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7y8mow
how lighting a fire on a candle pulls so much wax out of your ear.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7y8mow/eli5how_lighting_a_fire_on_a_candle_pulls_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "duefv52" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "The simple answer is that they don't do that. All residue that you can see in them are from the candles themselves.\n\nFor more info read this: _URL_0_\n\nThey don't produce any negative pressure so nothing cat be pulled out and if the did pull t...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/candling.html" ] ]
1l2tfx
what raw materials/ingredients are used to make antidepressants.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1l2tfx/eli5what_raw_materialsingredients_are_used_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cbv8040" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The process of synthesizing a medication starts with some commercially available reagent which is acted on in various ways to create the desired molecule.\n\nWhat that initial reagent depends entirely on the drug in question. For example, citalop...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/aldrich/647187?lang=en&region=US" ] ]
6qvksf
when things are loading on my computer, why does the status bar often jump quickly to 99% and then stay there for a long time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qvksf/eli5_when_things_are_loading_on_my_computer_why/
{ "a_id": [ "dl0a5dl", "dl0a7wa", "dl0f3ec", "dl0jebw" ], "score": [ 4, 47, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Status bars show how much of a process has been completed, not how long each individual task takes. The increments of a status bar are not based on the time it will take, because...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
eyh4ri
what is starbucks's value proposition/competitive advantage? and how did that enable it to launch products in stores?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eyh4ri/eli5_what_is_starbuckss_value/
{ "a_id": [ "fghazx1" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Starbucks no longer has to compete as heavily in the value proposition. They exist in a space where they basically promote \"you get what you pay for\" to justify paying more. Additionally, when they first arrived they offered something new and u...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
318tnj
how can getting a vasectomy not be 100% effective birth control?
In the [comments section](_URL_0_) of a post it was pointed out that a paternity test might still be warranted because a vasectomy is not 100% possible. How could a vasectomy (assuming it was done correctly) leave any chance of fathering a child?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/318tnj/eli5_how_can_getting_a_vasectomy_not_be_100/
{ "a_id": [ "cpzdf16", "cpzdgcq", "cpzdhco", "cpzdl8j", "cpzf1cb", "cpzod7z", "cpzogx6" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 12, 2, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Not all vasectomies succeed. You might even do the after-test and find no viable sperm cells, but what if the doc...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AdviceAnimals/comments/316mir/she_confessed_while_i_was_packing_my_stuff/" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5897dq
what allows media outlets to blatantly lie?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5897dq/eli5_what_allows_media_outlets_to_blatantly_lie/
{ "a_id": [ "d8yn4hy" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "To quote Amendment 1 of the Bill of Rights directly:\n**Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
bus1tq
how does smoking or drinking coffee affect your digestive system?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bus1tq/eli5_how_does_smoking_or_drinking_coffee_affect/
{ "a_id": [ "epgnzcu", "epgp432", "epgxtuy" ], "score": [ 2, 17, 4 ], "text": [ "Constricts your blood vessels and causes your heart to pump faster, which speeds everything up", "I highly recommend against smoking coffee. It's possibly much worse for you than drinking it.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
dj0p0w
how do scientists know exactly what happens inside of our bodies while we’re alive?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dj0p0w/eli5_how_do_scientists_know_exactly_what_happens/
{ "a_id": [ "f4052wy", "f405pk3" ], "score": [ 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Nazi scientists did a lot of very unethical experiments that would never be allowed. Information was still gained. People dont like to talk about that though", "We don't, that's what makes it hard.\n\nThere are a number...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5fjdkz
why do we have nerves in our teeth? wouldn't a tooth ache that hinders our ability to eat end up being a disadvantage for survival?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fjdkz/eli5_why_do_we_have_nerves_in_our_teeth_wouldnt_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dakmfnm", "dakmjxi", "dakr7zi" ], "score": [ 12, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "If you have a tooth ache caused by an infection, how would you know if you didn't feel it? that infection would go untreated and become more dangerous. ", "Well we kind of don't know. There's reall...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-evolutionary-reason-for-teeth-to-have-nerves" ], [] ]
20faum
why does my 4g phone handle the internet better than my damn home connection?
I pay a pretty penny for internet at home. While admittedly the computer in question is picking up on my home wifi signal, I feel like there shouldn't ever be a gif that loads MUCH smoother on my phone than my pc.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20faum/eli5_why_does_my_4g_phone_handle_the_internet/
{ "a_id": [ "cg2o6ij" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "How many MBPS are you paying for? DSL, Cable, Fiber?" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1jta2d
why don't any auto manufacturers make any "baseline" automobiles, which are only what is necessary to put on the road & sell at an extremely low price?
It seems like an ugly, simplistic, "A-B" car shouldn't be too difficult or expensive to create. I have ridden the bus for a LONG time because I cannot justify paying so much for something so overpriced. What gives?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jta2d/eli5_why_dont_any_auto_manufacturers_make_any/
{ "a_id": [ "cbi23p8", "cbi24ff", "cbi258x", "cbi25vb", "cbi2dl2", "cbi7dsd", "cbii9f3", "cbikcqw" ], "score": [ 15, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because such a company would be instantly priced out of the market by preowned cars. There'...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
79beyt
ecosystems in biomes
Hi Middle Schooler here I have this project where I choose and research a biome and choosen ecosystem within it. I am very confused what an ecosystem is, Can reddit help me please?. I also cannot chose a Biome so can anyone help with that aswell?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/79beyt/eli5_ecosystems_in_biomes/
{ "a_id": [ "dp0lq16", "dp0uxah", "dp1juya" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "An ecosystem is a unit comprised of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) parts existing in a particular territory, in an ecosystem it's important to consider the flow or matter and energy, like the ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/Vegetation.png/500px-Vegetation.png" ], [], [ "http://climateviewer.org/index.html?layersOn=mrm-63&baseLayer=Bing%20Aerial&lat=25.90647&lon=12.05913&zoom=9709102.82&mode=3D&date=2017-10-29", "http://climateviewer....
31n8o1
why, if i hold it long enough, does the urge to use the bathroom sometimes go away?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/31n8o1/eli5_why_if_i_hold_it_long_enough_does_the_urge/
{ "a_id": [ "cq33nz6", "cq35jz6", "cq35ybg", "cq365my", "cq36br3", "cq39ikd", "cq39wu8" ], "score": [ 7, 2, 42, 5, 3, 16, 3 ], "text": [ "if you can get your legs higher above your heart (like hanging off your couch) theres some science about your ne...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4e28yi
why do boys and girls mature at different rates?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4e28yi/eli5_why_do_boys_and_girls_mature_at_different/
{ "a_id": [ "d1wdi4t" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "males and females have different levels of hormones, which are produced at different times throughout life. Males have much higher levels of testosterone, while females have much higher levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are rele...
