26", "ek0moak" ], "score": [ 39, 107 ], "text": [ "Holding on your breath increases carbon dioxide concentration in blood, which works like a painkiller. That's the reason people in pain are often groaning.", "Another common reason is to increase the air pressure in t...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
rpr02
how are buildings taken apart or destroyed to make way for new ones in crowded cities like nyc, hong kong, or shanghai?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/rpr02/eli5_how_are_buildings_taken_apart_or_destroyed/
{ "a_id": [ "c47ngwk", "c47oiwe" ], "score": [ 3, 11 ], "text": [ "For big ones, they can be carefully engineered (with explosives... the best kind of engineering is with explosives) to implode on themselves. \n\nImploding means to collapse inward on itself, kind of the reverse of an explo...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://s3.amazonaws.com/sfb111/story_xlimage_2011_04_R6969_DEUTSCHE_BANK_LAKE_04120211.jpg", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/DBNYDemolition108.jpg", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/DeutscheBank.jpg" ] ]
46ae79
why do some establishments hire bathroom attendants to give you towels and sell you gum?
Everyone can get soap and towel themselves so is it worth paying them an hourly wage? They ask to be tipped and sell gum for a few dollars each. I saw this at a night club
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46ae79/eli5_why_do_some_establishments_hire_bathroom/
{ "a_id": [ "d03j5om", "d03j6mu", "d03k2t3", "d03kc1b", "d03mztk" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Some places make it seem more premium. They're giving you towels and cologne and gum and whatnot - it's a more upscale bathroom experience.\n\nThat's what it'...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
2hnvrk
what causes my body to have random spasms?
For example, I was studying and all of the sudden my body just jerks itself. What causes it and what my body doing during the time? I hope my question make sense.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hnvrk/eli5_what_causes_my_body_to_have_random_spasms/
{ "a_id": [ "ckuf65f", "ckufm0q" ], "score": [ 23, 40 ], "text": [ "Most commonly it's an imbalance (deficiency more often than surplus) in electrolytes. The major ones are sodium, potassium, and calcium. All 3 conduct signals between nerve cells and are responsible for creating the elect...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myoclonus" ] ]
6qh3se
how seemingly poor foreign people are able to rent/buy small shops in large american towns like nyc?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qh3se/eli5how_seemingly_poor_foreign_people_are_able_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dkx7ndl" ], "score": [ 14 ], "text": [ "There are immigrant communities 'loansharks' that loan money to immigrants to start businesses. They formerly were actual banks run and funded by the community but anti-discrimination laws forced them underground.\n\nYou can read up on how China...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2p0czo
why are state-sponsored hackers so good, even when they come from places like north korea?
I've read a bunch of stuff about how the Sony hack was so sophisticated it must have come from a government (and North Korea is the only plausible candidate). What makes state-sponsored hackers so effective? North Korea doesn't seem like such a tech-savvy country.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p0czo/eli5_why_are_statesponsored_hackers_so_good_even/
{ "a_id": [ "cms5spv", "cms7ee9" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Because it's not one guy in his parent's basement working on it part time, it's a professional team in a modern datacenter with way more resources.", "Lets imagine you are a safe cracker. Your father was a locksmith and...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5f3ki4
what's the difference between "end task" and "end process" in windows. why does "end process" seem to work more often?
Title!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5f3ki4/eli5whats_the_difference_between_end_task_and_end/
{ "a_id": [ "dahftzs", "dahj9mm", "dahkulk" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "End task sends a message to the process to close itself. If the program is frozen it can't process this message. \nThe advantage is that the program could close in its intended way. E. g. it could...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2sq1f1
why aren't cars getting cheaper and cheaper like computers
I understand that there are still very expensive computers out there, but it is now easy to find a really good one really cheap. So why are cars not this same way. Even a cheap car is still over $10,000. With all the mass production and tech, shouldn't there be a $3000 car by now that is basic but works?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sq1f1/eli5_why_arent_cars_getting_cheaper_and_cheaper/
{ "a_id": [ "cnrtmhs", "cnrtmnf", "cnrto61", "cnru0zt", "cnruw97", "cnrvkp5", "cnrws29", "cnrygcx", "cnrz4ej", "cnrz4hf", "cnrzmed", "cns06mj", "cns09pt", "cns1uqe", "cns24si", "cns2o1w", "cns34wn", "cns3k0w", "cns3zy8", "cns4hn4", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Nano" ], [], [], [ "http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0512/how-inflation-has-affected-the-price-of-cars.aspx" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://ww...
337cj0
why do they sometimes put glass walls in front of drummers when a band plays live.
For example [Sean Kinney here](_URL_1_) is performing behind glass. And [Jody Stephens here](_URL_0_). (Odd examples, I know. They just came to mind first for some reason)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/337cj0/eli5_why_do_they_sometimes_put_glass_walls_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cqi8j3e", "cqi9mvs", "cqi9sr0", "cqil75d" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "It's to stop the drummer from being picked up on the microphones of the other performers.", "Honestly didn't know that. Always thought it was because the drummer had a tendency...
[]
[ "https://youtu.be/fAtb65Z_bkA", "https://youtu.be/9S8dF7kCKCg" ]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
mag5x
haiku
I understand that it's a poem in 5 7 5 syllable form, I just dont get how you're supposed to read it and what the appeal is.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mag5x/eli5_haiku/
{ "a_id": [ "c2zd63a", "c2zdjp9", "c2ze0qi", "c2zd63a", "c2zdjp9", "c2ze0qi" ], "score": [ 23, 19, 7, 23, 19, 7 ], "text": [ "Haiku is a form of poetry that originates in Japan. It is related to some longer forms of poetry, some of which contain one or more...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5jhoyd
how can google model so many buildings at once?
