q_id stringlengths 5 6 | title stringlengths 3 296 | selftext stringlengths 0 34k | document stringclasses 1
value | subreddit stringclasses 1
value | url stringlengths 4 110 | answers dict | title_urls list | selftext_urls list | answers_urls list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6wtf89 | how can we understand a concept in our head but not know how to put it into words? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wtf89/eli5_how_can_we_understand_a_concept_in_our_head/ | {
"a_id": [
"dmam0k6"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Language means abstraction. So you know your concept, but your language doesn't give you the right word you're searching for, since it is an abstraction of the way humans think. \nWhich on the other hand means that by speaking multiple languages,... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
6g424s | why do people vote conservative/right wing? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6g424s/eli5_why_do_people_vote_conservativeright_wing/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"I don't like the answers so far in this thread, so I'm going try and give a nice-to-conservatives answer from my liberal butt.\n\nFiscal (as in finance) conservativism is centered around ideas like small government, and havi... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
4nbqxf | why does english take the french name of so many european cities instead of their own or the native name? | Milan, Naples, Florence, Munich, Cologne, Prague, Berne, Lucerne, Ypres, etc | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4nbqxf/eli5_why_does_english_take_the_french_name_of_so/ | {
"a_id": [
"d42tg5k"
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"text": [
"I wish I had time to back this up but it could have to do with the English upperclass speaking French. Especially nobility spoke French, it was 'the language of the modern world' before English became established as some default international lan... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_words_of_French_origin",
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_French"
]
] | |
177lgt | /r/seventhworldproblems | I might find it helpful if you also explain it in the context of the other /r/[#]worldproblems subreddits, so that I can make sense of it all.
Thank you. Much love.
| explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/177lgt/eli5_rseventhworldproblems/ | {
"a_id": [
"c82z5eq"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"[This is a good explanation](_URL_0_). Better than I can explain it at least. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[
"http://blog.devicerandom.org/2012/01/15/reddit-cosmology/"
]
] | |
4kn6wg | lorentz transformations. | Hello, I need help with understanding Lorentz transformations and special relativity concepts. Some examples would be extremely helpful too. Thank you very much! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4kn6wg/eli5_lorentz_transformations/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"A Lorentz transformation takes you from the point of view of one inertial (i.e., non-accelerating) observer to the point of view of a different inertial observer. Mathematically speaking, it's a change of coordinates.",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
c2qg81 | if zero times anything is zero, and infinity times anything is infinity, then what is zero times infinity? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c2qg81/eli5_if_zero_times_anything_is_zero_and_infinity/ | {
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"text": [
"The idea of infinity x “anything” equalling infinity is basically explaining that a number too large to list being multiplied (or even added to) would still b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
53yq1i | how does a drug which is in a plastic casing 'expire'? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/53yq1i/eli5_how_does_a_drug_which_is_in_a_plastic_casing/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The molecules in the drug are only so stable. As with anything, they change over time. At some point, the active ingredient reaches a low enough level or some bad break-down product reaches a high enough level to make the drug unusable. \n\nObvi... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3pxxbb | how come subway (underground) is not affected by flood above it? | See this: _URL_0_
You can see the flood is at least a foot deep right above the subway station, but they say that the MRT/subway still operating normally. Where the water goes? How it design? The track is full of electric current, why it is not dangerous?
Thanks, guru. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3pxxbb/eli5_how_come_subway_underground_is_not_affected/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Subways have drainage systems, otherwise they'd flood every time it rains. So the water just goes into the drains and into the sewer. In general that's where all this water goes - into the drainage syst... | [] | [
"http://abc7ny.com/news/water-main-break-causing-back-ups-flooding-in-queens/1047515/"
] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
602s9q | do united states police officers have to answer you when you ask "am i being detained?" if so, is there a point where if they do not respond you can 'legally' just walk away? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/602s9q/eli5_do_united_states_police_officers_have_to/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Do they have to answer? No.\n\nIf they don't answer can you walk away? Yes.",
"Cop here:\n\nNo. They are not required to tell you anything. In most circumstances they will, h... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3bvqvt | amino acids | I've started taking supplements lately because it's summer now, and I have more time on my hands, so that means more training. Im currently training 7 times a week, training 2 times a day twice a week, and having two restdays (thursday and sunday).
I've started taking some fast carbohydrates (maltodextrin) and protein... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bvqvt/eli5_amino_acids/ | {
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"text": [
"Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, like lego blocks, except molecular.\n\nWhen you eat protein, your digestive tract breaks it down into amino acids, which are then used by your body to b... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
1oh8hh | what causes side pain during long intensive excercise? | So, what's the deal? I hear it has to do with breathing, or stress on the internal organs. Any answers or thoughts? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1oh8hh/what_causes_side_pain_during_long_intensive/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"It's called \"Exercise-related transient abdominal pain\" and it's not quite clear what causes it, but there are a number of theories.\n\nThe best theory is that it's caused by your internal organs (liver, stomach, etc) essentially bouncing aroun... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=11984289&query_hl=15&itool=pubmed_docsum"
]
] | |
7g6ao8 | how something like “fan death” can be such a persistent myth in a modern country like south korea which has such a great education system | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7g6ao8/eli5_how_something_like_fan_death_can_be_such_a/ | {
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"dqgsmaq",
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"score": [
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11,
7,
2
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"text": [
"There are parts of culture that don't get erased. We have a Flat Earth Society, and there was a television \"reality\" show in the US called Finding Bigfoot that ran for 5 season... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
3fpkl0 | if store clerks can scan lottery tickets, why don't they scan all of them and sell the losing ones? | I've never understood this. Is this possible? Because every time you win they can scan the number, even manually if the ticket is damaged.
Edit: If I make you rich, remember where you got the idea please. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3fpkl0/eli5_if_store_clerks_can_scan_lottery_tickets_why/ | {
"a_id": [
"ctqrptq"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"Because the barcode on the back only identifies the batch of cards. On the front of the card, there is either a 3 digit number or a second bar code that's covered in scratch off paint that identifies that particular ticket. \n\nA customer isn't ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3rdofd | why the recent nasa findings about ice in antarctica does not mean that climate change is bunk. | I don't believe this myself but I run in some hyper conservative circles and the fb posts are popping up. Looking for an easy explanation to give.
_URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rdofd/eli5_why_the_recent_nasa_findings_about_ice_in/ | {
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"text": [
"[Show them what's happening in Greenland](_URL_0_). It's like the stock market... things go up and go down (in small overall amounts) over short periods of time but it's the long t... | [] | [
"http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/igsoc/jog/pre-prints/content-ings_jog_15j071"
] | [
[
"http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/27/world/greenland-is-melting-away.html?_r=0"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
5teyra | why is it that whenever i go to open a jar i closed, it seems like it was closed with a machine? | Whenever I close a jar, and go to open it the next day, it's always really hard to open. Why does this happen? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5teyra/eli5_why_is_it_that_whenever_i_go_to_open_a_jar_i/ | {
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"text": [
"When closing a jar, you are probably applying more torque than you need to seal it. That torque is being applied against resistance.\n\n",
"Often times s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4ump4h | how much would the earth's speed of revolution around the sun have to change for the average joe to notice anything? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ump4h/eli5_how_much_would_the_earths_speed_of/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"We would notice pretty much *any* changing velocity. You feel it when the vehicle you are in starts moving, for example. But once it is moving *at* the new speed (and is no longer accelerating) it would become unnoticed again.\n\nAfter all, the e... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
2y1lan | why do i get significantly less gas mileage using cruise control compared to not using it? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2y1lan/eli5why_do_i_get_significantly_less_gas_mileage/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Cruise control can be inefficient if you have an extremely hilly drive. To maintain a constant speed, it will accelerate on the uphills and brake on the downhills. This can kill your mileage compared... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9wwzzq | blood doping and high-altitude training both increase our rbc, but why is blood doping different/dangerous and how can you distinguish between the two in an individual? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9wwzzq/eli5_blood_doping_and_highaltitude_training_both/ | {
"a_id": [
"e9o2a92"
],
"score": [
10
],
"text": [
"Autologous blood doping is detected by testing the reticulocyte count of an athletes blood, I.e. what % of the RBCs are immature. If that number is too low, it is suspicious for blood doping. \n\nAltitude adaptation is self-limiting and won’t pu... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
32gy3l | god in the abrahamic traditions | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32gy3l/eli5_god_in_the_abrahamic_traditions/ | {
"a_id": [
"cqb3lqu",
"cqb3m4h"
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"score": [
2,
2
],
"text": [
"You're depicting the traditions of several different religions as if they are one and seeing it as being in conflict. Of course it is in conflict and that's why no one holds all of those views. They only hold some of them.... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2hqxe0 | how is live sports edited for tv? | Like who operates the cameras? Is there some guy who is reviewing all of the live footage and presses a button to cut to a different angle that broadcasts live? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hqxe0/eli5how_is_live_sports_edited_for_tv/ | {
"a_id": [
"ckv716g"
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"text": [
"Yup. You've answered it. There are typically multiple cameras with operators and then someone in a production role making a call on which camera to broadcast from at any given moment. "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
feik4e | what does return do in programming? | Primarily python | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/feik4e/eli5_what_does_return_do_in_programming/ | {
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"text": [
"It sends control of the program back to what called it and frees that memory space up. So when you call a function with a parameter, esp... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"https://www.w3schools.com/python/python_functions.asp",
"https://www.w3schools.com/python/default.asp"
],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2w9xi0 | why do most people seem to like singles released by musicians? | If good music is an opinion, why do most people seem to like the same songs? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2w9xi0/eli5why_do_most_people_seem_to_like_singles/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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3
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"text": [
"Because those are the songs we're exposed to in massive quantities. We as a population don't (usually) choose what music gets popular, the industry heads do. Money buys marketing, marketing buys our attention. Rinse and rep... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
2zxuo3 | why are the pixels on the sides of letters coloured if zoomed in? | For example, if I go on paint, write something and zoom in, I get this: _URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2zxuo3/eli5_why_are_the_pixels_on_the_sides_of_letters/ | {
"a_id": [
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"score": [
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"text": [
"It's called anti-aliasing.\n\nIf the pixels were either fully black or fully white, the edges of the letters would look jagged, like a staircase.\n\nBy blending a little of the color on each side of the edge pixels, the appearance from a distance... | [] | [
"http://i.imgur.com/oZFNxpE.png"
] | [
[]
] | |
4dxr89 | . if an african-american is born with light colored eyes (blue, green, hazel) does that mean there is some other race in their heritage line? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dxr89/eli5_if_an_africanamerican_is_born_with_light/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"We are all mixed race, maybe apart from some ancient tribes in specific parts of Africa. If you realize the exponential nature of heritage this will make more sense.",
"Not necessarily, there could ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
de97x4 | can everything that happens be traced down to an explanation on atomic level? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/de97x4/eli5_can_everything_that_happens_be_traced_down/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Well it depends. Everything that happens physically? Then yes. Quantum mechanics is our best theory on reality and it can explain a lot.",
"Yes but...... Is the answer.\n\nThere are some phenomena t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1p1vpk | why can't we drill through the earths crust? | Projects like the Kola Superdeep Borehole (_URL_0_) have drilled to a maximum of about 7 miles into a crust that averages 20-30 miles thick. Similar projects seem to hit limits of 40,000-50,000 feet. What is stopping us from going deeper than that? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1p1vpk/eli5_why_cant_we_drill_through_the_earths_crust/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"The deeper you drill the more pressure is experienced by the equipment, not to mention the rock density changes dramatically, meaning new types of drilling cutters are needed, and would have to be changed more often. My que... | [] | [
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kola_Superdeep_Borehole"
] | [
[],
[]
] | |
4sjaek | why is there a huge trend in hollywood over the last decade of re-making and re-booting old franchises? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4sjaek/eli5_why_is_there_a_huge_trend_in_hollywood_over/ | {
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"text": [
"Because Hollywood figured out that that is the safest way to make money. Movies cost a lot of money to make, and investors want as little risk as possible, so they go for propert... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
5qr3wc | how is a punctured lung treated in real life? | In TV shows and movies, they always do this stabbing thing into the chest. Sometimes they use a hollow needle, but often it's just whatever small cylinder they can find (knitting needle or whatever). This seems imperfect and imprecise.