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[]
[ [] ]
1lj690
why can't companies that post millions (or even billions) of profits pay their staff a little more so there is more money in the economy?
Surely these multinational corporations that calculate their profits in the millions s or even billions can take a small hit on that so their workers have money to reinvest in the economy?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1lj690/eli5_why_cant_companies_that_post_millions_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cbzrise" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Corporate profits *are* reinvested into the economy. When Apple opens a new store or starts development on new products with their profits, the money starts circulating again. Companies don't just hoard money; they invest it to continue growing t...
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[]
[ [] ]
5symki
why the temperature of air change when it's being moved?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5symki/eli5_why_the_temperature_of_air_change_when_its/
{ "a_id": [ "ddiu4tx" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It doesn't change temperature when it's moving (like through a fan), but it has a cooling evaporation effect on our skin so we feel that it is cooler but its temperature is the same." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5rv0lf
why do people say the middle east will go back to nothing once their oil runs out?
Everytime theirs a debate theirs always a point bought up saying once the middle east runs out of oil they'll go back to being or doing nothing, This is where im confused before the middle east discovered Oil they had huge empire some even conquering Europeon contries and half of Africa then those empires collasped and...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rv0lf/eli5why_do_people_say_the_middle_east_will_go/
{ "a_id": [ "ddab3lx", "ddac0jc" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "The reference is to those countries that did *not* have great empires in recent centuries. Saudi Arabia, for example, was just an impoverished desert (and not even a unified country) before petroleum. It has not taken advant...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
2dxc8j
my little brothers math homework.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dxc8j/eli5my_little_brothers_math_homework/
{ "a_id": [ "cjtzjva", "cjtzmie", "cjtzopd" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "1. fill the 4L\n\n2. pour the 4L into the 7L\n\n3. fill the 4L\n\n4. Pour the 4L into the 7L, so that you have 1L left in the 4L\n\n5. Empty the 7L\n\n6. Pour the 1L in the 4L-bucket into the 7L\n\n7. F...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1z76e3
can someone give me a summary of all the star wars movies, (and any vital information from the novels.)
I've seen all the movies at different points throughout my life, and I understand the main plot of Star Wars but not much more than that. I know there are plenty of Star Wars buffs out there, so here's your chance to enlighten me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1z76e3/eli5_can_someone_give_me_a_summary_of_all_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cfr5dk3", "cfr6ufg" ], "score": [ 4, 3 ], "text": [ "The story of the first 6 Star Wars movies (all made so far) is the story of the rise and fall of a man named Palpatine. He is a Dark Lord of the Sith, named Darth Sidious, and he begins the first movie (Star Wars Episode I)...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
djj4eb
why is it that people with alzheimer's can often hold a conversation and their language but can't remember or don't know answers to basic questions?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/djj4eb/eli5_why_is_it_that_people_with_alzheimers_can/
{ "a_id": [ "f45i77l", "f45j6yl" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "OP's question rephrased is essentially \"why does brain damage sometimes have an effect on memory and not on cognitive function.\"\n\nWhich I answered before in a previous post.\nSee here:\n\n_URL_0_", "Early alzheimer a...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d4a4q8/eli5_how_can_people_who_have_suffered_trauma_lose/f091r8e?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share" ], [] ]
owh4c
what would happen if the apollo rocket missed the moon?
I'm just curious if anyone knows. What was the contingency plan if an Apollo rocket overshot the moon? Was this even a concern?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/owh4c/eli5_what_would_happen_if_the_apollo_rocket/
{ "a_id": [ "c3kld2s", "c3klubj", "c3kmizd" ], "score": [ 3, 9, 9 ], "text": [ "There are other factors that have to be considered. Does the rocket have enough momentum to overcome the moon's gravity? If not then you will likely orbit the moon until you crash from not being able ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://watergate.info/nixon/moon-disaster-speech-1969.shtml" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J002E3" ] ]
1a79pg
what has happened to this subreddit?
I apologize for what I'm sure will seem like a whiny, complaining self-post... But this subreddit is named, "Explain like I'm **five**. Lately, all new posts have been treated like 'r/askreddit' posts, with regular explanations *not* geared toward five-year-olds. I want this subreddit to experience a return to form, wh...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1a79pg/eli5_what_has_happened_to_this_subreddit/
{ "a_id": [ "c8uqeeu", "c8uqfpr", "c8uqr9w", "c8ur02u", "c8ur7hw", "c8ursz1", "c8usy9y" ], "score": [ 6, 19, 4, 3, 43, 9, 9 ], "text": [ "Are you thinking about when people takes their time to explain the universe with a love of language and metaphor...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
18q1w0
from an evolutionary stance, why are humans bereft of basic defenses:claws, canines, thick hide..and instead runs with diverse body types, no fur, and exposed vital organs?
I accept evolution in its basic and complex forms, but how did humans dominate the jungle without even being able to hold their breath for more than two minutes, or getting a cold after every storm? Research tells me that the subconscious invested more time in perfecting precision and problem solving, but I can't help ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/18q1w0/eli5_from_an_evolutionary_stance_why_are_humans/
{ "a_id": [ "c8gy9ah", "c8gyayz", "c8gykgo", "c8h18co", "c8h4d0c", "c8h81xo", "c8h9dw0", "c8hao1i" ], "score": [ 19, 10, 7, 5, 13, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A common misconception about evolution is that it should \"improve things\". \n\nIn reali...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
j54sj
even if the us doesn't default on its debt, why can't our credit rating be downgraded anyway for coming so close to default?
I've casually been following the politics of the debt ceiling crisis, and from the latest news reports, it looks like a deal will indeed be struck betweens the Dems and Repubs to avoid default and loss of our top credit rating. But I don't understand why it can't be downgraded anyway (by whoever does the ratings). Isn'...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j54sj/eli5_even_if_the_us_doesnt_default_on_its_debt/
{ "a_id": [ "c2984jg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I believe that it can be, and it was recently discussed that it may happen from one of the three (?) agencys that controls such things. " ] }
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[ [] ]
5zikp5
what does audio mastering exactly do to make music sound better on every sound system?
How do they know which frequencies they need to boost or cut in order to get a well balanced result?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zikp5/eli5_what_does_audio_mastering_exactly_do_to_make/
{ "a_id": [ "deyeozr", "deyezg3" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Audio is first recorded, processed and mixed.\n\nOnce the audio mixer has done her/his job; they will give the mixed audio files to the mastering engineer.\n\nWell mastered audio should sound good on many different systems. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
ja29w
what does it mean to "re-mortgage" your home?