I was looking around a few big cities on google maps and I noticed most of them are completely 3d modeled and wanted to know what techinque Google uses, since it's nearly impossible to do that by hand. Example: [São Paulo](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jhoyd/eli5how_can_google_model_so_many_buildings_at_once/
{ "a_id": [ "dbga2l2", "dbggi5g", "dbgncf8", "dbkmlii" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "At least this was the way it was done some years ago; I have not done this in quite a while: individuals draw the buildings using Sketchup (a 3D drawing tool, which is available on...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/a/nuKxS" ]
[ [ "http://www.sketchup.com" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6Douyfa7l8", "http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/never-ending-quest-for-perfect-map.html" ], [ "https://youtu.be/XnWnpZB_s0g", "http://i.imgur.com/s3j5ikM.png", "http://i.imgur.com/XyXwIdz.png" ], [] ]
2n4mpf
why is science used as a basis to disprove the existence of a creator?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n4mpf/eli5_why_is_science_used_as_a_basis_to_disprove/
{ "a_id": [ "cma9x07", "cma9y72", "cma9ydx", "cmaa4v2" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Nobody who understands science would use science to disprove the existence of a creator. One might use science to prove the relative improbability of a creator or to simply point ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
7lzr12
if you do use a single can of paint to coat a room, is it the equivalent of shrinking the volume of the room by the size of the inside of the can?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7lzr12/eli5_if_you_do_use_a_single_can_of_paint_to_coat/
{ "a_id": [ "drqaw0g", "drqb05y" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "not quite, because the paint will contain a substantial amount of a carrier of some sort, that water or oil will evaporate from the volume when it dries.", "Yes, maybe depending on how the paint reacts. It may be more i...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3qjala
how does slowing down time in a game work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qjala/eli5_how_does_slowing_down_time_in_a_game_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cwfod27" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "You can stop time in a game by simply not updating the state of the world. Objects don't move unless your code calculates their next position and updates them so if you don't do that then nothing will move or change.\n\nYou can run a physics sim...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2pnd20
how are ssris and other antidepressants/anti anxiety drugs made? what is the source of the active chemicals in these drugs?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2pnd20/eli5_how_are_ssris_and_other_antidepressantsanti/
{ "a_id": [ "cmyglez" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Pharm Student checking in :) I'm not terribly familiar with SSRI's in particular but i can address the second part of your question. Many common, modern drugs, are fully synthetic. What I mean by that is that they do not come from natural compou...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2xmgbn
why don't cell phone companies give people the ability to leave group text conversations?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xmgbn/eli5_why_dont_cell_phone_companies_give_people/
{ "a_id": [ "cp1e7iq" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A group text conversation is actually just a text that is sent to multiple people, and the phone's operating system remembers that this specific conversation should be sent to this group of people each time and displays it as a group. There is no...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
137k0a
israel's iron dome rocket defense infrastructure
Today again Israel used its [Iron Dome anti-rocket technology](_URL_0_) to intercept rockets coming from Gaza. How does this work? It says that it ignores rockets that are not targeting populated areas. Are there people observing rockets and pressing "fire?" Is it automated? How can they calculate the trajectory of en...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/137k0a/eli5_israels_iron_dome_rocket_defense/
{ "a_id": [ "c71ipb1", "c71j79p" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "I do not know the specifics of the Iron Dome system, but this is my take on how such a system could be automated.\n\nThe important part of the design is that the attacks are conducted using either rockets or mortar shells. B...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Dome" ]
[ [], [] ]
4g5mbj
why did we abandon metal body armor before alternatives?
Yes, I know that alternatives like Kevlar would eventually be invented, but in that period of time between, guns were around. Why wasn't metal armor worn? The metal would at least mitigate the damage taken, if anything. For example, the American Revolution. The Minutemen didn't wear armor but knew full well that lead b...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4g5mbj/eli5_why_did_we_abandon_metal_body_armor_before/
{ "a_id": [ "d2eqn3r", "d2eqo68", "d2eqpr4", "d2eqq61", "d2eqqqa", "d2eqx84", "d2ero3a", "d2eyc3l" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 2, 2, 14, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because, as you say, there were guns around. Armour from cheap steel strong enough to resis...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
26wp2i
by paying $7 to join the pharmacy's saving plan my $42 drugs cost me $8. how do they do that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/26wp2i/eli5_by_paying_7_to_join_the_pharmacys_saving/
{ "a_id": [ "chv6y25" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Drug prices are really weird. For most good, we expect the sales cost to be right about the cost of producing it, plus a little profit for incentive. For most drugs however, actually producing the pills is really cheap, but it would take years of...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
51lr3h
what's that noise that happens to be around when it is excessively or scorching hot outside? where does it come from?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51lr3h/eli5_whats_that_noise_that_happens_to_be_around/
{ "a_id": [ "d7cwo56" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Can you be more specific about the sound?\n\nThe ambient noise around here on a suffocatingly hot summer day is rustling leaves and cicadas." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ccf83l
at the molecular level what is the difference between a dominant gene and a recessive gene? what makes the dominant gene dominant and the recessive gene recessive?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ccf83l/eli5_at_the_molecular_level_what_is_the/
{ "a_id": [ "etmkh0p", "etmklxw", "etmpqwc" ], "score": [ 16, 14, 7 ], "text": [ "It depends, but in a simple case if it takes multiple pieces to make the the final time e.g multiple protein \"subunits\" to make a \"protein-complex\" then if any of them are defective, the whole thi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8r7pgs
what exactly is an alloy? i know it’s not a chemical compound but is there any chemical bonding happening? is it just a mixture?