I'd like to know the whole process (both as a medical procedure and in a combat sit... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5qr3wc/eli5how_is_a_punctured_lung_treated_in_real_life/ | {
"a_id": [
"dd1eqcm"
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"score": [
2
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"text": [
" > is the stabbing thing accurate or even necessary?\n\nWhat is happening is air has leaked out into the space between the lungs and the chest cavity wall. This makes it difficult if not impossible to inhale as the diaphragm is relying on pullin... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
8gljp2 | grading on a curve/grading on a bell curve | Please explain this as simply as possible! I really do not understand this concept/way of grading at all. I've looked it up and nothing makes sense. Please help. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8gljp2/eli5_grading_on_a_curvegrading_on_a_bell_curve/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"In a ideal situation, the distribution of scores on an assignment or exam would fall within what is called a normal distribution (aka a bell-shaped curve if plotted) around the mean score of the class (ie there is a clear me... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bell_Curve"
]
] | |
1e6i5a | what does wifi stand for/ mean? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1e6i5a/eli5_what_does_wifi_stand_for_mean/ | {
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"text": [
"Wi-Fi doesn't stand for anything, but its name was a play on the term Hi-Fi, short for High Fidelity, a term used to refer to high quality reproduction of sound from a home stereo system. The Wi-Fi alli... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
1p8uk1 | how did the first person to do a parachute jump know they he/she wouldn't go splat and break all their bones when they landed? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1p8uk1/eli5_how_did_the_first_person_to_do_a_parachute/ | {
"a_id": [
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"_URL_0_\n\n > It was widely believed that in 1617, Vrančić, then aged 65 and seriously ill, implemented his design and tested the parachute by jumping from St Mark's Campanile,[9] from a bridge nearby,[10] or from St Martin's Cathedral in Bratisl... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute"
]
] | ||
1fodvj | how does a tornado intercept vehicle avoid being sucked up into the air? | TIVs, like [this](_URL_0_) are built to withstand F-5 level tornadoes, but how to they avoid being sucked up into the air? They only weigh 8 tons, more than light enough to get pulled upward. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1fodvj/how_does_a_tornado_intercept_vehicle_avoid_being/ | {
"a_id": [
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2
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"text": [
"Some of them have pneumatically-operated spikes that they drive into the pavement when contact with a tornado is imminent.",
"One major factor is avoiding getting any significant wind under them in the first place. Lower... | [] | [
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado_Intercept_Vehicle"
] | [
[],
[]
] | |
23vzuj | why is water not a moisturiser? | When I have a shower my skin feels all ashy and I need to put moisturiser on it. Why does water seem to take the moisture out? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23vzuj/eli5_why_is_water_not_a_moisturiser/ | {
"a_id": [
"ch13ptb",
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"score": [
2,
26,
5,
2
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"text": [
"It is. Hot water strips your body's natural oils a lot faster than warm or cold water, making your skin dry.",
"Because water is not oil. Oil keeps moisture inside, while wat... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
2dyl56 | why can muscles only contract? | I guess I didn't explain myself well in the title. I'm wondering why the only force muscles can exert is a pulling force. Why are they built so that that is all they can do, and how does the mechanism of contraction work work? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2dyl56/eli5_why_can_muscles_only_contract/ | {
"a_id": [
"cjucoue"
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"score": [
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"text": [
"They don't just contract, they also relax. They generate force by contracting. Having antagonistic muscle pairs gives your body much more control over your movements. \n\nThe analogous example is a car. How well would you be able to drive if you ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
3com7v | what role did slavery really play in the start of the civil war? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3com7v/eli5_what_role_did_slavery_really_play_in_the/ | {
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"text": [
"The South's fear that the election of Abraham Lincoln meant that they would lose the various legal protections that allowed slavery to function was the primary driver. Here's a summary from a wikipage y... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/06/what-this-cruel-war-was-over/396482/"
],
[],
[]
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1md82a | why does drinking seven beers (5% abv) over the course of three hours get me way more drunk than one shot (40% abv) would if sipped over the same length of time? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1md82a/eli5_why_does_drinking_seven_beers_5_abv_over_the/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"355ml to beer x 0.05 = 17.75ml alcohol/beer. \n x 7 = 124.25ml of alcohol/5 beers\n\n\n45(ml/shot) x 0.4 (40% alcohol) = 18 ml of alcohol / shot.\n\nSimple",
"Because percentages are *relative*, n... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
dnmgwu | i'm about halfway through 1984, what is doublethink? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dnmgwu/eli5_im_about_halfway_through_1984_what_is/ | {
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"text": [
"It’s rather difficult to explain but it’s like the memories in Lois Lowry’s *The Giver* being suppressed by INGSOC for the “good of soci... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
dwddqn | what is currently the longest technologically stagnant period of human history? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dwddqn/eli5_what_is_currently_the_longest/ | {
"a_id": [
"f7i9fmj",
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"score": [
5,
3
],
"text": [
"Probably prehistory. I tend to think of human development as an exponential curve. Not much happens in hunter-gatherer tribes for tens of thousands of years before civilization, but then suddenly, you have agriculture, breed... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2blw39 | when planes are flying overhead, why does the sound from their jet engines seem to be coming from behind them? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2blw39/eli5_when_planes_are_flying_overhead_why_does_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"cj6l84z"
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"It takes noticeably longer for the sound to reach your ears than the light. You can observe a similar situation with fireworks and lightning, in which the sound comes notably after the visual experience in time. \n\nThus, the sound you would be h... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
32lwws | why is the european commission trying to fine google for prioritising their services on google search? | The European Commission is planning to charge Google for using their search platform to promote their own services (like Maps and Drive) over their competitors.
