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91hl6l
what is the log likelihood function and how is it different from probability?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/91hl6l/eli5_what_is_the_log_likelihood_function_and_how/
{ "a_id": [ "e2yc2jp" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Probability is chance some random or hard to predict event will occur. Usually, we can't compute probabilities exactly, so we create a model. We say getting heads on a coin flip is a 50-50 probability, even though when we analyze the actual phy...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1e4xg3
how to simplify a radical expression
How can I simplify the radical expression 5(sqrt)6 - (sqrt)36 + (sqrt)96? I have had someone else explain it to me, but I just don't understand it. So, can someone explain it to me like I'm five?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1e4xg3/eli5_how_to_simplify_a_radical_expression/
{ "a_id": [ "c9wu64b", "c9ww3gl", "c9wxl4y" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 8 ], "text": [ "**Step 1:** Factor the radicands (the numbers under the radix or \"square root sign\") down to their prime factors. For most integers you'll encounter in a math class, this will just be a matter of divi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6ajyw5
why is nuclear war generally considered to be the end of the world, when hundreds of nuclear tests have been performed around the world for decades and we're all still here and doing fine?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ajyw5/eli5_why_is_nuclear_war_generally_considered_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dhf2s5k", "dhf2scg", "dhf36bd", "dhf36ej", "dhf3948", "dhf40jb" ], "score": [ 9, 10, 2, 3, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Hundreds of tests in isolated areas across decades is very different than a thousand or more in one day in places like cities and milit...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
364opu
what exactly in our brains makes a person talented in art?
For example, when i was 9 all i could do was draw stick people (which is still all i can draw to this day) while my friend could literally imagine any thing and draw/color/shade it perfectly.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/364opu/eli5_what_exactly_in_our_brains_makes_a_person/
{ "a_id": [ "craq72x", "craqsbu", "crau04r" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "My Sister In Law, the artist, has repeatedly claimed that there is no such thing as talent. There is practice, perseverance, and time. Not sure I believe her, but I'm a stick figure drawer like OP", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6qv23z
why do we not fall towards the direction the plane is turning in when in the air
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6qv23z/eli5_why_do_we_not_fall_towards_the_direction_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dl07imm", "dl07oy6" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "The curve and angle are made so you do no feel this sensation. \nIn car, when you make a u turn in mountain, you agree that your body is pushed on the other side right ? And faster you go, bigger is the effect. It is inertia...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coordinated_flight" ] ]
4xdx11
wide color gamut, there are several "standards". what do they represent? how important are they when choosing a new tv?
I am lost on exactly what each standard (rec 709, DCI P3, and Rec 2020) mean and represent. Also how important is this specification when buying a new HDR capable device?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xdx11/eli5_wide_color_gamut_there_are_several_standards/
{ "a_id": [ "d6eni1z", "d6envtl" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A color gamut is simply the range of colors that a display can support. You may have never thought about it, but a TV can not display every color available in nature that the human eye can see AND perceive.\n\nCheck out [thi...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/CIE1931xy_gamut_comparison.svg/512px-CIE1931xy_gamut_comparison.svg.png", "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Cie_Chart_with_sRGB_gamut_by_spigget.png/800px-Cie_Chart_with_sRGB_gamut_by_spigget.png" ], [] ]
a5j6jv
what is superconductivity and why is it a big deal that it happens at room temperature?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a5j6jv/eli5_what_is_superconductivity_and_why_is_it_a/
{ "a_id": [ "ebmwrft", "ebn35x0" ], "score": [ 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Conductivity is how easily electrons move across something. The lower the conductivity the more work you need to put in to push the electrons through.\n\nCopper has a high conductivity for instance (a lot of metals do) and ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4dfw4a
central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dfw4a/eli5central_nervous_system_and_peripheral_nervous/
{ "a_id": [ "d1qju5v" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The central nervous system is comprised of your brain and the nerves in your spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is all of the nerves in your arms and legs, as well as nerves in your core OTHER than the spinal nerves (for example, nerves i...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
81cvza
how are crystals such as amethyst, rose quartz etc, supposed to have healing or other effects on the body?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/81cvza/eli5_how_are_crystals_such_as_amethyst_rose/
{ "a_id": [ "dv29tu1", "dv29uk6", "dv2cwj0" ], "score": [ 14, 12, 11 ], "text": [ "They don’t. Crazy people think rocks are magic. Spoiler: rocks are just rocks, and magic isn’t real. ", "Because people are gullible, and the placebo effect is a real thing. Otherwise crystals, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://skepdic.com/energy.html", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_medicine" ] ]
d4m51m
why does burning gas from gas tank makes black smoke but using it in a vehicle doesn't?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d4m51m/eli5_why_does_burning_gas_from_gas_tank_makes/
{ "a_id": [ "f0e3lm3", "f0e3u8q", "f0e3yzy" ], "score": [ 5, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "There’s a difference between complete combustion and incomplete combustion. Burning fuel in a tank is unregulated and inefficient. The black smoke is byproducts that didn’t burn all the way. Inside a ve...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4z4fgm
why are some tornadoes rain-wrapped while others are visible from several miles away?