I learned in middle school that an alloy is a mixture. However, we also learned that mixtures can be physically separated and I don’t know if it’s possible to separate an alloy.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8r7pgs/eli5_what_exactly_is_an_alloy_i_know_its_not_a/
{ "a_id": [ "e0p5vt1", "e0p5xh4", "e0p64ye", "e0p7uua", "e0pre57" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 9, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "An alloy is typically a mixture of metals like iron cobalt manganese etc. It is possible to separate them by melting the alloy and removing the slag that floa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
6dxhha
why is there such a sizable neo-nazi community in oregon?
Let me preface this inquiry by saying that I'm not American, and that my only familiarity with Oregon is through TV/movies (Portlandia, Green Room, Imperium) and the odd news story (eg the recent fatal attack). I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around how a city like Portland in particular can be so hipster-y and...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6dxhha/eli5why_is_there_such_a_sizable_neonazi_community/
{ "a_id": [ "di64pqr", "di66oqa" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "The American West is home to a lot of right-wing extremist groups in general. They set up out there because apart from the coastal areas, it's extremely under-populated, which is beneficial for a group with a disliked ideolo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
322m3l
why do i feel like i'm choking when i get sad?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/322m3l/eli5why_do_i_feel_like_im_choking_when_i_get_sad/
{ "a_id": [ "cq7ffyz" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I don't remember exactly which chemical does it, but when you're sad or upset your body releases something to prepare you to react to whatever just upset you. Part of that process opens up your throat so you can get more oxygen into your lungs in...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2afo10
the meaning behind donnie darko
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2afo10/eli5_the_meaning_behind_donnie_darko/
{ "a_id": [ "ciummrx", "ciunhxr", "ciunv5a", "ciuo2m2", "ciuo3r5", "ciur0c2", "ciur8b8", "civ8ux0" ], "score": [ 28, 3, 10, 7, 11, 2, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "I would start [by reading this](_URL_0_).\n\nBut, I remember reading an interview with th...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.donniedarko.org.uk/alternative-explantions/" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mzR37e1EVk" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1z6r0a
how does type 2 "diabetes" affect the brain?
I have read that there is a correlation between diabetes and dementia. Beyond that, everything online is an article in a medical journal that I can't seem to really make sense of in my non-medical mind. Please, seriously explain how diabetes can limit brain function and most importantly…to what extent?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z6r0a/eli5_how_does_type_2_diabetes_affect_the_brain/
{ "a_id": [ "cfqzru5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I tried to type diabetes the way Wilford Brimley says it for fun and it autocorrected it for me so the quotes are not intentional. \n" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1zft7z
what will happen when windows xp becomes unsupported? why will it suddenly become vulnerable?
Mostly, I am curious as to why Microsoft keeps saying that computers will become vulnerable to malicious software. After 13 years hasn't the operating system been patched to perfection? Where are these new vulnerabilities coming from? I am running Windows 7, so I don't really know much about if XP updates, how often...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zft7z/eli5what_will_happen_when_windows_xp_becomes/
{ "a_id": [ "cft8s5w", "cftc73v" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "It won't spontaneously become vulnerable. It was already vulnerable, but every time a vulnerability is discovered, a patch is released to fix the vulnerability. Now the vulnerability will not be fixed. ", "An Explanation...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3sh4am
why does mobile memory go up in multiples of 4 (16gb, 32gb, 64gb, etc.)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3sh4am/eli5_why_does_mobile_memory_go_up_in_multiples_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cwx568w" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Its a computer thing.\n\nA bit is the smallest unit of data we have, and represents binary, 1 or 0. A byte is eight bits. Since that was established, pretty much everything when it comes to computers works in multiples of 8." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7ja8tg
how come when you’re listening to music that’s a while away, you can only hear the bass line?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ja8tg/eli5_how_come_when_youre_listening_to_music_thats/
{ "a_id": [ "dr4smqx", "dr4sn31", "dr6ke3e" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The distance traveled by sound depends on its frequency. Lower frequencies are able to travel further than low frequencies. This is why certain animals like elephants and whales communicate across vast ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
541um5
why does the us use "dry walls" to build its houses?
Why is this "building" method so prevalent in the US when it comes to houses? The US is ahead of global economy (in comparison with most of the world). Brick and mortar has shown to be a better result for a house in regards to structure throughout a house. I live in a 3rd world country and my house has double brick...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/541um5/eli5_why_does_the_us_use_dry_walls_to_build_its/
{ "a_id": [ "d7y5iw3", "d7y62dj", "d7y630l", "d7y69tx", "d7y6a0h", "d7y6cnw", "d7y6x8u", "d7y73mr", "d7y7g6r", "d7y7n3q", "d7y7qgm", "d7y9g20", "d7ya33y", "d7yb2c4", "d7yc5gy", "d7yeukf", "d7ygezs", "d7yhcgo", "d7yj4df", "d7yj62c", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://images.fordaq.com/p-17870000-17863057-1/Timber-frame-house.jpg" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wattle_and_daub", "https://en.wiki...
2k8fl2
how do food advertisements that show unrealistic products work?
Don't we all know that the product we see being advertised is not realistic of what we'll end up consuming? How are these companies not just setting us up to be disappointed in their product and/or brand?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k8fl2/eli5_how_do_food_advertisements_that_show/
{ "a_id": [ "cliwtmy", "clix2ba" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "*images may not be representative of the final product*\n\n*part of a balanced breakfast*\n\n*presentation suggestion*\n\nI don't know the exact words companies use in the US for disclaimers, but it's all in the fine print, ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSd0keSj2W8" ], [] ]
2cvyiq
why is it that everyone has a ridge on their back where the spine is? would it not make more sense for the body to protect the spine with fat?