Since you can still find their competitors on Google search, it isn't as if Google is censoring anything or automatically redirecting searches, just advertisi... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32lwws/eli5_why_is_the_european_commission_trying_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"cqcgjo6"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Antitrust laws. More especially, you are not allowed to use your dominance in one market to unfairly compete against other companies in another market.\n\nSame reason why Microsoft got into trouble with Windows & IE. They used their OS to domin... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
cki71j | why is staying still in water warmer than moving in water? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cki71j/eli5_why_is_staying_still_in_water_warmer_than/ | {
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"text": [
"Same reason a fan makes you feel cool: more molecules of water are able to come into contact with your body and absorb heat energy from you.",
"There are 3 main mechanisms to how water (or air) absorb your body temp. \n\... | [] | [] | [
[],
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3nxyx1 | why does light travel constantly? (vacuum) | Physics teacher at my university wasn't able to give an exact explanation.. he just said that we know that by theories and experiments. I kinda cannot believe there isn't some ultimate form of explanation to that..
Thanks in advance! | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nxyx1/eli5_why_does_light_travel_constantly_vacuum/ | {
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"cvs99ox",
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"text": [
"As in, why is the speed of light a constant? We don't know - but the assumption that it _is_ constant in all reference frames is central to the construction of relativity, and relativity is well-tested... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/22pi7o/eli5_why_does_light_travel/cgp58ml"
],
[]
] | |
6a92ad | what's up with the james comey debacle? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6a92ad/eli5_whats_up_with_the_james_comey_debacle/ | {
"a_id": [
"dhcnw6g",
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"score": [
2,
5
],
"text": [
"well he was fired, effective immediately. He is currently hated by many Republicans and Democrats. The Democrats blame him for being the reason Hillary lost the elections because he announced that the investigation of her ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
2q5rtk | how do forensic psychologists create such specific criminal profiles? | Such as the make, model and color of the car the criminal drives, the hobbies he or she might have, etc. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2q5rtk/eli5how_do_forensic_psychologists_create_such/ | {
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"text": [
"They don't. Criminal profiling is a pretty controversial topic among professionals. For every criminal profile that is right there is usually one that is wrong. The efficacy of... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
ed4nnh | why does packaging tape adhere so well to cardboard but terribly to almost everything else? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ed4nnh/eli5_why_does_packaging_tape_adhere_so_well_to/ | {
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"text": [
"Because it's developed specifically to bond well with the fi... | [] | [] | [
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"https://static.rapidonline.com/catalogueimages/product/87/77/s87-7722p01wm.jpg"
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4nb2ti | what is an ontological database? | I barely understand databases. And my software engineer is in love the an ontological database. What is it? How is it different from a standard relational database or even a NoSQL or non-relational database?
Be nice. I'm five. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4nb2ti/eli5_what_is_an_ontological_database/ | {
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"text": [
"Functionally, an ontological database is different in that it can make inferences. It works by defining the relationships between different types of data as a program, rather than organizing the data into categories.\n\nFor example: If you run a ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6gfwxc | when is a plant considered officially dead? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gfwxc/eli5_when_is_a_plant_considered_officially_dead/ | {
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"text": [
"I don't know that there is any official legal or technical declaration of plant death which is consistently followed. Usually individuals will consider a ... | [] | [] | [
[],
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"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coppicing?wprov=sfla1"
],
[],
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"http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00snr0w/episodes/guide"
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830nlx | when people say "in today's dollars", how are they calculating it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/830nlx/eli5_when_people_say_in_todays_dollars_how_are/ | {
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"score": [
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"text": [
"The most common way of measuring inflation is by calculating the cost of a collection of goods and average person would purchase regularly. This is known by the name \"consumer price index\". If we assume the items have re... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
1xfy03 | why did atlanta become a major us city? | Atlanta is not near any major river, and is not near any coast. What made it grow to the Capital of Georgia? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1xfy03/eli5_why_did_atlanta_become_a_major_us_city/ | {
"a_id": [
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"text": [
"Because it was deemed the best place to terminate the westbound rail line from Savannah to the Midwest. The town grew up around there terminus. ",
"Georgia decided to build a railroad to the Midwest. Atlanta is where Ter... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
1zvq83 | why is the sum of an infinite geometric series where r > 1 not infinity? | It was explained to me that when r > 1, the sum of the series doesn't exist/is undefined. Why is it not infinity? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zvq83/eli5why_is_the_sum_of_an_infinite_geometric/ | {
"a_id": [
"cfxex8q"
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"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Because the definition of a convergent infinite series is that its sequence of partial sums goes to a *finite* limit.\n\nInfinity is, of course, not finite. Keep in mind that it's not a number either.\n\nThis is similar to the notion that 1/0 doe... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6q76wt | how does wheel of fortune make money? they give away thousands per episode, even to the people who don't win. does advertising actually make them enough money to cover this loss? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6q76wt/eli5_how_does_wheel_of_fortune_make_money_they/ | {
"a_id": [
"dkv3e5r"
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"score": [
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],
"text": [
"Yep, it's all about the ads! Commercials on network TV during primetime (although Wheel of Fortune is just before primetime) can cost thousands of dollars per second - I've heard that a 30-second commercial running during The Big Bang theory can... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3buwuu | why are cinnamon-flavored candy/liquors flavors usually "hot" or "spicy" (like big red gum, fireballs, cinnamon liquor) when actual cinnamon is not? | Thanks for your answers! | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3buwuu/eli5_why_are_cinnamonflavored_candyliquors/ | {
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"text": [
"Cinnamon is a spice.. and similar to garlic or chili powder - if u use too much or add too much it can be spicey. With that said low levels of cinnamon can... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
byqr3f | why our screen brightness has to be all the way up for us to be able to see them on a sunny day | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/byqr3f/eli5_why_our_screen_brightness_has_to_be_all_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"eqkiaf6"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Picture a room that is completely dark. If you light a candle the whole room will get brighter and you'll see it quite clearly. Now in the daytime that candle won't make a noticeable difference. Your phone is bright compared to darkness, but dark... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
3zo4rk | what exactly happens to our tendons as develop more flexibility by stretching exercises? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3zo4rk/eli5_what_exactly_happens_to_our_tendons_as/ | {
"a_id": [
"cynrupq"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Under normal conditions, little. Improvements in flexibility from stretching are related to the brain and muscles. Ligaments primarily maintain the articulations of the joints and changes to their length don't represent potential benefit to range... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
85xnej | why are tattoos featuring copy-write content not copy-write infringement? what about memes featuring popular content like cartoon characters? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/85xnej/eli5_why_are_tattoos_featuring_copywrite_content/ | {
"a_id": [
"dw0u3mi"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"1. The word is copyright, because it deals with the legal right to copy. \n2. Probably most of them *are*, in fact, infringing. It's not always worth it to go after every random tattoo artist, though. \n3. In addition to copyright infringement,... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
41795v | how was the xbox 360 so future-proof at launch at $360 and not xbox one | So at launch, the Xbox 360 was the super powerful machine compared to high end gaming rigs at the time and it sold for only $360 (adjusted for inflation). Why was the Xbox One unable to be so comparatively strong at $400?