We had a couple of tornadoes come within a few miles of us here in the Grand Rapids area. The news media said that the tornadoes were so very difficult to see because they were rain-wrapped. What causes some tornadoes to be rain-wrapped (and therefore impossible to see unless you're very close), while other tornadoes ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4z4fgm/eli5_why_are_some_tornadoes_rainwrapped_while/
{ "a_id": [ "d6svuao" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The most violent part of a storm is, generally, the beginning or the back end. Recall that storms happen when cold fronts mix with warm fronts, shoving the warm, wet air high up where the moisture condenses and falls back down. Wind is also cre...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/160509221659-tornado-footage-elmore-city-mcgee-rodriguez-natsot-00004529-large-169.jpg" ] ]
30xhlm
how does removing the labels from a person's clothing hinder the identification of that person?
When reading about unsolved mysteries or spy stuff I sometimes come across the fact that the labels are removed from someone's clothes. This is usually mentioned to indicate that the person's identity was deliberately being concealed. How can removing labels conceal someone's identity, though? Do that many people write...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30xhlm/eli5_how_does_removing_the_labels_from_a_persons/
{ "a_id": [ "cpwooeu" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Cutting out the labels makes it harder to identify what country the person is from. If you find a body with all New Zealand brands in their clothing then you've narrowed your search down quite a bit.\n\nThis was more important in past decades wh...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn_After_Reading", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taman_Shud_Case", "http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4176032.stm" ]
[ [] ]
6u3yc3
why do babies heal so fast? if they get a scab or cut, it is gone by the next day, but sometimes it takes months for me to experience the same result?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6u3yc3/eli5_why_do_babies_heal_so_fast_if_they_get_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dlpt6kw", "dlpycdi" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Babies grow *really* fast. That's really all there is to it. Wound healing and growth are both powered by division of cells, and since babies grow so fast their wounds heal more quickly too.", "Babies make a ton of new s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5x79ee
how do musicians come up with chord progressions?
e.g. the guitar here has a tritone tuning, does that completely jumble up how you create chords? I know how scales work and how you can make chords from them, but how do people create a progression of many chords that work together, especially in complex music like this? _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5x79ee/eli5_how_do_musicians_come_up_with_chord/
{ "a_id": [ "defv8c8", "den01q1", "den06rd" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "That's where the art comes into it. It's intuition and taste. Sure, some people can write brilliant music with a mathematician like rigor, but I think most writers just feel it out. Trial and error."...
[]
[ "https://youtu.be/RhXXldQIZ50?t=2" ]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Process_music" ], [] ]
1btt3o
why is there little to no coverage of the nazca lines being destroyed, at least partially?
This [ariticle](_URL_0_) is currently on my front page. Needless to say I'm shocked.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1btt3o/eli5_why_is_there_little_to_no_coverage_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c99zny5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Because the article doesn't say that. There are a *ton* of Nazca lines; this is just the destruction of a few particular examples of them. Which may or may not be bad, depending on your personal opinions and a lot of things the article doesn't sa...
[]
[ "http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-3743-peru-heavy-machinery-destroys-nazca-lines/" ]
[ [] ]
9wwhul
how is uranium mined?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9wwhul/eli5_how_is_uranium_mined/
{ "a_id": [ "e9nuemo", "e9nuxpy" ], "score": [ 11, 2 ], "text": [ "Pitchblende, or now renamed Uraninite, is a steel coloured mineral which contains high amounts of uranium oxide (UO2 or U3O8). This is found in many parts of the US, South America, some parts of Europe, South Africa and Aus...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3ajh5e
with emojis now getting their own unicode value, why is the image of the character not consistent throughout android/ios/web?