I have no idea why I thought of this, but the question popped into my head the other day. Why is it that no fat collects on the back where the spine is? Surely it would make more sense for the spine to be one of the most protected parts of our body? EDIT: When I say spine, I actually mean spinal chord, I'm aware that ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cvyiq/eli5_why_is_it_that_everyone_has_a_ridge_on_their/
{ "a_id": [ "cjjj1t4", "cjjj2w1", "cjjj4as" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "It is. The body protects the spine by a) putting it behind all our fat and organs and b) giving us the instinct to protect the spine by not giving our enemies our back. \n\nPlus, the spine IS a protec...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2rksxq
how can a 64gb sd card hold more data than a 32gb sd card if they are the same physical size?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rksxq/eli5_how_can_a_64gb_sd_card_hold_more_data_than_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cngsg4p" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "We're talking about storing information, not an actual physical substance. If we're talking about something physical, like water, it would make sense that two buckets the exact same size would hold the same amount of water.\n\n\nHowever, we are t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5ztjiu
why do our feet have arches? wouldn't it be more advantageous to have your weight distributed over the entire surface of the foot?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ztjiu/eli5_why_do_our_feet_have_arches_wouldnt_it_be/
{ "a_id": [ "df0x29b", "df0xekl", "df11w90", "df148sk", "df14uok", "df15mf4", "df16i37", "df17jjl", "df18qq3", "df18vbf", "df18zzz", "df19o6t", "df19p3f", "df19vdn", "df1a8d6", "df1auqy", "df1b0lb", "df1b5ja", "df1bdk3", "df1biah", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.faststuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/spotcover.jpg", "https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1b7o08/why_have_humans_evolved_arched_feet/", "http://i.imgur.com/KSMB2tI.gif", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
ewcy6k
can we video or photograph a nuclear reaction taking place? for instance like inside a containment box?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ewcy6k/eli5_can_we_video_or_photograph_a_nuclear/
{ "a_id": [ "fg15ou2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sure, there are lots of pictures of that.\n\nHowever, unless it's under water where there might be visible Cherenkov radiation, there isn't anything to see other than two blocks of metal making each other hot." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ot3yb
upc/bar codes
Just... everything. How do they work? What makes the scanny things scan? And how does the light scanner differ from when my phone takes a picture? Who (i.e., what entity) decides on the universal product codes that work everywhere?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ot3yb/upcbar_codes/
{ "a_id": [ "c3jtlxi", "c3jw37c" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "TIL wikipedia has articles about things\n\nexample:\n\n[Barcodes](_URL_0_) and [UPCs](_URL_1_) and [Barcode Readers](_URL_0__reader)", "Like your five, sans wiki: \n\n**The UPC**: Your basic UPC Bar Code is literally a *...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Product_Code", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode_reader" ], [] ]
1xs77r
why didn't human speciate
we originated in Africa and moved to isolated areas for long time spans. Shouldn't there be different species of humans?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xs77r/eli5_why_didnt_human_speciate/
{ "a_id": [ "cfe5qir", "cfe5tp7", "cfe5uo5", "cfe65hm" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We are ourselves a species of primate.", "There were different [species of humans](_URL_0_), but we've outcompeted or outbred them. \n\nGiven enough time, we could begin to sp...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo" ], [], [] ]
5jpawp
does taking cold showers help you get used to colder temperatures?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jpawp/eli5_does_taking_cold_showers_help_you_get_used/
{ "a_id": [ "dbhzm95" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I used to take cold showers everyday and found that the hardest part was the initial shock of the cold water. Doing it every day made it easier and I didn't have any issues swimming in seas/rivers compared to friends.... so yes in some ways...." ...
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[]
[ [] ]
1vkbkk
how come people can have less muscle but be stronger than people with much more?
Like the title says. For example, i am only 6'1 200lbs and not all of that is muscle (decent amount of fat). But i am able to lift a lot more weight than my friend who is 6'4 240lbs of almost pure muscle. We both go to the gym regularly but he stays and works out a lot longer than me. How does it work? Is it genetics...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vkbkk/eli5_how_come_people_can_have_less_muscle_but_be/
{ "a_id": [ "cet3fuu", "cet57fu", "cet5f3x", "cet7dq5", "cet7edl" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Since he is taller than you I'm guessing his limbs are longer and that would actually make it more difficult to lift in almost all exercises. Being taller or ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1hpkey
the reason why some countries set the legal drinking age higher than the legal voting age.
I looked into it, and while I can find information on *how* countries/provinces/states decided to set different legal ages for different things, I still don't understand *why.* If you believe that people of a certain age are not mature enough to drink, then shouldn't they also be not be mature enough to vote, join the...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hpkey/eli5_the_reason_why_some_countries_set_the_legal/
{ "a_id": [ "cawlqk3", "cawnqe7" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Not saying anything about how valid these things are, but these are the reasons you commonly hear.\n\n- The brain doesn't finish developing until the mid-twenties. There's some concern about the effects of alcohol on still-d...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3p7p97
why is there no un peacekeeping mission in syria to protect the civilians and the world heritage sites?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3p7p97/eli5why_is_there_no_un_peacekeeping_mission_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cw3uvrs" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Because there's no agreement on whom they would fight. The US wants the rebels to take out the governement. Russia wants to have the governement restore order." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2i3ec7
why are untrained bouncers/doormen able to use physical force to detain for police/throw people out, while uniformed unarmed security guards may only observe and report?