I thought understanding a mortgage was hard enough...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ja29w/what_does_it_mean_to_remortgage_your_home/
{ "a_id": [ "c2ae5qo", "c2ae5qo" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "\"re-mortgage\" is not a commonly used term. You could be referring to two different things:\n\n** Refinancing**\n\nYears ago I bought a house at 7% interest, with a mortgage from Bank A. Since then, interest rates have go...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
8zxfal
why do vehicles with internal combustion engines have to be turned off when fueling to avoid explosions?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8zxfal/eli5_why_do_vehicles_with_internal_combustion/
{ "a_id": [ "e2m54xh", "e2m5piq", "e2mk7jd", "e2mnbg6", "e2mnuv2", "e2mpovg", "e2mv440" ], "score": [ 11, 6, 3, 2, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I think there have been cases of static sparks from clothing igniting the gas, but it's extremely rare. Chances a...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
28pywp
how do car dealerships make money during "employee pricing sales"?
If they're selling cars at employee pricing, which I'm assuming is at a minimum low markup (if any) how do car dealerships make money during those sales? Do the salesmen take reduced commissions for those sales, or is "employee pricing sales" just a fancy way of saying "rip off"?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28pywp/eli5_how_do_car_dealerships_make_money_during/
{ "a_id": [ "cidahjm", "cidbkin" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "Not surprisingly its all BS. Not only are there at least 2 sets of numbers for the cost of every car they buy manufacturers pay them what is call \"hold back\". So after the dealer sells a car the company sends them a che...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
z9ldp
why does this pattern appear when you microwave cd's? image included
_URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/z9ldp/eli5_why_does_this_pattern_appear_when_you/
{ "a_id": [ "c62otwf", "c62qqzc", "c62yyjd" ], "score": [ 10, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "CDs have an aluminum coating that acts as an antenna for the microwave radiation, ionizing particles around the CD and forming glowing plasma and sparks. The radiation causes a chemical reaction which ...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/dPg1Z" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
3uhqfi
why is whole wheat flour considered healthier than enriched flour?
Whole wheat floor is supposedly better for humans compared to enriched flour because in the enriching process, vitamins and minerals are stripped from the flour. The FDA requires companies to supplement those lost resources to a certain level. So if the same amount of vitamins and minerals are returned to the final pro...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3uhqfi/eli5_why_is_whole_wheat_flour_considered/
{ "a_id": [ "cxex5vf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "1.) Whole grain flour has a higher fiber content. It's much denser in nutrition.\n\n2.) It has a much lower glycemic index rating. This means that it doesn't spike your blood sugar the way a white flour does.\n\n3.) Vitamin content is much higher...
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[ [] ]
9aym0a
where did the misconception that muscle pain after exercise caused by lactic acid originate?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9aym0a/eli5_where_did_the_misconception_that_muscle_pain/
{ "a_id": [ "e4yzcz1" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "The whole misunderstanding dates back to a 1922 study by two British scientists, Otto Meyerhoff and Archibald V. Hill. In their Nobel-Prize winning research investigating the energy capabilities of carbohydrate metabolism in skeletal muscle, they...
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[ [] ]
1kjytm
what's the difference between stocks, bonds and mutual funds?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kjytm/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_stocks_bonds/
{ "a_id": [ "cbpp9w8", "cbpq0lx" ], "score": [ 8, 4 ], "text": [ "A stock is a share of a company. It changes in value as the company does.\n\nA bond is where someone takes out a loan and promises to pay it back with interest. You buy part of the debt so that you get a share of their payme...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
3xkhrq
how do film cameras work and how do you edit film?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xkhrq/eli5_how_do_film_cameras_work_and_how_do_you_edit/
{ "a_id": [ "cy5eloj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Old school film editing used to involve physical manipulation of the film. Splicing, compositing, overlays; all of these are terms brought over from the days of analogue editing.\n\nUsing the Hateful 8 as a more modern example; they will shoot th...
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[ [] ]
2okptl
why is it difficult for microsoft or other organizations to track down highly wanted hacking groups such as lizard squad, known for turning off the xbox live network and forcing a plane to land?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2okptl/eli5why_is_it_difficult_for_microsoft_or_other/
{ "a_id": [ "cmo3nya" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of proxy servers are standing between Microsoft and the hackers. They'd have to gain acces to every single proxy while the hack is going on to figure out where the signal is coming from. By then the hackers have most likely detected there a...
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[ [] ]
1c92wr
how come the price of some items can only be seen in the cart and who thought that was a good idea?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1c92wr/how_come_the_price_of_some_items_can_only_be_seen/
{ "a_id": [ "c9e8pfs" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Some manufacturers limit what a retailer can advertise the price of their product at. Constant advertising too low a price can make consumers feel your product is \"cheap.\" Retailers get around this by requiring you put the product in your car...
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[ [] ]
1h803r
how come when you tune to a radio frequency that no station broadcasts at, you get static instead of silence?
If no one's broadcasting anything at that frequency, shouldn't you just get silence instead of static since your car/radio isn't picking anything up?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1h803r/eli5_how_come_when_you_tune_to_a_radio_frequency/
{ "a_id": [ "carpusq", "carq4t3", "carride", "carsgkn", "cartxdw", "carv7lc", "carvayz", "carwmqf", "carx6nq", "carxpxl", "carxqw0", "carxs25" ], "score": [ 10, 57, 16, 5, 4, 4, 195, 2, 2, 2, 2, 4 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4gq5dr
why aren't men's testes protected by bone like how the lungs are protected by the ribcage or the brain is protected by the skull?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gq5dr/eli5_why_arent_mens_testes_protected_by_bone_like/
{ "a_id": [ "d2jpur6", "d2jpwod" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They need the freedom to move around to stay the right temperature. A bone protecting them would prevent that", "sperm production requires a lower body temperature. That's why they hang outside the body. If they were pr...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1o3qob
why in asian countries people sleep on mattresses on the floor, but western countries sleep on beds well above the ground?
I don't know why I had this pop in to my head last night but yeah, anyone care to explain?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o3qob/eli5why_in_asian_countries_people_sleep_on/
{ "a_id": [ "ccok58m", "ccokky5", "ccol1p6", "ccorp4g" ], "score": [ 10, 7, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "I can't answer for 'most Asian countries' but in Japan the Futon (mattress placed on the floor for sleeping) is used because houses and apartments are small. The space a bed takes...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.dannychoo.com/en/post/1293/Tokyo+Apartments.html" ], [], [], [] ]
68zuid
why are most pills without protective film bitter?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68zuid/eli5why_are_most_pills_without_protective_film/
{ "a_id": [ "dh2mdeu", "dh2r92t" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "So people (and especially kids) won't put them in their mouth only because they taste good. ", "Other people are saying its done on purpose for safety reasons. I can't find any evidence of this. The active ingredient and...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1t55ll
why is it not a great idea to buy a house outright if you have the cash?