Why do my emojis on Android not look the same as on iOS devices?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ajh5e/eli5_with_emojis_now_getting_their_own_unicode/
{ "a_id": [ "csd6kgv", "csd7hq4" ], "score": [ 22, 5 ], "text": [ "For the same reason that the letter 'A' in one font may look different from the letter 'A' in another font. Different implementations essentially use different \"fonts\" for their emoji.", "Emoji is part of unicode, an...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://unicode.org/reports/tr51/#Standard_Additions_8", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wingdings" ] ]
yxr3v
eil5: how submarines function
More specifically, how is a submarine capable of controlling depth level? How long can a crew stay inside due to oxygen restraints? Are there rules to depth level so that crew are not affected by cabin pressure?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yxr3v/eil5_how_submarines_function/
{ "a_id": [ "c5zqmxq", "c5zue3p" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "When you want to lower the sub tanks are filled with the surrounding water causing it to sink to raise it you empty those tanks. I'm not sure how deep they can go but below a certain point the sub would be crushed but as lon...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
g2gz69
is there a legitimate strategy to rock paper scissors?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/g2gz69/eli5_is_there_a_legitimate_strategy_to_rock_paper/
{ "a_id": [ "fnlcvs3", "fnlekxg", "fnmifwl" ], "score": [ 2, 9, 6 ], "text": [ "yeah it’s a mind game but I usually win if I go w rock every time until my opponent thinks I am going with rock and then I change it to scissors. To me it’s about baiting some outcome and going w what b...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/gvym4x/game-theory-rock-paper-scissors" ], [], [] ]
ahrecx
why do airlines wait so long to notify passengers of delayed or cancelled flights when they know the necessary plane hasn’t taken off from its prior point of origin yet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ahrecx/eli5_why_do_airlines_wait_so_long_to_notify/
{ "a_id": [ "eehag77" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "They might be able to use a different plane. Until the actual delay is known and other avenues of delay-reduction are applied, it would be a waste to tell customers there has been a delay because in the end, there might not be.\n\nPlus, people sh...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
43jhn6
why do most of the books have between 200-400 pages, and not more or less?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43jhn6/eli5why_do_most_of_the_books_have_between_200400/
{ "a_id": [ "czimy01", "czimy25", "cziwnvp" ], "score": [ 17, 33, 2 ], "text": [ "The same reason most movies are 85-125 minutes.\n\nThat's roughly the amount of space required by the creator to tell the story they are trying to show.\n\nIt stops it from being too short to get you ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2ds15z
why is my sandwich's roast beef iridescent like an opal?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ds15z/eli5_why_is_my_sandwichs_roast_beef_iridescent/
{ "a_id": [ "cjshe7a", "cjsj1i2", "cjskpvg", "cjsrqkj" ], "score": [ 75, 3, 18, 2 ], "text": [ "[Diffraction grating](_URL_0_) ... elements in the meat near the surface reflect light like a prism and cause light to split into different colors. ", "This has shattered my...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2287287/Why-beef-rainbow-NOT-tainted-Popular-myth-debunked-Department-Agriculture.html" ], [], [], [] ]
6r872r
before scientific awareness, during eclipses, did ancient generations experience visions problems en masse looking at eclipses?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6r872r/eli5_before_scientific_awareness_during_eclipses/
{ "a_id": [ "dl32xmu" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "With most people not being able to read, driving not being a thing, and the fastest travel being on horseback where the horse has their own eyes, vision problems were already rampant. Glasses were not available for everyone and if you spent your ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6q2bj5
why does bleeding in the mouth coagulate faster than anywhere else in the body?