I've been a glorified unarmed security guard with a shiny badge, and I was constantly told to NEVER use any physical force, because I was not law enforcement and did not have arrest authority, and to just observe/report and if anything were to happen call the police. But I've also been a bouncer, and even with zero tr...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i3ec7/eli5_why_are_untrained_bouncersdoormen_able_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ckyf7i0", "ckyfteo", "ckygbex" ], "score": [ 14, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Bouncers act as agents of the owner and can therefore tell people to leave. People who refuse are tresspassing and **anyone** can detain anyone for a crime. I frequently work with security and loss pr...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/psb//testing/leveltwo_review.htm", "http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/CR/htm/CR.14.htm" ] ]
1zstsy
how can people own natural resources like oil wells and mines?
The question is straightforward but it confuses me. I get the idea of private property in the form of houses or estates that are presumably for the use of a person and so he can pay for and "own" it. Natural resources like coal, on the other hand, occur naturally without any effort on part of a person. How it is then...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zstsy/eli5_how_can_people_own_natural_resources_like/
{ "a_id": [ "cfwmmkg", "cfwmpqx" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "The ownership of any property presents similar moral questions. What right does one have to own a property? At some point, that property was probably secured by the use of force and taken from someone else.\n\nAlso, finding ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral_rights" ], [] ]
41yyx5
the definition of a reality show and why people seem to like watching other peoples lives(fake)
The media makes it seem that reality show people are like A list celebrities that has actually put in work to their status. I think my question also goes out to vloggers. My sister watches a youtube person every flippin morning, all I hear is her saying good moring(in an annoying way), her kids crying and her saying wh...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41yyx5/eli5_the_definition_of_a_reality_show_and_why/
{ "a_id": [ "cz6bl03" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "\"Reality\" is very loosely defined. All TV is for entertainment. People like watching stupid people do stupid shit. Most of tv is based on this. Every show just about has that one character; the really dumb one everyone laughs at and quotes. So ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5gxjup
why is it when we're tired and want to fall asleep that our brains decide to race through past memories, anxieties, embarrassments, etc?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5gxjup/eli5_why_is_it_when_were_tired_and_want_to_fall/
{ "a_id": [ "davu9i7", "davuazk" ], "score": [ 7, 4 ], "text": [ "So our brains work primarily on inhibition, shutting things off, one of the first things to go when we are tired, drunk or whatever, is our ability to exert inhibitory control. This means we can't shut off impulses, stray th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5w9idf
how does car hotwiring even work?
In movies and whatnot, some dude breaks into a car, fishes under the steering wheel, grabs two wires and sparks them together, and bam, car works? What're the principles behind this? Does it actually even work? (that sounded very suspicious, I'm not looking for advice on how to steal cars) I would think that the posit...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5w9idf/eli5_how_does_car_hotwiring_even_work/
{ "a_id": [ "de8cfqn", "de8fno4", "de8hk99", "de8hpxv", "de8injq", "de8int6", "de8nqbj", "de8st27", "de8syvy", "de9k9iw" ], "score": [ 271, 29, 5, 43, 2, 4, 7, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "When you turn the key in a car, it just turn...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5vgjzf
how is an audio file's size correlated to the way it sounds?
I know that the quality of the sound is directly related to the Kbps but what constitutes what a bit/byte of audio is?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vgjzf/eli5_how_is_an_audio_files_size_correlated_to_the/
{ "a_id": [ "de1ygzh" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "A byte of audio really isn't a useful measurement as what a byte represents is determined by what you're trying to record and how precisely you're going to record it. If you were to take a byte of audio from a telephone call, it would be 1/8000t...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Signal_Sampling.png" ] ]
2d32c9
the process by which mods found out that unidan was manipulating votes through alt accounts?
I read about the unidan story, it was a disappointment. Can anyone explain how the mods figured it out?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d32c9/eli5_the_process_by_which_mods_found_out_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cjlkioo" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Likely it started as an automated process. Where a bot designed to catch this kind of behavior notices that every Unidan post was almost immediately up-voted by the same handful of accounts. Upon inspecting the records for those accounts they n...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2h4rbh
what would happen if everyone filled a bucket of water from their sink and dumped it in the ocean?
Or what about just on the ground outside the front door?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h4rbh/eli5_what_would_happen_if_everyone_filled_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ckpciwi", "ckpcjd5", "ckpcmoz", "ckpdejc", "ckpsuo6" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Absolutely nothing.\n\nThe only thing that this would do is accelerate the water cycle by a tiny almost un-measurable amount. The dumped water would return t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://water.usgs.gov/edu/sc2.html", "http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/oceanwater.html" ], [], [] ]
3lvd9k
-is breast milk taboo or are we conditioned to drink another animals milk?
Is this the reason for lactose intolerance?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lvd9k/eli5is_breast_milk_taboo_or_are_we_conditioned_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cv9nwt5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "What culture are you from that considers breast milk taboo?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dnklrd
why the veins on our skin are blue but the veins on our eyes are red
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dnklrd/eli5_why_the_veins_on_our_skin_are_blue_but_the/
{ "a_id": [ "f5bz3sk", "f5bz4jg", "f5bz752" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Biologist here:\n\nThe skin on our arms and legs and such actually absorb some wavelengths of light, so the light making back to your eyes is of the blue spectrum, our eyes however don't have the same U...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1pw3cs
carried interest
I'm doing some research on different policies to fix the tax code. The whole idea behind carried interest and what it is is very unclear to me -- can anyone explain?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1pw3cs/eli5_carried_interest/
{ "a_id": [ "cd6o39h" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A \"carried interest\" is a sort-of profit sharing compensation (traditionally) for managers of private equity (PE) firms and hedge funds. Before continuing, it helps to know what these two things are and what they do.\n\n* PE firms pull togethe...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5vjdfh
how does water displacement affect the flotation of an object?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vjdfh/eli5_how_does_water_displacement_affect_the/
{ "a_id": [ "de2jn0p" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's basically another way of saying for anything to float, it has to be lighter than water - in other words, if you take the weight of an object and divide it by the volume of the object (how much physical space it takes up) you'll get the densi...