I was told recently that buying a house outright, even if you have the ability to do so, isn't a great idea WRT tax or some other policy, but I didn't push further as to why/I forgot most of the convo. Can anyone shed light on why it's not a great idea to skip a mortgage and go straight to ownership?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1t55ll/eli5why_is_it_not_a_great_idea_to_buy_a_house/
{ "a_id": [ "ce4fhfk", "ce4fn50", "ce4k3hz" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 4 ], "text": [ "Sounds like a great idea if you ask me. You'd save a ton in interest.\n", "This is an ongoing debate. Some think that it is wise to hang onto a mortgage, because the interest you pay to the bank is...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
ar7tgg
what is the psychological reason for humans who enjoy trolling or offending people on purpose?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ar7tgg/eli5_what_is_the_psychological_reason_for_humans/
{ "a_id": [ "eglc0y1", "eglclir" ], "score": [ 4, 6 ], "text": [ "I can’t see the other posts either. \n\nI don’t have the answer to this; I suspect no-one will as it will vary by person and won’t have a one size fits all response.\n\nWhat I can give are my suspicions of where this behavio...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
lz42j
what should i know before opening a bank account?
I'm a freshman in college who wants to open a checking account so that I can have a debit card to make purchases. Should I go with a national bank, what policies should I ask about/be aware of, ect. I went to look at the banks surrounding my college and there's KeyBank, Northeast Bank, and Androscoggin Bank.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lz42j/eli5_what_should_i_know_before_opening_a_bank/
{ "a_id": [ "c2wra0m", "c2wrb92", "c2wrbwt", "c2wrkcr", "c2wra0m", "c2wrb92", "c2wrbwt", "c2wrkcr" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2, 12, 4, 3, 2, 12 ], "text": [ "The only thing you need to be aware of is that you should NEVER settle for an account that...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance" ], [], [] ]
ertczx
if the notion that electrons orbit around a nucleus is a misconception, what type of motion do electrons have? do they just float in one position?
Basically, I’m having trouble understanding electrons’ relations to the nuclei they’re attracted to.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ertczx/eli5_if_the_notion_that_electrons_orbit_around_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ff5rtoz", "ff5s822", "ff5s91l", "ff5tfsg", "ff5vuoy", "ff692se", "ff69id8", "ff6bckp", "ff6brvp", "ff6ck40", "ff6f9xk", "ff6fnrk", "ff6g9nr", "ff6imgx", "ff6kol7", "ff6ktmr", "ff6n6gm", "ff6tnn2", "ff778os", "ff85jm7", "f...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_orbital#/media/File:Hydrogen_Density_Plots.png" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_orbital#Qualitative_understanding_of_shapes" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org...
2yeyzy
how do we know nothing can go faster than the speed of light?
Just because light travels 299,792,458 m/s through a vacuum, why do we assume nothing can go faster and the energy needed to do so be infinite?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yeyzy/eli5_how_do_we_know_nothing_can_go_faster_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cp8w7nq", "cp8w8za", "cp8xkuo", "cp8yc4v", "cp8z6t1", "cp90gvd", "cp91n6q" ], "score": [ 26, 18, 2, 270, 7, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "You can answer this with a thought experiment, as Derek does in [this](_URL_1_) Veritassium video. This is the...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPsG8td7C5k", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVKFBaaL4uM" ], [], [ "http://youtu.be/ACUuFg9Y9dY" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22pi7o/z/cgp58ml" ], [], [], [] ]
8z043u
how is plasma made/ extracted from blood?
How is blood different from plasma, and why do the needles that are used to draw it different in size from the ones that draw blood?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8z043u/eli5_how_is_plasma_made_extracted_from_blood/
{ "a_id": [ "e2f3qs0" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Plasma is the portion of the blood that is not red blood cells or white blood cells. Think of it as the liquid part of the blood. Plasma is made up of a large number of components, including water, proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, and waste p...
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[]
[ [] ]
2cl17z
before diapers and the like, how the heck did early man keep babies from ruining everyone's day with their angry baby excretions?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cl17z/eli5_before_diapers_and_the_like_how_the_heck_did/
{ "a_id": [ "cjghriq", "cjghxxi", "cjgibyd", "cjgivwr", "cjgixan", "cjgjdme", "cjgjn4v", "cjgjrcc", "cjgkkvq", "cjgl8tm", "cjglncc", "cjgmquw" ], "score": [ 62, 7, 5, 16, 16, 4, 55, 2, 3, 15, 2, 2 ], "text": [ ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.chinasmack.com/2014/stories/chinese-parents-have-child-poop-on-airplane-seat-reactions.html" ] ]
4yw5u0
why do european languages generally use the same alphabet, but asia has many alphabets?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yw5u0/eli5_why_do_european_languages_generally_use_the/
{ "a_id": [ "d6qtr3u", "d6qui4y" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The most obvious answer is \"Asia is really big and has lots of people.\" \n\nCivilization in Asia is also older than European civilization. Writing had a chance to evolve in multiple places in Asia independently, while a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
wg1eb
james joyce's "finnegan's wake"
I've attempted to read this book several times and have been forced to consult a glossary and reader's guides each time just to interpret the first few pages. I figured this would be a nice little challenge for someone willing to help me break into this seemingly impenetrable tome. (obviously I don't expect someone to...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wg1eb/eli5_james_joyces_finnegans_wake/
{ "a_id": [ "c5czt6p", "c5d6ve2" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "It's not really a book for reading. It's a lot of stream of consciousness writing, he makes up a lot of words, and just doesn't stick to any conventions of traditional writing.\n\nI would suggest reading a little [on Wikiped...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnegans_Wake" ], [] ]
4741o5
george bush's 90% post-9/11 approval rating.
Seems crazy to me, studying that period now. How did he win the approval of a majority of even Democrats? By just merely holding the office?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4741o5/eli5_george_bushs_90_post911_approval_rating/
{ "a_id": [ "d0a00fb", "d0a016r", "d0a0o7k", "d0a1cm5" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The \"rally round the flag effect.\" Anytime there is a crisis that clearly is not the president's fault, it is common for citizens to band together and support the decisions being...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rally_%27round_the_flag_effect" ], [], [], [] ]
8zmpo4
when you take a shower, why do your nails get soft, making them easier to be cut?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8zmpo4/eli5_when_you_take_a_shower_why_do_your_nails_get/
{ "a_id": [ "e2ju0ls" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The water softens the keratin. Thats about it. What's easier to cut a hard cookie or the same cookie after you soak it in milk." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2tedyp
how do fiber optics work? why can light enter but not exit? are there any practical applications of this technology?