Just left the dentist after my regular plaque-cleaning appointment and was wondering: why does it seem bleeding in the oral cavity subsides much faster than all other body parts? Bonus question: what do people on blood thinners do if they need a dentist?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6q2bj5/eli5_why_does_bleeding_in_the_mouth_coagulate/
{ "a_id": [ "dku06gc", "dku06j0" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The mouth is a wet place filled with bacteria. If you did not clot fast you would be very likely to get an infection and die. The Anus also clots very quickly for similar reasons. \n\nGenerally speaking people on blood thinn...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2yqx6y
when do speed limits start. is it when the driver see's the sign or where the sign start there on?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2yqx6y/eli5when_do_speed_limits_start_is_it_when_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cpc43n9", "cpc47bh" ], "score": [ 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Speed limits start at the sign. When you go between speed limit signs you should always be going the lower of the two speed limits. You can accelerate after the sign when entering a faster zone and you must brake before the...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1qbap6
vevo, what is it, what does it do, and why does everyone seem to hate it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qbap6/eli5_vevo_what_is_it_what_does_it_do_and_why_does/
{ "a_id": [ "cdb2e8e", "cdb2ty3", "cdb378c", "cdb3h9p", "cdb5b3m", "cdb5fgj", "cdb66jn", "cdb691i", "cdb7904", "cdb7j8o", "cdb7qa9", "cdb7z5v", "cdb80yz", "cdb91ve", "cdb96h3", "cdbabr4", "cdbakzw", "cdbapis", "cdbc5na", "cdbci0h", "c...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Sony_Music_artists", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Universal_Music_Group_artists" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://youtu.be/JtPfLtIJi38" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vevo#Policy_on...
6deu63
why do we as humans have the initial "eew, boys/girls are gross" cooties mentality at first, and then become attracted to whatever it is a person ends up being attracted to?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6deu63/eli5_why_do_we_as_humans_have_the_initial_eew/
{ "a_id": [ "di28urc", "di2g461" ], "score": [ 19, 26 ], "text": [ "i wonder if any evolutionary biologists could weigh in on this question. From a evolution perspective, girls simply arent ready to have a child until maturity so boys being \"attracted\" to girls as a young age could be do...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1rhibg
what do you learn during an engineering degree?
What exactly do you learn during an engineering degree and why is it considered such a difficult field?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rhibg/eli5_what_do_you_learn_during_an_engineering/
{ "a_id": [ "cdnayeu", "cdnb0q6", "cdnbm3u", "cdnck4h", "cdnfadi" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "I am a chemical engineer. My degree included things such as: \n\n* The fundamental science behind the way energy and mass move around: heat transfer, diffusio...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
umafv
what is it about freezing inoperable hard drives that makes them work again?
Are there other applications to this as well? Plenty of electronic devices overheat, but nobody rushes them to a freezer. Why should temperature extremes affect the functionality of such devices in different ways?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/umafv/eli5_what_is_it_about_freezing_inoperable_hard/
{ "a_id": [ "c4wm4d9", "c4wm4ux" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "If your hard drive is suffering from [stiction](_URL_0_), then freezing it may cause the metal parts inside to contract enough to relieve the problem. However, freezing your hard drive is not a silver bullet - it won't do an...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiction#Hard_disk_drives", "http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Save_Your_Hard_Drive_by_Freezing_It" ], [] ]
1q3fur
why does computer overheating matter if silicon has such a high melting point?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q3fur/eli5why_does_computer_overheating_matter_if/
{ "a_id": [ "cd8rxhy" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Firstly transistors are heat sensitive. Meaning heat actually effects how they work. The properties of a transistor change as heat changes.\n\nThis is a bit of an oversimplification and maybe someone with a bit more knowledge of the actual factor...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3e0w5f
how did we, as a society, manage to progress in the last 100 years? (at which point in history did we get to where we are today)
100 years ago, we were in the midst of world war 1. The level of technology was (considered) good for that point in time. Fast forward 20 years later, I am guessing that the level of technology was somewhat similar? Only up till the point of the creation of the internet (mid to late 90s), was creativity and innovati...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3e0w5f/eli5_how_did_we_as_a_society_manage_to_progress/
{ "a_id": [ "ctagnns", "ctagoxs", "ctahd83", "ctaio91" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "I would have to say right after World War 2 is when the human race wised up and realized that if World War 3 happened, there wouldn't be any human race to speak of. The post World...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
11bimu
what are the arguments for and against vegetarianism/veganism...