Edit: now that I think about it, the build quality of these launch xbox 360s were crap. They had ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41795v/eli5_how_was_the_xbox_360_so_futureproof_at/ | {
"a_id": [
"cz07tfq",
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"score": [
3,
3,
3
],
"text": [
"Maybe my memory fails me, but I don't recall the XB360 outpacing PC rigs to the degree you're implying. The gap was definitely closer back then though.\n\nAnyway, the answer is probably a combination o... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4flf4d | who, or how, do we decide what animals are ethical for use in experiments and which ones aren't? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4flf4d/eli5who_or_how_do_we_decide_what_animals_are/ | {
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"d29vuj1",
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"score": [
2,
15,
2
],
"text": [
"The line is legally drawn at animals with a demonstrable form of intelligence (dolphins, some forms of squid or cuttlefish, etc.) But is traditionally drawn (for convenience sake) at what is cheap and ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Rs_(animals\\)"
],
[]
] | ||
5fifrv | why are most programming languages written in english? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5fifrv/eli5why_are_most_programming_languages_written_in/ | {
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"d... | [] | [] | [
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"http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/12/the-rear-admiral-who-invented-the-compiler-amazing-grace-hopper/"
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[],
[],
[
"https://en.m.wiki... | ||
ckla8a | do helmets prevent concussions? why or why not? | Just doing some thinking and it just occurred to me for the first time in my dumb existence concussions are the brain rattling in the skull for XYZ reasons... but what can a helmet actually do for that? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ckla8a/eli5_do_helmets_prevent_concussions_why_or_why_not/ | {
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"https://helmet.beam.vt.edu/"
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[]
] | |
2ji6o5 | why do clothing stores generally have a ton of xl and xxl sizes in stock but only a few s and m sized items left? wouldn't supply and demand have corrected this problem by now? | amirite people? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ji6o5/eli5_why_do_clothing_stores_generally_have_a_ton/ | {
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"c... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
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[],
[],
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"http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2012/02/16/how-target-figured-out-a-teen-girl-was-pregnant-before-her-father-did/"
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[],
[],
[],
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"http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/body-measurements.htm"
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[]... | |
2crcmo | how do people like john oliver and jon stewart not get sued for defamation/libel? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2crcmo/eli5_how_do_people_like_john_oliver_and_jon/ | {
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"score": [
2,
11,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"It's not defamatory or libelous (in the US) to tell the truth, or to express opinions. And given that the people they talk about on their shows are public figures, the bar for lib... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
e9paij | why does food "cake on" to dishes if left for a while? | Why does food become so much harder to clean off dishes when you leave it for a while and it dries up? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e9paij/eli5_why_does_food_cake_on_to_dishes_if_left_for/ | {
"a_id": [
"fakewvc",
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"score": [
11,
4
],
"text": [
"Its no longer warm so the molecules are closer together and stronger, plus the water that was in the food is most likely gone.",
"Food that contains proteins which can dissolve in warmish water, when the water evaporate... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
5q2q5z | physicists, how do we know that the fundamental forces used to all be one force at the start of the universe? | Since all our calculations are based around the constant nature of the 4 fundamental forces how do we know that they used to be one? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5q2q5z/eli5_physicists_how_do_we_know_that_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"dcvt563"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"We don't. But we observe that they unite at very high energy states. We also observe an expanding universe and a ton of other evidence of an early state with extremely high energy density. Put one and one together...."
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
2kuqpt | what is actually happening when an old house "settles?" | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2kuqpt/eli5_what_is_actually_happening_when_an_old_house/ | {
"a_id": [
"clowspq",
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"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"The weight compresses the ground faster then the areas around it. Some areas carry more weight then others so they \"sink\" faster. It's a very slow process if the house it built properly for the ground type it's built on. T... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
5nx96h | why aren't ovens white on the inside? since black absorbs heat the best, wouldn't that be the worst color? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nx96h/eli5_why_arent_ovens_white_on_the_inside_since/ | {
"a_id": [
"dcf099k"
],
"score": [
16
],
"text": [
"Black does not necessarily absorb heat the best. It absorbs light best. The color of different materials comes from what colors they absorb and what colors they reflect. White reflecting all visible colors and black absorbing all visible colors.... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
51as4x | does 100% juice give the same benefits as the fruit itself? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/51as4x/eli5_does_100_juice_give_the_same_benefits_as_the/ | {
"a_id": [
"d7air7y"
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"score": [
9
],
"text": [
"No. \n\n1) 100% fruit juice doesn't usually have the fibrous parts of fruit included.\n\n2) you can put 100% fruit juice on many labels, it doesn't really mean anything and is used mostly for marketing.\n\n3) even if it is pure blended fruit, th... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
bym1ew | if hong kong belongs to china, but has its own legal and political system, in what sense does hong kong belong to china? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bym1ew/eli5_if_hong_kong_belongs_to_china_but_has_its/ | {
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629,
22,
94,
10,
4,
2
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"text": [
"China had leased Hong Kong to the UK for 99 years and allowed a different legal system to be established, a \"great experiment\" in... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://youtu.be/piEayQ0T-qA"
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[]
] | ||
5g5xw3 | during hyperinflation, if someone hoards an obscene amount of money, say $1,000,000 and that has little value during hyperinflation, what happens to that amount once the economy stabilizes? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5g5xw3/eli5_during_hyperinflation_if_someone_hoards_an/ | {
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6,
3,
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],
"text": [
"~In theory~ they'd be rich. But that would require there be a hyper*deflation* of the currency. That has never happened.\n\nIn order to stabilize economies w... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[
"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9XJ0cv3Pz8/TZM1VebkUyI/AAAAAAAACEw/u1foQRwIHIM/s1600/zimbabwe1.JPG"
],
[]
] | ||
c3yirb | why do airplane emergency oxygen masks have bags if they are meant to not inflate? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c3yirb/eli5_why_do_airplane_emergency_oxygen_masks_have/ | {
"a_id": [
"eru1ns1",
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"score": [
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3,
2,
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],
"text": [
"They inflate temporarily, if you pause in breathing, so that the oxygen can flow out of the source continuously. When you next inhale, the bag deflates again.\n\nIt other words,... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
dyeyj0 | how can some watches be more accurate than others? | I don't know much about watches, but I remember reading some watches only make a few seconds mistake each day, whilst others have larger error range. Isn't there a mechanical system that keeps the thing automatic? How can that create errors?