[gif that made me wonder](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2tedyp/eli5how_do_fiber_optics_work_why_can_light_enter/
{ "a_id": [ "cny9gss", "cnyaqiq", "cnyasib", "cnyfrkc", "cnyfrmg", "cnyh57w" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 5, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The light does come back out at the other end of the cable. The cable can carry the light over very long distances, requiring fewer repe...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/vN7PJCu.gif" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://31.222.223.118/ict/ictzone/public%20documents/ks5%20sites/OCR/A2/KS5%20A2%20Networks%20theory/images/SinglemodeOpticalFibre.gif" ], [] ]
8crq38
why are clothes still made by people?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8crq38/eli5_why_are_clothes_still_made_by_people/
{ "a_id": [ "dxh9647" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Nearly all the work is done by machines. If you buy a shirt or a pair of pants, the total human labor that's gone into it is around two minutes — just the few parts that are hardest to automate. If you buy a pair of socks, the total human labor i...
[]
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[ [] ]
21xt67
why can machines - like computer processors - process information and do calculations much faster than a human brain? or any animal's brain, for that matter.
Maybe I'm a bit rusty on my Google-fu, but I couldn't find an answer to this. EDIT: Thanks for all the answers! I appreciate the thought, and it seems that the answer is unanimous. I find it really interesting that the brain computes in trinary.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21xt67/eli5_why_can_machines_like_computer_processors/
{ "a_id": [ "cghgcey", "cghgplu", "cghhxt1" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They're not really comparable. Brains are capable of integrating huge quantities of data on the fly, they can process language, movement, sensory input, thought, and calculations all at once. Computers ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.ualberta.ca/~chrisw/howfast.html", "http://cbcl.mit.edu/news/files/liu-tp-picower.html", "http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/10129285/Chinese-supercomputer-is-worlds-fastest-at-33860-trillion-calculations-per-second.html" ], [] ]
3rzovv
what actually happen when a computer erasing a file 'permanently' and give more space to save another file?
If it's a house, does it mean rearranging stuff, storing it in basement that we will never see again, or what?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rzovv/eli5_what_actually_happen_when_a_computer_erasing/
{ "a_id": [ "cwsqpj6", "cwsqq1e", "cwsqrk6", "cwsqsee", "cwsuof4" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 12, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There is a difference between 'deleting' a file and 'permanently erasing' a file.\n\nWhen you simply delete a file, the data contents of the file are actuall...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
8mcyp4
why does a guitar have harmonics only on certain parts of the fretboard/string?
Picking/tapping a string to produce a harmonic note. What is the science behind this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8mcyp4/eli5_why_does_a_guitar_have_harmonics_only_on/
{ "a_id": [ "dzmoegh" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "First you need to understand the concept of overtones.\n\nLet's say you play the open E string. The main and strongest tone you're going to hear is the E note, because that's the main frequency the string is vibrating at. But because the string i...
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[]
[ [] ]
2ueojo
for 99.5% of humanity's history, a baby that wouldn't breastfeed, would die. simple as that. so, for modern babies, why is a problem with babies not "latching on" such a common post-pregnancy problem? shouldn't natural selection have fixed that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ueojo/eli5_for_995_of_humanitys_history_a_baby_that/
{ "a_id": [ "co7p9rs", "co7pgek", "co7pj2s" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "Its my understanding that this is most often a problem with first pregnancies, not later pregnancies. And it's actually fairly common that the first offspring of many species die of neglect, because fir...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2qd0up
why are us street numbers so random?
In most western countries number 10 is next to number 12 which is next to number 14. In the US even a small street can have 22097 next to 22092.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qd0up/eli5_why_are_us_street_numbers_so_random/
{ "a_id": [ "cn4zild", "cn4zlvj", "cn4znx0" ], "score": [ 5, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Many places in the US (though not NYC) houses are numbered by the cross street, so between 6th and 7th avenue (or what would be if they haven't been given other names) the houses go from 600 to 700. So ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
510myc
what is the explanation for one country being on the top economically but still not having good standards of living for it's people?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/510myc/eli5_what_is_the_explanation_for_one_country/
{ "a_id": [ "d78eeii", "d78emjy", "d78f0t4" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 8 ], "text": [ "From my limited understanding, it's just because the measures used come up with an economic \"rating\" generally have little or nothing directly to do with the living conditions of people in the country...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1jcu9y
why don't the animals of the chernobyl disaster zone die of radiation poisoning?
You see posts like [these](_URL_0_) from time to time. It claims that the animals near the radiation zone and in the zone are thriving because of the lack of human presence. Humans aren't there because radiation sickness hurts, so why aren't the animals dying as well?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jcu9y/eli5_why_dont_the_animals_of_the_chernobyl/
{ "a_id": [ "cbddspo", "cbddvbd", "cbdgkkl", "cbdgsae", "cbdhhg8", "cbdhr3s", "cbdhts0", "cbdid89", "cbdjcq6", "cbdjksv", "cbdjvvq", "cbdkbxc", "cbdkoid", "cbdle6o", "cbdltw1", "cbdlu9o", "cbdlzf2", "cbdm21v", "cbdmmzg", "cbdnfur", "c...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/1jct0f/til_of_the_red_forest_which_is_a_4_square/" ]
[ [], [ "http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/9646437/The-women-living-in-Chernobyls-toxic-wasteland.html" ], [ "http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/04/ff_chernobyl/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://m.animalplanet.com/...
34rvt5
what is scandinavian socialism, and why is it so great?
I know that the Scans have got it going on, but I just don't know how or why. Also, if the United States were to implement a similar structure what would have to change..?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34rvt5/eli5_what_is_scandinavian_socialism_and_why_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cqxhccc", "cqxhe54" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "I'm getting this from Wikipedia so this may be a bit dubious, but I'll my best.\n\nThe thing about Scandinavian Socialism, or the Nordic Model as it's normally called, it's that it's comparatively light on the Socialism part...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4bhba6
why does facebook censor anything that resembles a nipple but not horrific scenes of violence and/or religious videos inciting violence?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4bhba6/eli5why_does_facebook_censor_anything_that/
{ "a_id": [ "d192h96" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "Because Facebook is an American company and has the American puritanical idea that sex is bad and violence is good. It's something that is deeply ingrained in our society. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1fx1hf
how did the octopus do this?