Are humans really meant to eat meat? if no, then why did we start eating meat? what are the arguments that both sides present? im not looking to become a veg(an) as i love meat too much but im curious nonetheless.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11bimu/eli5_what_are_the_arguments_for_and_against/
{ "a_id": [ "c6l08vy", "c6l0cae", "c6l0nbu", "c6l6cln" ], "score": [ 3, 26, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "\"meant to\" isn't really a meaningful phrase.\n\nWe are certainly ABLE to. Our incisors (sharp teeth in our mouth) are particularly good at that, and aren't found in other anima...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
8ii4gv
is there any reason broken pieces of technology start working again after you stop using them for a while?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ii4gv/eli5_is_there_any_reason_broken_pieces_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dyrwzl7", "dyrynhp", "dysc1cp" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "If the reason a device stopped working was due to a thermal shutdown (it got too hot so it shut itself off to prevent damage) then yes, it cooled down. But otherwise I have no idea what you might be ref...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5zfo02
why do americans seem to argue much more in favor of big corporations than other nationalities?
Whenever I see someone on Reddit defending big coporations, trickle-down economics, tax cuts on the rich, privatized healthcare or education etc. they're 99 times out of 100 Americans. I really wonder why is that so. I'm a European, from Luxembourg, and no one I know defends big corporations like that. Are Americans...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zfo02/eli5_why_do_americans_seem_to_argue_much_more_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dexyx82" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "I'll put it in the form of analogy. I don't mean this to be some sort of conservative shill session for corporatism- I just want to frame this in slightly different perspective for you:\n\nLook at your smartphone (if you aren't already.) A smartp...
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[]
[ [] ]
5ty0yc
why does the second bounce of a bouncy ball jump off the ground so much differently?
This isn't something I have experienced with any other round ball, like a basketball, volleyball, soccer ball, tennis ball, ping pong ball, or golf ball, so please explain this to me.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5ty0yc/eli5why_does_the_second_bounce_of_a_bouncy_ball/
{ "a_id": [ "ddpwteb" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "They're solid rubber, when thrown they tend to spin top side towards who threw it as a result of it spinning off and out of the hand. Then when it hits the ground it \"grabs\" the ground and the outside stops spinning and the inside retains its ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
62yj9t
would it be possible to implement universal healthcare by state?
Since some states like California have equivalent population and GDP of some countries with universal healthcare, would it be possible to implement it by state rather than the United States as a whole?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62yj9t/eli5_would_it_be_possible_to_implement_universal/
{ "a_id": [ "dfq1a3j", "dfq1wxt", "dfq5pue", "dfq7o1y", "dfqer5k" ], "score": [ 11, 2, 16, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "When Mitt Romney was governor of Massachusetts, the state passed [major healthcare reforms] (_URL_0_) that helped most people obtain health insurance. So St...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_health_care_reform" ], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saenz_v._Roe", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonzales_v._Raich" ] ]
57wdie
why is gambling addictive?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/57wdie/eli5_why_is_gambling_addictive/
{ "a_id": [ "d8vhr2b", "d8vii3v" ], "score": [ 7, 5 ], "text": [ "It's the random chance to win. It's not that losing money is addictive, but that sometimes when people gamble they do actually win. Win once, and they know it's possible, and they want to win again. Gambling addicts truly b...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3ofo6d
is there a difference between growing plants with sunlight and artificial light (e.g. lightbulb)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ofo6d/eli5_is_there_a_difference_between_growing_plants/
{ "a_id": [ "cvwsdr0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There can be, depending on the type of \"light bulb\". Plants are very good at absorbing light of certain frequencies that can make it through the atmosphere. Light bulbs that can duplicate this most closely do well for growing plants indoors, an...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
21xajz
why does my iphone die after reaching 1%, but won't turn on until it's reached 5%?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21xajz/eli5_why_does_my_iphone_die_after_reaching_1_but/
{ "a_id": [ "cghbq0c" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Probably because of initial energy requirements - it takes a lot of energy to start a computer (like the one in your iPhone) compared to how much energy is required to keep a computer running." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2oamhs
if my girlfriend gives birth to our child in a foreign country is the baby a citizen of that country?