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1o6uak
why did beige take off as a design hallmark in the 1990s?
I know this may be more of a opinion, however, it seems that suddenly in the nineties good aesthetic design disappeared. Why? Is there an explanation for this? The previous decade saw woodgrain used for design, which looks elegant and nice and very similar designs to what we have now. It is as if the 90s were purel...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o6uak/eli5_why_did_beige_take_off_as_a_design_hallmark/
{ "a_id": [ "ccpcxas" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The 90's saw us getting away from the big, bright colors of the 80's. Think of the old-fashioned kitchens and living rooms previous (avacado-colored refrigerators, etc). The 90's went for a much cleaner, interchangeable look. A beige sofa can tak...
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1iowqa
why are slim fit shirts more expensive than regular fit at any store/mall/outlet?
I always buy slim-fits and have noticed this trend in pretty much all stores. Slim-fits have lower discounts compared to regular-fits and also the stores don't seem to have slim-fits in their clearance inventory as well. May be the redditors working in retail would be able to answer this question. :)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1iowqa/eli5why_are_slim_fit_shirts_more_expensive_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cb6lipj", "cb6lytt" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "I'd say it's likely because slim fit shirts are more popular/fashionable so people will pay more for them. There might be a variation in fabric as well as slim fit shirts would need to be a bit stretchier.", "I imagine t...
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ao4c9g
what is neural network and how is it different from a.i
I'm truly sorry if this is a stupid question. Edit : Thank you very much guys. You all make it simpler for me to understand
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ao4c9g/eli5_what_is_neural_network_and_how_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "efy1ro1", "efy1u2f", "efy3x2a", "efz1w4e" ], "score": [ 13, 6, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not a stupid question. A neural network is a form of artificial intelligence. To explain it simply a neural net is an attempt to replicate the structure of a brain with neuro...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
457mxe
is it possible to recover from sociopathy?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/457mxe/eli5_is_it_possible_to_recover_from_sociopathy/
{ "a_id": [ "czvszyr", "czw0cva" ], "score": [ 35, 20 ], "text": [ "Sociopathy is widely believed to be a result of nurture and expierience compared to psychopathy, which is believed to be a genetic disposition. So, while sociopathic behaviour may be deeply rooted, it may lessen over time,...
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[ [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wicked-deeds/201401/how-tell-sociopath-psychopath" ], [] ]
10e88j
fraction conversions
Please just give me a run through on how to convert fractions into decimals and number or other fractions it would be greatly appreciated!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10e88j/eli5_fraction_conversions/
{ "a_id": [ "c6cpqaw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Our number system is a decimal one, which basically means units are incremented in multiples of tens. (257 = 2x100 + 5x10 + 7)\n\nIf you want to convert a fraction to it's decimal value, make conversions until the denominator is a power of ten, t...
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2gppm0
why does my toilet make that half flushing noise randomly. what is the cause and purpose?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gppm0/eli5_why_does_my_toilet_make_that_half_flushing/
{ "a_id": [ "ckldcmm" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Check the flapper. If it is loose or damaged it may be letting water dribble out of the tank very slowly. Sooner or later that will trigger the tank to top off." ] }
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4j5oaa
how do they stabilize cameras and gun barrels and stuff? i don't know the word for it, just watch the gif.
[There's this one](_URL_1_) of a tank, [and this one](_URL_0_) of a guy dancing, and [hey why not another](_URL_2_) dancing guy one. (1st and 2nd are gifs, 3rd is a short video) I can't even begin to understand it, other than like a really complicated if-then equation. Like "if harness moves to the left, actuate motor...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4j5oaa/eli5_how_do_they_stabilize_cameras_and_gun/
{ "a_id": [ "d33uyez" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Its simple on the surface, you have an accelorometer like in your phone or a gyro, or servos only, that identifies movement via G forces, and conveys it to a processor, which corrects position of the arm or whatever accordingly by sending the app...
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[ "http://i.imgur.com/ctRj7xU.gifv", "https://i.imgur.com/JdIqPUP.gifv", "https://youtu.be/0mv7OhXYThk?t=26" ]
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7qlz2h
. how does a chimney not let air back in the house even when the fire is not lot?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7qlz2h/eli5_how_does_a_chimney_not_let_air_back_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dsq4v5r", "dsq7ym0" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Chimneys usually have a flue that can be closed when you don't have a fire lit.\n\nCorollary: always check the flue before you light a fire.", "1. Flues (already been covered by other posts)\n\n2. Hot air rises. In gener...
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[ [], [] ]
rbe9a
- why do isps have a monopoly in practically all areas of the united states?
I mean, everything I know about free market would dictate that a company being terrible to their clients would cause an opportunity to start an ISP that doesn't suck in an area. Did they somehow manage to finagle laws to be anit-competitive?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/rbe9a/eli5_why_do_isps_have_a_monopoly_in_practically/
{ "a_id": [ "c44fvuo", "c44gl5i", "c44gte6", "c44i0ew", "c44ifwo", "c44iwl9", "c44jj2c", "c44jvw7", "c44ki8b", "c44kt00", "c44lv11" ], "score": [ 132, 64, 25, 3, 9, 7, 4, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The infrastructure req...
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[ [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/vj5ud.png" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
14594o
why does paper have weird sizes?