I saw this gif posted in /r/woahdude _URL_0_ And was wondering how an octupus can do that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fx1hf/eli5how_did_the_octopus_do_this/
{ "a_id": [ "caempuc", "caepyov" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "They have special pigment cells on their skin called chromatophores. They use muscles to contract and expand the cells which lead to various colors being seen. They can also use the muscles in their skin to contort pieces of...
[]
[ "http://www.gifbin.com/985297" ]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmDTtkZlMwM" ] ]
feg2ai
why do salted soft pretzels sweat if left out over night?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/feg2ai/eli5_why_do_salted_soft_pretzels_sweat_if_left/
{ "a_id": [ "fjnqt60", "fjnr57p" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Soft pretzel still have a good bit of water in them, and that water along with the gluten is part of what makes them stay soft.\n\nEvaporation will cause it to lose water, and having salt on the surface will also draw out wa...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
cs9wh6
every month we see studies talking about how they have successfully found a cure for cancer but they just vanish after sometime.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cs9wh6/elif_every_month_we_see_studies_talking_about_how/
{ "a_id": [ "exdhier", "exdhn6v", "exdhuoh" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 10 ], "text": [ "Cancer isn't just one disease. Many forms of cancer are successfully treated using the findings of the studies you're talking about.", "One issue is that a lot of treatments show promise in the mou...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8gqpo7
[religious] if (a)in the begining god created adam and eve but doesn't mention the creation of anyone else, and (b) god commanded noah to save his family and various animals from a flood that was to wipe out the earth.... are we twice inbred as a species?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8gqpo7/eli5_religious_if_ain_the_begining_god_created/
{ "a_id": [ "dydsaf1", "dydsukb", "dydtwh7", "dye07ld", "dyea49f", "dyefptx" ], "score": [ 2, 7, 6, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "According to fundamentalist we are, but if you look at the DNA evidence it’s clear this was all non-sense. ", "The bible isn't reall...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6gyrum
why do video game developers take so long to come out with their game when it seems as though they have a nearly complete product at events such as e3? in essence, what takes them so long to revise that they need months after releasing game play footage?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gyrum/eli5_why_do_video_game_developers_take_so_long_to/
{ "a_id": [ "diu4vp5", "diu5736", "diu5y2x", "diu8fgt" ], "score": [ 3, 15, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Pretty sure DEMOs and such are sectioned off parts of the game they get working just to show it off and hype people. Game itself is no where near complete.", "Are you talking ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
2xiyc4
is it possible to develop illnesses like ptsd from viewing disturbing images?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xiyc4/eli5_is_it_possible_to_develop_illnesses_like/
{ "a_id": [ "cp0i4qz" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like war, assault, an accident or disaster.\n\nThat being said, and since suffering is relative to the person, you can have something that triggers and ov...
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[]
[ [] ]
b2bdpz
how in the world is formula 1 profitable for the teams?
Teams like Ferrari and Mercedez have a budget of over a billion dollars, what the hell? They're losing money in order to compete in F1, right? I can't fathom they'd make it back... It's not that big of a spectator sport in comparison to other sports and so..so much money goes into it. How does that work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b2bdpz/eli5_how_in_the_world_is_formula_1_profitable_for/
{ "a_id": [ "eirlfdk", "eirouwb", "eirypus", "eiryxus", "eiseboz", "eisqkmu" ], "score": [ 16, 3, 20, 10, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Winning sells cars. That's why manufactures put money into F1. many common features in modern cars such as ABS and traction control...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
eujsvp
why don’t birds have teeth?
I was in smacked city, heading off to snowboard. Somehow I got into a conversation with my dad and younger sister about dinosaurs and reptiles. Then my dad dropped the bomb on me and told me that chickens and birds came from dinosaurs. That then confused me because birds don’t have teeth. Where did they go?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eujsvp/eli5_why_dont_birds_have_teeth/
{ "a_id": [ "ffptnvp", "ffpu6s2", "ffpy47g", "ffq195u" ], "score": [ 2, 9, 5, 6 ], "text": [ "Most birds are no longer hunting mammals or other animals that are larger than them, birds still have jagged edges inside their beaks if you look closely but they simply don't need...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
33yp1h
why is that when i choose random on a playlist of thousands of songs, the same few songs seem to play first every time?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33yp1h/eli5_why_is_that_when_i_choose_random_on_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cqplrd9", "cqpoiso" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The possibilities are:\n\n* Bad luck, but the device does do \"random\" well enough.\n* The device has a poor randomizing algorithm (because nothing in computing actually is random, it just looks that way)\n* Observational b...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthday_problem" ] ]
2fyqk3
what constitutes a draw in chess? why does it seem as though a draw happens when it looks like a normal game going on?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fyqk3/eli5_what_constitutes_a_draw_in_chess_why_does_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cke0k84", "cke644k", "ckeps06" ], "score": [ 31, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are several situations where a draw may occur, and while it may seem like a \"normal\" game is going on to the average person, a trained eye would identify them pretty easily usually:\n\n* One pl...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
22nofe
since saliva starts the digestion of food in our mouths, why is it that neither our tongue or any other parts of our bodies that get saliva on them are dissolved?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22nofe/eli5since_saliva_starts_the_digestion_of_food_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cgol8lv" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Saliva only contains amylase and lysozymes, which digests complex carbohydrates like that found in bread and carbohydrates found on the surface of bacteria.\n" ] }
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[ [] ]
1o82bd
why are musical notes the pitches that they are? why not smaller or bigger increments in frequencies? and who decided this?
Just started learning piano and my curious mind can't stop thinking about it: For example, why not 16 notes in a standard scale,with the difference in pitch cut in half, instead of 8? Why does a standard major scale go in steps of whole-whole-half-whole whole-whole-half? And why does this sound normal as opposed to ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1o82bd/eli5_why_are_musical_notes_the_pitches_that_they/
{ "a_id": [ "ccpm54y", "ccpmupw", "ccpr1as" ], "score": [ 6, 23, 5 ], "text": [ "Let's start from simple things. If you played 8 whole notes you would arriving at a different note. Tones and half tones are such that after 8 notes you're at the exact double frequency. \nAnd if you p...
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[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consonance_and_dissonance#Dissonance" ], [ "http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=graph+sin%28x%29+%2B+sin%281.498301+*+x%29+from+x%3D0+to+x%3D500", "http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=sin%28x%29+%2B+sin%281.5x%29", "http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=sin...