Say if we as British citizens go on holiday to America and my girlfriend gives birth whilst were there, then we go back to the UK does the child have American citizenship?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oamhs/eli5_if_my_girlfriend_gives_birth_to_our_child_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cmlaefo", "cmlaxnm", "cmlb8hg", "cmlc0zx" ], "score": [ 5, 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Rules for citizenship vary from country to country. For some it is based on the citizenship of the parents, others the location of birth. You can end up being citizens of multiple ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jus_sanguinis", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_nationality_law", "https://www.gov.uk/register-a-birth", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jus_soli" ], [] ]
3qadm6
why does it feel 'satisfying' to elevate your legs/feet whilst sitting/laying down?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qadm6/eli5_why_does_it_feel_satisfying_to_elevate_your/
{ "a_id": [ "cwdf94z", "cwdhxaf", "cwdotac" ], "score": [ 26, 20, 5 ], "text": [ "Because when you sit the blood flow towards your leg is restricted, so after a while your leg will feel exhausted. However if you raise your legs the blood flow return to normal making you feel satisf...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2nmeyx
why does pregnancy increase your libido?
I know it's the hormones, but it doesn't make any sense biologically. It makes more sense if the woman is horny during her ovulation and it decreases during pregnancy so that sex wouldn't damage the fetus in its most vulnerable stage.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2nmeyx/eli5_why_does_pregnancy_increase_your_libido/
{ "a_id": [ "cmevsd9", "cmew3ld", "cmeyd2f", "cmeyrc2", "cmf06qr", "cmf0zq6" ], "score": [ 90, 13, 43, 6, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "If I had to guess, from an evolution stand point (bio major here). Its probably a trait that has evolved in order to prevent human ma...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://online.vitalsource.com/books/978-1-4557-3306-4" ], [], [], [] ]
axsknc
what causes those random extra long hairs on your body?
Sometimes they're also a different colour.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/axsknc/eli5_what_causes_those_random_extra_long_hairs_on/
{ "a_id": [ "ehvvdmq", "ehvvutf", "ehw1cr9", "ehwfz74", "ehwgcs1", "ehwidg6", "ehxwpnw" ], "score": [ 2564, 168, 333, 66, 101, 721, 5 ], "text": [ "Genetic damage, usually. Common on ears because of uv damage. I don't have a reference, but I read onc...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3vly0m
how does one discern which foods are healthy and which are to be avoided/limited in a society with constantly changing/conflicting information?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vly0m/eli5_how_does_one_discern_which_foods_are_healthy/
{ "a_id": [ "cxon48j", "cxopcrj", "cxotm26" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "it's hard. however, there is a whole bunch of stuff that is totally consistent, never changing. For example, eat a bunch of vegetables. Eat less meat, especially red meat. Eat a moderate amount of ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
82kba1
why are old/damaged ships deliberately sunk instead of salvaged for their steel?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/82kba1/eli5_why_are_olddamaged_ships_deliberately_sunk/
{ "a_id": [ "dvaq907", "dvaqc0c", "dvaqk3i", "dvar02r" ], "score": [ 7, 6, 4, 4 ], "text": [ "cheaper to get new steel than to scrap the old. \n\nCould be there are not dry docks available for it\n\nCould be that there are dangerous materials in the boat (asbestos, lead, e...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
7j1tlp
how do principal and interest payment work ? how to calculate them ?
Hi sorry I know you can calculate them using Excel, but I don't understand the meaning or the mechanics behind it ? Why does one number decrease why the other one increase etc ? Any explanation would be appreciated thank you
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7j1tlp/eli5how_do_principal_and_interest_payment_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dr2z9hc", "dr308ca", "dr33qob" ], "score": [ 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The *principal* is the actual amount of the loan that you are borrowing.\n\nThe *interest* is a percentage of the principal that you pay the lender that they keep as profit.\n\nMany large loans, such as...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5k9rls
why do humans express themselves in different ways (eg act cranky, get angry etc. ) when they are in pain or discomfort or are sick whereas animals just seem to "deal with it" quietly?
For example, if my puppy is sick, she will just lie down and not do anything whereas human babies get cranky and cry in the same situation.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5k9rls/eli5_why_do_humans_express_themselves_in/
{ "a_id": [ "dbmcupo", "dbmcwnb", "dbmdujt", "dbmvblm", "dbmvmjr" ], "score": [ 28, 90, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Animals do get cranky. Lots of dogs and cats are likely to nip (small bite) a person who tries to pet them when they're in pain. And if the pain is strong, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
c8ctps
how do cops/hospitals track down families so quickly after an accident?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c8ctps/eli5_how_do_copshospitals_track_down_families_so/
{ "a_id": [ "eslvg4u", "esm04lp" ], "score": [ 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Most people carry ID on them which means someone unconscious can be identified, from there it's generally from public records or other databases. Say you get in an accident and are unconscious and cannot identify yourself - ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1odlsx
how come that a handful of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms combined in different ways have so varied effects and uses?