Also some watches can remain accurate for decades, if one watch maker can do... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dyeyj0/eli5_how_can_some_watches_be_more_accurate_than/ | {
"a_id": [
"f80qfhy",
"f80qzbf",
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"score": [
28,
7,
2
],
"text": [
"Quality control and tolerances.\n\nIn any machining operation your parts have tolerances. A tolerance is how far out of the specified dimensions the part can be. Very exacting tolerances get rapidly mo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
cy34t6 | why do laptops never seem to have the same types of chargers like phones do? | Its as if every type of laptop has a different charger? Its so confusing when I have an Asus and my classmate, also with an Asus, can't use each others chargers.
I was curious if there was some reason for it, or if its just for money. And if it is just for money, how come phone company don't do the same thing?
There ... | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cy34t6/eli5_why_do_laptops_never_seem_to_have_the_same/ | {
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"eypdzmc",
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"score": [
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10,
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"text": [
"They use different voltage, Watts & amperage that are not comparable with cell phones. \n\nBesides if it was the same then the computer manufacturer couldn't make you buy their ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
3r5r3z | why do blind people wear glasses? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3r5r3z/eli5_why_do_blind_people_wear_glasses/ | {
"a_id": [
"cwl5l4m"
],
"score": [
12
],
"text": [
"If you mean sunglasses, it's usually because their eyes are odd in some way and they're trying to prevent people from being distracted by that when interacting with them: either their eyes aren't aligned like most folks since they don't have to ... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
27ga9h | how long will the worlds population continue to increase? | At what point does over-population become a state we recognise, and when is this likely to happen on a global scale? Also, how are we likely to deal with this? | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/27ga9h/eli5_how_long_will_the_worlds_population_continue/ | {
"a_id": [
"ci0izpu"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"**TL;DR - about 30 years.**\n\nPopulations in most of Asia are stagnating. India is leveling out. Japan and most of Europe have *declining* populations. The US is leveling out. The only place left on Earth to experience a population boom is A... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
5l63db | why is there no law that requires people to take a breathalyzer before a car will start? it seems like a simple solution to a huge problem. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5l63db/eli5_why_is_there_no_law_that_requires_people_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"dbt6yqw",
"dbt6yru",
"dbt6z5f",
"dbt79ky",
"dbt7eu1"
],
"score": [
3,
5,
4,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"It would be expensive to make everyone install an interlock/breathalyzer in their vehicle. The system can easily be cheated and the costs are just not worth t... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
cgdbg2 | why do some animal species end up being strictly carnivores or herbivores? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cgdbg2/eli5_why_do_some_animal_species_end_up_being/ | {
"a_id": [
"eug99l0"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"You need special teeth, bodyplan, and digestive adaptations for what you eat. If an animal finds itself in a situation where it is only eating one food (for example, polar bears not having access to plants, or grazing animals having such abundant... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
9cg9c9 | why does it seem men have a harder time making friends then women? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9cg9c9/eli5_why_does_it_seem_men_have_a_harder_time/ | {
"a_id": [
"e5agi7b",
"e5agjbq",
"e5agzaz",
"e5ahh3u"
],
"score": [
10,
3,
3,
9
],
"text": [
"Generalized answer for a generalized question: Women feel compelled to be agreeable and be friends from the outset, while men feel compelled to do things, agreeability and company... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
jw578 | li5 can somebody explain to me in layman terms how a cdo works? | All I know about them is that they involve a lot of mortgages bundled together and diced up into tranches where the biggest investors where given priority when it came to payment from the principle and interest gathered. I'm looking for someone to explain to me or supply some links which explain how these CDOs work. If... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jw578/li5_can_somebody_explain_to_me_in_layman_terms/ | {
"a_id": [
"c2flsr1",
"c2flsr1"
],
"score": [
5,
5
],
"text": [
"Oh man, you are going to love [this](_URL_0_).\n\nReally, if you fully understand the first sentence you wrote, you fully understand CDOs, but maybe NPR and I can make it a little more clear.\n\nFirst, what is the purpose of... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/10/03/whiteboard_crisis_explainer_uncorking_cdos/"
],
[
"http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/10/03/whiteboard_crisis_explainer_uncorking_cdos/"
]
] | |
3q41x2 | in war movies with large cavalry battles how do they have all the horses fall over and stuff without getting hurt? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3q41x2/eli5in_war_movies_with_large_cavalry_battles_how/ | {
"a_id": [
"cwbv49e",
"cwbyq4s"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Stunt horses.\n\nNo, really. They have sponges on the hooves, tape up the mouths so they can't accidentally bite their tongues, and they're really taught how to fall on command. Also building a 'bed' for their fall so they... | [] | [] | [
[
"http://movies.stackexchange.com/questions/9718/how-do-they-make-horses-fall-down-in-war-movies",
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FHHD9IdjN4"
],
[]
] | ||
8hwjxe | why is it that in some situations minutes feel significantly longer than in other situations? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8hwjxe/eli5_why_is_it_that_in_some_situations_minutes/ | {
"a_id": [
"dyn0s2w"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"“When you sit with a nice girl for two hours you think it’s only a minute, but when you sit on a hot stove for a minute you think it’s two hours. That’s relativity.” -Einstein "
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