Why has paper those weird sizes, like an A4 is 210X297 (cm)? why isn't it better to have 210X300, or 200X300? I tought it would be easier to divide a paper with 200X300 than 210X297.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/14594o/eli5_why_does_paper_have_weird_sizes/
{ "a_id": [ "c79yvil", "c79zp54", "c79zrj0", "c79zydj", "c7a0buh", "c7a1qr1", "c7a8f40" ], "score": [ 82, 14, 29, 12, 5, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically, paper sizes have this quality where if you cut it in half, it retains the aspect ratio it original...
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[ [], [], [ "http://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fil:A_size_illustration.svg" ], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sKah3pJnHI" ], [], [] ]
2mn0e8
what's the difference between passing out and being unconscious?
I know that being unconscious usually has something to do with being hit in the head, but what's the difference between that and passing out from lack of oxygen? Also, why can't you be unconscious for longer than a few minutes, but you can be passed out for a lot longer?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mn0e8/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_passing_out_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cm5rrwo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Being unconscious is the action of not being conscious. This includes things like sleeping.\n\nPassing out is the act of falling into unconsciousness in an inconvenient manner. This can be caused by overheating and/or dehydration. This is a circu...
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4001co
is being in an airplane/helicopter a safe place to be during an earthquake?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4001co/eli5_is_being_in_an_airplanehelicopter_a_safe/
{ "a_id": [ "cyqdijo", "cyqe0i2", "cyqebpa", "cyqh905" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I mean probably. It's an earthquake, not a skyquake. Probably pretty damn hard to land the plane after though.", "Yes. Only the ground is affected. But if the earthquake trigge...
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encjjf
why are russian place names sometimes not translated?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/encjjf/eli5_why_are_russian_place_names_sometimes_not/
{ "a_id": [ "fdzhugo", "fdy21oi", "fdy2x18" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 5 ], "text": [ "I hope that I understand your question correctly, but from what I have read from the notes in my copy of Crime and Punishment, which is a Penguin Classics copy with the translation, introduction and not...
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61wt26
considering that the brain controls pretty much all of our bodily functions, why do we not instinctively know how our bodies work?
For instance, what body parts do what, how they do such a thing, etc. It seems pretty fundamental that since our brain does it, we should be naturally aware of it, rather than taking centuries of dissecting cadavers to figure it out, then have to teach it to everyone else.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/61wt26/eli5_considering_that_the_brain_controls_pretty/
{ "a_id": [ "dfhye5e", "dfhyere", "dfhz251", "dfidtn8" ], "score": [ 71, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Our brain isn't \"doing\" anything in that sense besides sending and receiving neural signals. Let's take the bending of your arm for example. An overly simplified explanation of ...
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2ckssp
if a nuclear powered submarine were to be destroyed, what protective measures are in place to protect the reactor?
Just thought about this after watching Crimson Tide. If a torpedo or a depth charge were to destroy a nuclear powered submarine, what is installed to stop a runaway nuclear reaction? Assuming the coolant is somewhat disabled due to the explosion.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ckssp/eli5_if_a_nuclear_powered_submarine_were_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "cjgfpjk", "cjgkeuj", "cjgn50s", "cjgnbeo", "cjgopq0", "cjgptm0", "cjgq5vt", "cjgqseo", "cjh44nt" ], "score": [ 95, 5, 3, 5, 3, 7, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We've actually already lost two nuclear vessels at sea, the scorpion ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGseQk_r9EI" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyman_G._Rickover" ] ]
27rghn
why is it necessary for police officers have a quota?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27rghn/eli5_why_is_it_necessary_for_police_officers_have/
{ "a_id": [ "ci3n87f", "ci3n8tu", "ci3pg37", "ci3rtuv" ], "score": [ 24, 5, 12, 2 ], "text": [ "Its not, and its actually illegal in many parts the US to give the police a quota. \n\nThe idea behind a quota is that writing tickets // making arrests is a cops job and you can...
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2irrrx
what causes swelling and where does the fluids come from?
I was stung by a bee on my finger and my hand swell up to almost double its size. The doctor told me it was extra fluids that cause it to swell. My question is why does it swell (if there is even a defense/protection purpose) and what is that liquid (not infected so not pus)/where does it come from? This is not only ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2irrrx/eli5what_causes_swelling_and_where_does_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cl4u5yd", "cl4ubpn" ], "score": [ 4, 5 ], "text": [ "Imagine that the entirety of your circulatory system has barriers everywhere to prevent blood from flowing where it shouldn't. Your body removes barriers around the wound and this allows fluids to move into the wound to prom...
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ctfb5z
how the hell do i secure myself from data leaks?
I recently found out about all the leaks and stuff and that apparently my email was leaked and I just freaked out. So of course I started google the shit out of it and there's so many words and things I have no clue what they mean or what it is for so it was kind of a torture for me. I don't do shady stuff on my pc, b...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ctfb5z/eli5_how_the_hell_do_i_secure_myself_from_data/
{ "a_id": [ "exkdxnm", "exke6m5", "exkf61f" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Unless their plan is to rob you or post your nudes on Facebook I wouldn't worry so much about it. There isn't a hacker on earth who gives a shit about your search history. Get a VPN if you're paranoid b...
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1qbiav
dslr iso and aperture
Just bought my first camera. ISO and Aperture What are they and how do they modify the photo i'm capturing?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qbiav/eli5_dslr_iso_and_aperture/
{ "a_id": [ "cdb4pg9", "cdbaqbm" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Aperture is the opening to your camera lens. The lower the aperture number, the bigger the opening is. This will let more light in, and you'll get a lower DoF, meaning you'll have one focus point and the rest will be blurry....