When I see the structure of drugs, medicine, or any other compund, I noticed that most of them are formed by a bunch of atoms of those elements, how does that work? Am I missing something? Thank you-
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1odlsx/eli5_how_come_that_a_handful_of_carbon_oxygen_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ccr03e9", "ccr07bj", "ccr7tyu", "ccr82qv" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 6, 4 ], "text": [ "It's not necessary the kind of atoms a molecule is made of, but it's rather the shape it will have, which allows it to dock to or interact with other molecules.", "Upvote becau...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucralose", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fludeoxyglucose_(18F)" ] ]
m0fxf
what is "alcoholism" and how does it differ, if at all, from habitual heavy drinking?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/m0fxf/eli5_what_is_alcoholism_and_how_does_it_differ_if/
{ "a_id": [ "c2x2eox", "c2x2eox" ], "score": [ 9, 9 ], "text": [ "Alcoholism is an alcohol addiction.\n\nAddiction is when you continue to do something despite repeated negative consequences.\n\nIf someone is able to drink often but drink responsibly and avoid negative consequences then th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1s4ivh
why do we all have school nightmares?
So this morning on Facebook a friend posted about having that nightmare where it's the end of the semester, and he apparently forgot to go to class all semester and now it's finals. I've had this dream approximately one billion times, and it seems like it's a dream almost everyone has. How is it that this dream is so...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s4ivh/eli5_why_do_we_all_have_school_nightmares/
{ "a_id": [ "cdttpm9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "You, and most people you know, spent at least 12 years going to school & worrying about due dates & classes. So did almost everyone you've had contact with. People dream, to a certain extent, about things they know. If you, and everyone you ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
30xdjd
how it is made that cars speedometer's arrow shows the car's speed at crash moment?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30xdjd/eli5how_it_is_made_that_cars_speedometers_arrow/
{ "a_id": [ "cpwnfxq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This isn't something speedometers do. Many cars now though do have black boxes that record the speed at moment of impact. It can do this because its a computer that records data as it happens and then can sense a crash via sensors." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3r6a5i
why do game apps require access to your photos, contacts, personal info, etc?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3r6a5i/eli5_why_do_game_apps_require_access_to_your/
{ "a_id": [ "cwlaj6n" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "To sell that information to advertisers to make money off of a free app. If you aren't paying anything you aren't the customer, you're the product." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1ul7fq
black holes and spacetime warping
What makes a Black Hole so unique as to be capable of bending spacetime? I understand how it bends light (because light can act as particles through photons, which are sucked in), but not how it's able to functionally alter reality. Note- Since this question probably requires more than an ELI5, I'll clarify that my un...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ul7fq/eli5_black_holes_and_spacetime_warping/
{ "a_id": [ "cej6z8z" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It isn't unique. Any mass bends spacetime, black holes just do so in a particularly extreme manner." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1yzxkf
if mcdonalds food is fresh off the farm then frozen like they claim, why is it still so bad for you?
A little more detail into my question: Everyone knows McDonalds is bad for you. And there are tons of stories about the awful things they do to their food before it is served which is what makes it so bad. But then they post a video like this one, busting the "pink goop" myth and claiming they basically get the chick...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1yzxkf/eli5_if_mcdonalds_food_is_fresh_off_the_farm_then/
{ "a_id": [ "cfp8d73", "cfp8f91", "cfpa0rl" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 5 ], "text": [ "Just because it's \"natural\" doesn't mean it's \"healthy\". It's still full of fat and calories and low on vitamins and other nutrition.", "Lard is natural and so is belly pork, Bread fried in butt...