253ob4 | why does the first shot of hard liquor/bottle of beer/glass of wine i drink feel like it "goes straight to my head" but everything after affects me more gradually? | Drinking pondering. I feel like my "buzz" symptoms (warm fuzzy feeling, slight increase in mood/sociability) come on very quickly after my first drink and then mostly stabilize until I am a few drinks in. Being that there is a phrase for this (ie, "That ____ went straight to my head!"), I assume that this is not just a... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/253ob4/eli5_why_does_the_first_shot_of_hard_liquorbottle/ | {
"a_id": [
"chdh0wd"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"I'm pretty sure it's a placebo effect. Same thing happens when people are given non alcoholic beverages and told they do have alcohol. In those cases a lot of people show symptoms of being drunk, even though obviously it's impossible to get drink... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
bccdux | why the inflation of expenses always more than the inflation of wages? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bccdux/eli5_why_the_inflation_of_expenses_always_more/ | {
"a_id": [
"ekpgxn1",
"ekpocxv"
],
"score": [
6,
11
],
"text": [
"The unfortunate effect of supply and demand, sadly. Production efficiency means that not that many labour is needed to produce goods and services, meanwhile the number of people who needs said goods and services keeps on ri... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
38obff | how does people you may know function on facebook work? do people who have visited my profile pop up there? | ELI5 how does people you may know function on facebook work? Do people who have visited my profile pop up there? Because I'm acquainted with in real life but have no connection with on facebook sometimes pops up. | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/38obff/eli5_how_does_people_you_may_know_function_on/ | {
"a_id": [
"crwhi0x",
"crwilci"
],
"score": [
2,
3
],
"text": [
"People who are friends with multiple people you are friends with will show up on that list. If you accrue too many facebook friends then that feature will become useless.",
"Do you have their phone numbers or email addre... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
9jmbhk | how do researches begin a study on a new disease? | More specifically, how would they begin studying and working on a cure for a zombie outbreak? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9jmbhk/eli5_how_do_researches_begin_a_study_on_a_new/ | {
"a_id": [
"e6siz96",
"e6srir3"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Trying to find ways to cheat in Plague Inc aren’t you?\n\nJokes aside, it depends on the situation. Ideally you’d choose a proven way of going about this (methodology, if you will) and do your best to:\n\n- predict (be it di... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | |
8gh2vv | how do tire balancing beads work to balance a tire? | EDIT: I am asking this specifically about the ceramic, glass or other material beads that are placed inside the tire and advertise a lifetime balance of the tire. This is a link to one such product: _URL_0_ | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8gh2vv/eli5_how_do_tire_balancing_beads_work_to_balance/ | {
"a_id": [
"dybvz8q",
"dynf86l"
],
"score": [
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Well, They don't actually balance it the same way that weights balance it. \n\nThe beads spread out as the tire rotates, drive by the tire's rotation. When the heavy spot on the tire moves the wheel in one direction, momen... | [] | [
"http://www.counteractbalancing.com"
] | [
[],
[
"https://engineering.stackexchange.com/questions/6015/how-do-tire-balancing-beads-work/6059"
]
] | |
4d7fka | does one side of a blanket keep me warmer then the other? | I've noticed in my years some blankets (my comforter to be exact) has a smooth side and a rough side. Does it keep me warmer? I'm not to sure or does it simply do that so one side can show the design | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4d7fka/eli5does_one_side_of_a_blanket_keep_me_warmer/ | {
"a_id": [
"d1odo41"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Unless it is an emergency blanket which might have 2 different sides (1 orange ,1 silver one is for reflecting heat away the other is to keep heat inside) a normal blanket other than for aesthetic reasons don't have a difference. It will keep y... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
dwx3p7 | why are american motorsports (like nascar, indy500 etc.) hosted on oval tracks whilst popular motorsports in other countries (like f1, touring cars, motogp, etc) performed on more complex tracks? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dwx3p7/eli5_why_are_american_motorsports_like_nascar/ | {
"a_id": [
"f7m2har",
"f7m4dbd",
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"score": [
3,
13,
2
],
"text": [
"There are plenty of “complex” tracks in America. And lots of racing other than just oval tracks. Its just the ones that become more popular than others in America. Driving in an oval isn’t easy when yo... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
4iib2y | if the greeks thought their gods were real, why did writers make up fictional stories about them and consider them to be true stories? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4iib2y/eli5_if_the_greeks_thought_their_gods_were_real/ | {
"a_id": [
"d2ybc1z",
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"d2yecl3",
"d2yf4ep",
"d2ylhki"
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"score": [
8,
37,
12,
5,
2,
4
],
"text": [
"That's basically the same as *any* deist religion. Same \"If\" (and it's a *big* \"If\"), and same \"Why\". At some point someone made... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
9b8mp6 | odd time signatures: what are they, how they work? | And also, how is it possible for time signatures such as "7/8" not to equal 1? (such as 4/4, 8/8...). Where does the extra 1/8 go? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9b8mp6/eli5_odd_time_signatures_what_are_they_how_they/ | {
"a_id": [
"e5145ma",
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"e51futs",
"e51glue",
"e520s41"
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"score": [
13,
3,
2,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"Time signatures are not fractions. They don’t add up. The top number is simply how many beats go in a measure and the bottom number is the length of the note... | [] | [] | [
[],
[
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RelR85j09XY"
],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
45xz7m | why do some flavors linger in your mouth all day like onions, while some like bread don't? | Title pretty much sums up my question.