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[ [], [ "http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/old/f-22.jpg", "http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/old/f-2.8.jpg" ] ]
99i5ej
when it comes to syndromes, defects and such, why is the male/female ratio that are affected by it often massively weighted towards men?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/99i5ej/eli5_when_it_comes_to_syndromes_defects_and_such/
{ "a_id": [ "e4nw53f" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "As mentioned, women have two X chromosomes and men only have one. A \"good\" allele will often mask a \"bad\" one (dominant vs recessive). Women only exhibit certain characteristics if both of their chromosomes carry the necessary alleles. Men wi...
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1vd5yw
what is the trans-pacific partnership document that wikileaks released, and why are people making a big deal abou it?
_URL_0_ Edit: Somehow managed to leave out a T in the title. Sorry!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vd5yw/eli5_what_is_the_transpacific_partnership/
{ "a_id": [ "cer6pq1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "[This video should help](_URL_0_)" ] }
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[ "http://wikileaks.org/tpp-enviro/" ]
[ [ "https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/p3KlrfjcjV4" ] ]
21onww
the difference between an absolute monarch a despot and a dictator.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21onww/eli5_the_difference_between_an_absolute_monarch_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cgf1nms", "cgfgumv" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Nothing, other than a monarch functions through the establishment of a monarchy, which has specific codes of conduct, especially as to how a monarch is to be replaced after death. \n\nA dictator can usually refers to anyone ...
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etydn9
how do large crowds seem to always sing on pitch?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/etydn9/eli5_how_do_large_crowds_seem_to_always_sing_on/
{ "a_id": [ "ffjbnmc" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "If you measure the pitch accuracy of the members of the crowd, as with many things in nature, they would follow a normal distribution (a bell curve) and the perceived pitch accuracy of the crowd is going to match the average pitch accuracy of it...
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435a02
whale evolution
It simple baffles me that these gentle giants were once small terestrial mammals with hooves that struggled with swimming.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/435a02/eli5_whale_evolution/
{ "a_id": [ "czfkgub" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Evolution takes place over a very very long time. These small traits are passed down over the millions of years. It's not that one day they left just all decided to be whales, but rather these land mammals slowly started gaining traits for better...
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4g4jaf
what happens to the electricity/electrons that are already in a wire when a circuit is broken; and what is happening to the power source if power can't travel down the line?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4g4jaf/eli5_what_happens_to_the_electricityelectrons/
{ "a_id": [ "d2ehrd0", "d2emgxo", "d2er079" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "They don't quite flow through wires like water through a pipe but the analogy is close enough to imagine what happens when you break the circuit - they stop being pushed along. The power stays in the po...
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1kcwgt
freud's stages of psychosexual development
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kcwgt/eli5_freuds_stages_of_psychosexual_development/
{ "a_id": [ "cbnnp5v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Just so you aware, Freud's theories are not supported on a scientific basis and thus are no longer accepted by Psychologists as having validity.\n\n* Stage 1: Oral | Up to 1 Year | Erogenous Zone = Mouth | Problems with oral fixation thought to l...
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2sgaq7
why does my graphics calculator or excel add numbers that should equal zero but gives the answer as -3.00133e-11?
When I try to add numbers, sometimes I get a really bizarre answer like this that I know represents zero but confuses me. What is the calculator/computer thinking when they give these answers?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sgaq7/eli5_why_does_my_graphics_calculator_or_excel_add/
{ "a_id": [ "cnp6y7n" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Perhaps you're performing some kind of floating point arithmetic? Floating point (decimal) numbers don't map nicely to binary data structures, and are typically inaccurate as a result.\n\nWhen you encode a float in binary, you make every successi...
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60rpyi
what do parents of babies/toddlers do in countries where toilet paper/diapers aren't a thing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60rpyi/eli5_what_do_parents_of_babiestoddlers_do_in/
{ "a_id": [ "df8rc5b" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Hands. They use their hands. Actually even with a bidet, they use their hands. Atleast in South Asia. And for them, it is gross that the West only washes with tissue paper." ] }
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53ogs1
why do big companies that own lots of brands, e.g. coca cola, continue to sell different products in the name of the brand instead of the name of the big company?
For example, why is Fanta Fanta, not Coca Cola Orange?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53ogs1/eli5_why_do_big_companies_that_own_lots_of_brands/
{ "a_id": [ "d7uu7cx", "d7uuici", "d7uv6f8", "d7uwqv5", "d7uxj9l", "d7uxmpm", "d7v6x1w" ], "score": [ 20, 4, 2, 9, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Sometimes existing brands are acquired and assembled into a portfolio of products, and brands have different demo...
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6gx8gu
what prevents someone from getting a credit card, buying a bunch of stuff, and immediately paying it off for a good credit score?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gx8gu/eli5_what_prevents_someone_from_getting_a_credit/
{ "a_id": [ "ditt313", "ditt4ey", "ditt6vn", "diuc6by" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Nothing but credit builds slowly over time. This is actually how a lot of people build credit. But even if you spend $10,000 and pay it off. Your credit won't take a huge jump. It ...
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[ [], [], [], [ "like.it" ] ]
2p16wp
why do we perceive women with makeup on more attractive?
Why do males instinctively find women more attractive (for the most part) when they are wearing makeup? When makeup didn't exist, did men still find women as attractive on the same scale as today? What is it about makeup that makes something go off in our brains that makes us think a female is "hotter" or more "pretty...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2p16wp/eli5_why_do_we_perceive_women_with_makeup_on_more/
{ "a_id": [ "cmse439" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The attractiveness of make-up is both social and biological. Generally people find make up attractive because it draws attention, the way a pretty painting on canvas might do the same. Also, generally our public images of beautiful people have ...
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