2464fz
why do certain body parts feel numb while drunk?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2464fz/eli5_why_do_certain_body_parts_feel_numb_while/
{ "a_id": [ "ch40wl7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Alcohol is a depressant. It hinders the brain's ability to function properly and impedes neural messages from reaching the brain." ] }
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[ [] ]
2sfq6i
how does closing our eyes signal to the brain that it's time to shut down (sleep)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2sfq6i/eli5_how_does_closing_our_eyes_signal_to_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cnp1bpr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's not necessarily so that closing your eyes makes you sleepy. Often it's the other way around: you feel and urge to close your eyes when you are tired and sleepy. Bu in a way it's like two sides to a coin - the two phenomena are interconnected...
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2xkk5h
the railgun
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xkk5h/eli5_the_railgun/
{ "a_id": [ "cp0wjqr", "cp0wp5m", "cp0wps9", "cp0wqqc" ], "score": [ 3, 29, 3, 7 ], "text": [ "There are a couple of different railgun designs, but essentially, a magnetic projectile (like a steel ball) is attracted by a big electromagnet. As the projectile arrives at the m...
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[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.wired.com/2014/08/the-physics-of-the-railgun/" ] ]
20xpft
how can cosmetic and otc drug companies get away with putting out duplicate products with strikingly similar boxes without getting sued?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20xpft/eli5_how_can_cosmetic_and_otc_drug_companies_get/
{ "a_id": [ "cg7p810" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The rules the FDA makes for drugs are highly complex, but the jist of it is that drug makers only have a certain period of time in which they can hold patents and protect their intellectual property before they effectively become public. Usually ...
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3e2evb
how is thermal sensation measured/estimated?
You know, when you're watching the weather report, and the hot chick goes like "dude, it's 10 Cº, with a thermal sensation of 5 ºC" How is that measured? People don't perceive temperature all the same, do they? So how is this possible?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3e2evb/eli5_how_is_thermal_sensation_measuredestimated/
{ "a_id": [ "ctavmn7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The feels like takes humidity and windspeed into effect, both testable factors. \n\nGenerally objects heat or cool in an inverse exponential fashion shown [here](_URL_0_). Having humidity or wind will increase or decrease the rate of cooling, but...
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[ [ "http://forio.com/simulate/~~/2124059382/simulationThumbnail/image/asavitzky/test-excel-import.png?width=452&height=263&fitWidth=true" ] ]
615u2k
is near term extinction really imminent? if so, what can we do as individuals to withstand it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/615u2k/eli5_is_near_term_extinction_really_imminent_if/
{ "a_id": [ "dfbz1b0" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Humanity is a highly intelligent, spread-out and resilient species. Untold millions may die and civilizations crumble, but outright extinction is highly unlikely unless we're talking about truly extraordinary calamities, of which \"just\" climate...
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[ [] ]
2qfq8p
why do swiss banks seem immune to all foreign legal obligations except for taxes?
Watching Wolf of Wall Street and all the other things I've read/heard, why are the Swiss banks immune to extradition?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qfq8p/eli5_why_do_swiss_banks_seem_immune_to_all/
{ "a_id": [ "cn5oh7y" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Please do a search before you post. I did it for you this time because I'm nice:\n\n_URL_0_\n\nThey have softened their stance in recent years, however." ] }
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[ [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ecgsx/eli5_what_makes_swiss_bank_accounts_special/" ] ]
3uw7mv
this statement from the federal reserve
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3uw7mv/eli5this_statement_from_the_federal_reserve/
{ "a_id": [ "cxi911b", "cxib59b", "cxic8ov" ], "score": [ 12, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "We want to keep as many people employed as we can, without jacking with our prices. Right now it looks like we can do that. So far it looks like everything will be fine, but we're watching the global e...
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[ [], [], [] ]
2g07f1
why are people interested in tap-to-pay with cellphones?
I don't get it. What is so difficult with paying with cash or a card that people think something like Apple Pay is a big deal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2g07f1/eli5_why_are_people_interested_in_taptopay_with/
{ "a_id": [ "ckedasq", "ckeee6k" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "1 thing is more convenient to carry than 2 things. ", "Laziness breeds innovation. Before all of these iDevices and such people had a wallet they carried around to pay for things. Then they had to carry a wallet AND wha...
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[ [], [] ]
6yhuxc
who are these "experts" we always hear about in the news or in sources of information? ex:"experts say..."
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6yhuxc/eli5_who_are_these_experts_we_always_hear_about/
{ "a_id": [ "dmnhvxt", "dmnhw43", "dmnhx15", "dmnjdli" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "It depends on what the particular article is about. For example, if you're doing a story involving some computing concept, like a virus, you may ask some folks how viruses work, o...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
1yr1te
why do i get emails on my phone before they come through to outlook on my computer?
I get the email notification on my phone, on LTE or 3G, several seconds before it pops up in Outlook, which is connected to the internet either by Wifi or a LAN connection. Curious if this happens to others / what is the reason for it. Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yr1te/eli5_why_do_i_get_emails_on_my_phone_before_they/
{ "a_id": [ "cfmzdkp" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Without you giving more specifics about your mail server, it is probably because your phone is set to push, or to be immediately notified when mail arrives, while your desktop is set to pull, or to check on a timer or at certain time intervals fo...
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63o6np
what toxins do those cleanse diets and pills remove.
I've heard lots of different things online and from other people about how you should do cleanse diets to get rid of toxins in your body. Also it seems like tons of medicines and products claim to flush toxins from your body. Isn't that what your kidneys and liver do? If they're fake, how are they allowed to sell produ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/63o6np/eli5_what_toxins_do_those_cleanse_diets_and_pills/
{ "a_id": [ "dfvnpfl", "dfvnwtc", "dfvnyt6" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 8 ], "text": [ "None. We have organs in our bodies, as you mentioned, to do the job for us. The cleanse diets/pills are just woo.", "They are classed as supplements and have that little statement at the bottom. ...
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[ [], [], [] ]
308r3h
why does food seem to taste different with different consistencies?
Like for example chicken drumsticks - i would never eat the skin when its partially fried, but if it's crispy it taste amazing. Also, even if the food actually tastes good, the consitency can ruin the pleasure if it's not right. Why is this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/308r3h/eli5_why_does_food_seem_to_taste_different_with/
{ "a_id": [ "cpq552k" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "When you prepare and cook food, you are changing, removing, and creating new chemicals in the food. A piece of bread will have certain chemicals in it, but when it is toasted (via the Maillard reaction) you are changing the chemicals within the b...
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2kn4tv
why don't we ever learn about the 14 presidents before george washington?