My guess would be it has to do with how oily the food is and how pungent the flavor is, but beyond that I have no clue. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45xz7m/eli5_why_do_some_flavors_linger_in_your_mouth_all/ | {
"a_id": [
"d01ebgh"
],
"score": [
2
],
"text": [
"Onions and garlic especially tend to \"linger\" as flavors because the chemical compounds that give them their distinctiveness are sulfuric in nature. These compounds are excreted chiefly by the alveoli in your lungs rather than by gas coming out... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
6f7heu | where the origin of the southern u.s.a being known as dumb/slow came from and how it has persisted. | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6f7heu/eli5_where_the_origin_of_the_southern_usa_being/ | {
"a_id": [
"dig0hk1",
"dig0j0z",
"dig1dqb",
"dig25yq",
"dig4q9k"
],
"score": [
31,
3,
4,
10,
3
],
"text": [
"The southern states are the poorest, most rural, and have the least state funding towards education. That all contributes towards the lack of intelligence s... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[],
[],
[]
] | |
7dpvug | why is the sprite from mcdonald's so "crispy"? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7dpvug/eli5_why_is_the_sprite_from_mcdonalds_so_crispy/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpzkx4c",
"dpzm33y"
],
"score": [
4,
2
],
"text": [
"Coke in a fountain outlet can have slightly different properties, like how much CO2 is dissolved in it, by setting the machine differently. I don't know that all McDonalds have adopted non-standard settings, but it's the so... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
7dpiyy | why do some noises like clicking a pen sound less annoying when we're the ones doing it? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7dpiyy/eli5_why_do_some_noises_like_clicking_a_pen_sound/ | {
"a_id": [
"dpziii8"
],
"score": [
3
],
"text": [
"Probably because we are in control off it, unlike when jeremy from across the classroom clicks his damn pen for 45 straight minutes"
]
} | [] | [] | [
[]
] | ||
b4zd6d | how can a computer program written to play chess defeat world champion? is it only because it is fast and can compute all possible moves? if yes, can a human defeat it, given infinite time? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b4zd6d/eli5_how_can_a_computer_program_written_to_play/ | {
"a_id": [
"eja49m4",
"eja7a3e",
"ejaecj8"
],
"score": [
5,
3,
2
],
"text": [
"Computer programs can be written to learn from experience just like humans can. And they can play many, many more games very quickly. Just like humans get better with experience, so can the program.",
... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | ||
cy1xfa | back then before everything like c++ and even html was around, how were video games for consoles like the nes developed? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cy1xfa/eli5_back_then_before_everything_like_c_and_even/ | {
"a_id": [
"eyp5iof",
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"eyqqnqt"
],
"score": [
462,
38,
3,
2,
2,
2,
4,
3
],
"text": [
"They were written in the 6502 assembly language. A few were written in C, but those appar... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[
"https://youtu.be/kXbMCKMJXXQ",
"https://youtu.be/ZWQ0591PAxM"
],
[],
[],
[],
[
"https://youtu.be/ZWQ0591PAxM"
],
[]
] | ||
69pzlh | why aren't diet/weight loss/fitness supplements tested in clinical trials often? | It seems like one of the biggest issues in the US, so why isn't it widely tested?
EDIT: I'm talking about independent testing, not required testing. | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69pzlh/eli5_why_arent_dietweight_lossfitness_supplements/ | {
"a_id": [
"dh8ibt1",
"dh8iwb2",
"dh8jjnu"
],
"score": [
3,
5,
3
],
"text": [
"They are not medicine. That means they are not subject to the same regulations as medicine. ",
"Because this would show they're not working. Right now there's only a handful of drugs/supplements tha... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
4ajd8i | why can't you completely block the pain of childbirth? | I know women can get epidurals and other ways to "manage" pain but why can't you completely numb everything up and just have to deal with the pushing? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ajd8i/eli5_why_cant_you_completely_block_the_pain_of/ | {
"a_id": [
"d10tdvj"
],
"score": [
4
],
"text": [
"That used to be done. Women used to be put under general anesthesia, rendering them unconscious while the nurses and doctors do their work. (Later derided as the \"knock 'em out, drag 'em out method). However, the drugs used in general anesthesia... | [] | [] | [
[]
] | |
49tiic | why is google's alphago so spectacular? go consists of simply moving pieces around on a grid and there is always a most efficient play, why is it such a big deal that a computer is beating a human in a game of calculations? isn't that expected? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49tiic/eli5_why_is_googles_alphago_so_spectacular_go/ | {
"a_id": [
"d0uoifd",
"d0uoiqd",
"d0uorq1"
],
"score": [
8,
3,
4
],
"text": [
"There are so many legal moves in Go that brute forcing a solution simply isn't an option. A game with 361 turns has 1.8×10^923 possible solutions.\n\n_URL_0_\n\nSo, while there might be a way to solve G... | [] | [] | [
[
"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_and_mathematics"
],
[],
[]
] | ||
1841gy | chemical reactions | I'm not sure if this is the right sub-reddit or not, but I'm gonna shoot. We are dealing with chemical reactions in chemistry right now and no matter how I've been explained all the calculations involved, I'm still completely lost.
I understand balancing equations and molar ratios pretty well. I can also determing % y... | explainlikeimfive | http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1841gy/eli5_chemical_reactions/ | {
"a_id": [
"c8betx5",
"c8beuw8",
"c8bf1ol"
],
"score": [
4,
2,
2
],
"text": [
"In the future, try /r/chemhelp and /r/homeworkhelp.\n\nMeanwhile, let's clear some misconceptions:\n\n > Also, how do I tell which reactant is limiting if it's not stated in the problem? I kind of unde... | [] | [] | [
[],
[],
[]
] | |
6elggr | why is it extremely hard to draw circles with my left hand, while simultaneously draw squares with my right hand? | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6elggr/eli5why_is_it_extremely_hard_to_draw_circles_with/ | {
"a_id": [
"dib5phj",
"dib5qrj"
],
"score": [
9,
3
],
"text": [
"I imagine it's because you're putting your mind to it. There are piano players who can play a really complicated song on the piano and also maintain a conversation because they aren't necessarily realizing they are actually ... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] | ||
die1id | how does saline solution actually work to clean wounds? | [deleted] | explainlikeimfive | https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/die1id/eli5_how_does_saline_solution_actually_work_to/ | {
"a_id": [
"f3v7dct",
"f3v8rcu"
],
"score": [
6,
4
],
"text": [
"It’s largely mechanical. The water spraying against your skin physically removes bacteria or other pathogens from the surface of your skin. The amount of salt in a normal saline solution isn’t enough to really do anything to... | [] | [] | [
[],
[]
] |
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