I was only very recently told that 14 men served 1 year terms as president before George Washington became president with the ratification of the constitution. Why didn't I learn about this in school? Did I just miss that day, or do people deliberately not talk about this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kn4tv/eli5why_dont_we_ever_learn_about_the_14/
{ "a_id": [ "clmvzm7", "clmw6kh" ], "score": [ 18, 5 ], "text": [ "None of them matter. Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government only barely existed. Washington was the first President after the adoption of the Constitution, which means he was the first with any actual a...
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[ [], [] ]
2ikq0x
why can't tissue like meniscus that fails or tears be replaced with an artificial substance that works just as well?
It seems like I read weekly about tissue in the body that has been shown to be receptive to synthetic replacement (or regrowth) but not with regard to knee ligaments/cartilage? Why is that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ikq0x/eli5why_cant_tissue_like_meniscus_that_fails_or/
{ "a_id": [ "cl2z3k3" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There are lots of materials we can use that the body will accept, and in some cases the material will even be able to encourage the body to heal faster or work in a way to help the intergration.\n\n > an artificial substance that works just as w...
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barmnn
how are we able to send information through the air?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/barmnn/eli5_how_are_we_able_to_send_information_through/
{ "a_id": [ "ekdkfv7", "ekdkza7", "ekdlh7w", "ekdq7gf" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are devices that encode and decode on either side of a transmitted signal. The encoder turns the signal in to a wave form, the decoder reassembles that wave form so the devic...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
32cgiv
why do hangnails hurt so much?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32cgiv/eli5_why_do_hangnails_hurt_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "cq9zfb2", "cqac0j8", "cqadmg3", "cqae49z", "cqaf4ub", "cqagoee", "cqahh87" ], "score": [ 1011, 40, 22, 18, 3, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Here's a picture of a homunculus (a picture of the human body with each body part shrunk or expanded based o...
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[]
[ [ "http://workinghandsproject.com/images/demo/Homunculus.jpg" ], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsZ5MbQgzv4" ], [] ]
2iq6vk
why opening the task manager almost always seems to fix a non-responsive application
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2iq6vk/eli5_why_opening_the_task_manager_almost_always/
{ "a_id": [ "cl4fq3v" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because starting the task manager is like an astronaut calling in and saying \"Houston, we have a problem\". You've got your computers attention, it's sort of a \"top level\" instruction, everything else the pc is doing is frozen, and you get the...
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1dr7dn
where did the star shape originate?
Stars dont really look like the 5 pointed stars we use today.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1dr7dn/where_did_the_star_shape_originate/
{ "a_id": [ "c9t1zsw" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It originates far back when we did not have telescopes or anything to see the stars with. When you look at the star, it really looks like the 5 pointy thing we know it as, because of the light beams.\n\nMore info: _URL_0_" ] }
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[ [ "http://www.ehow.com/about_5125294_pointed-star-symbolize.html" ] ]
2mangk
how come junk food tastes so good?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mangk/eli5_how_come_junk_food_tastes_so_good/
{ "a_id": [ "cm2fcbh" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "High fat, sugar, and sodium content activates dopamine receptors in the brain that promote stimulation which creates the sensation of happiness and satisfaction. This effect is almost immediate, but certainly not lasting. " ] }
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[ [] ]
1thgnk
i've read when you hit the water after jumping off of a bridge it's the same as concrete, why isn't rain the same as having gravel dropped on you from miles in the air?
I'm sure most of you have read that when you jump off a high bridge you die instantly on impact because the water is basically as hard as concrete when you're going that fast, why isn't rain basically the same as little rocks when it falls? Seems like it's the same deal just in reverse.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1thgnk/eli5_ive_read_when_you_hit_the_water_after/
{ "a_id": [ "ce7zplt" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "according to sources, terminal velocity of raindrops is about 10m/s, for human body it's 50m/s or so." ] }
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[ [] ]
2c37os
- what is the difference between the usa supporting "contras" and "mujahideen" and moscow supporting ukrainian separatists?
Serious question. Serious replies welcomed.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2c37os/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_the_usa/
{ "a_id": [ "cjbhi3f", "cjbhij6", "cjbhin1", "cjbhj0l", "cjbmgqz", "cjbpbo7" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 13, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are a few gray areas here, but the way I see the differences (and I feel they're minor) are:\n\n* Are the Ukrainian Separatists a...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
5b7rd0
how can someone survive with just 1/4 of a liver in the case of a transplant?
I heard that you can get a liver transplant with as little as 1/4 of a liver and it will eventually grow to full size.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5b7rd0/eli5_how_can_someone_survive_with_just_14_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d9mfddo" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Simple answer is that the liver regenerates slowly over time. As long as you don't stress it out you could live a fairly healthy life, while you wait for it to grow back. If you ever did you would only be able to drink water and would have to mon...
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8z961z
how does micellar water work?
I know it has something called "micelles", hence the name, but that's about it. Its a product I use every day and would like to know how it works
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8z961z/eli5_how_does_micellar_water_work/
{ "a_id": [ "e2h0bze", "e2h36sx", "e2hy2bp" ], "score": [ 4, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "What does it do and how do you use it? I always see it in pharmacies and supermarkets", "So imagine a molecule. One end likes water. One end likes oil. Oil and water don't like touching each other s...
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[ [], [], [] ]
yzdrj
iran vs israel
I'm looking for a non-biased simple explanation of why they seem to hate each other. Thank you :)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yzdrj/eli5_iran_vs_israel/
{ "a_id": [ "c607n76", "c60gg68" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Back in the early part of the 20th century there was the Zionist movement. This was the idea that the Jews needed a country to call their own. One of the most popular ideas was to create this in the biblical region of Judea,...
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[ [], [] ]
6kkzbh
why do human bodies build up tolerance to alcohol/drugs but not daily medications like antidepressants/cardiac​/etc meds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kkzbh/eli5_why_do_human_bodies_build_up_tolerance_to/
{ "a_id": [ "djmv3gi" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I can't speak for the other meds, but you absolutely can build up a tolerance to antidepressants and painkillers and the like" ] }
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9fxd69
what is the psychology behind humans wanting rare/exclusive things so badly?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9fxd69/eli5_what_is_the_psychology_behind_humans_wanting/
{ "a_id": [ "e5zzfmp", "e5zzsm3", "e600fy8", "e60125i", "e601x8g", "e603svj", "e603y9g", "e6049fu", "e6053o2", "e605yzs" ], "score": [ 183, 2, 3, 15, 4, 7, 27, 2, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Well, it seems barter system economies preda...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_bloom_the_origins_of_pleasure?language=en#t-542340", "https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/what-we-know-about-art-and-the-mind" ], [], [] ]