[]
[ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua5PaSqKD6k" ]
[ [], [], [] ]
3ez970
why is it so hard to replicate how the eyes view things when it comes to cameras/photos?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ez970/eli5_why_is_it_so_hard_to_replicate_how_the_eyes/
{ "a_id": [ "ctjt54q" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "The brain does a lot of image processing that we largely do not notice. The pupils automatically dilate/contract to control the amount of light entering the eye, the lens quickly changes focus as needed, and the brain can stabilize the image much...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6pudj8
what's happening internally when volume of a device is raised or lowered
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6pudj8/eli5_whats_happening_internally_when_volume_of_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dks949a", "dksddrb" ], "score": [ 39, 2 ], "text": [ "I assume you mean the sound volume of speakers or headphones?\n\nThe basic answer is that more power is being provided to the amplifier circuit. An amplifier with no volume control would be at top volume all the time. The v...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1qoldp
why do people over 50 refer to asians as 'orientals'?
Further, why did the term become derogatory?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1qoldp/eli5_why_do_people_over_50_refer_to_asians_as/
{ "a_id": [ "cdev5xw", "cdev6xa" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "During WW2 when we fought the Japanese there was a *a lot* of racism-based propaganda aimed at the Japanese. You'd probably be horrified at old WW2 posters - and even old disney cartoons / warner brothers cartoons produced ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4dytu4
why spacex falcon 9 landing on a drone ship is a big deal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dytu4/eli5_why_spacex_falcon_9_landing_on_a_drone_ship/
{ "a_id": [ "d1vkktw", "d1vkkug" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Money. It is absurdly expensive to lift pretty much anything out of Earth's gravity well. The cost savings of returning a stage to the surface, checking/refitting/refueling and then reusing it are significant vs. building a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3rjsrz
why do we perceive our vision as a single frame when we have two eyes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rjsrz/eli5_why_do_we_perceive_our_vision_as_a_single/
{ "a_id": [ "cwoos3h", "cwp1uaj" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "We have binocular vision, by using two eyes our brain receives to separate images with everything shifted slightly left or right. Your brain then takes the images and process them together into a single image, using the diff...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
69hlex
what are enthalpy and entropy, respectively?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/69hlex/eli5_what_are_enthalpy_and_entropy_respectively/
{ "a_id": [ "dh6muht" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Enthalpy is how much heat is contained in a system (internal energy of the system (the energy required to create a system) and the energy required to make room for the system (energy of the pressure and volume).\n\nEntropy is a measure of how dis...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
ept12z
why does it feel like your heartbeat is in your stomach?
I know it isn't, but sometimes if I put my hand on my stomach I can feel a pulse that matches my heartbeat. Why is this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ept12z/eli5_why_does_it_feel_like_your_heartbeat_is_in/
{ "a_id": [ "feljrli", "feljsh8", "felrt6b" ], "score": [ 4, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "You have major arteries in your torso that wrap around your intestines and stomach to allow you to get nutrients into your bloodstream", "You can feel your pulse in many spots all over your body.\n\...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2078aj
why do many music fans prefer going to concerts when the recorded audio versions are much better quality?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2078aj/eli5_why_do_many_music_fans_prefer_going_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cg0fphj", "cg0fr9v", "cg0fsvf", "cg0jr7k" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "You're not going for perfect music quality. You're going for the atmosphere the experience, the bragging rights, to see your celebrity in the flesh, for the change-ups they do, and...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
9rbjrz
how do clorox wipes kill viruses if viruses are not alive?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9rbjrz/eli5_how_do_clorox_wipes_kill_viruses_if_viruses/
{ "a_id": [ "e8fkitc", "e8fphhv", "e8ftd5s", "e8fy6a9" ], "score": [ 11, 6, 2, 10 ], "text": [ "Whether viruses are alive or not is still somewhat disagreed upon, and also in part revolves around the definition of life. However, either way, you could take its meaning to mea...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5mdaxu
how are charities able to feed multiple children with small individual donations of $7/day when here (usa) it would be enough for basically 1 maybe 2 children.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5mdaxu/eli5_how_are_charities_able_to_feed_multiple/
{ "a_id": [ "dc2o57l", "dc2p7o7", "dc2pfb1", "dc2uwnn", "dc2va08", "dc2vx3r" ], "score": [ 5, 11, 34, 3, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Food Banks can buy in bulk. Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens get more for their money and feed more people.", "This depends heavily...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3elkb4
what is special about japanese engineering that makes their cars so reliable and inexpensive?
Why are American cars historically unreliable and generally expensive? Capitalism?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3elkb4/eli5_what_is_special_about_japanese_engineering/
{ "a_id": [ "ctg2k6f", "ctg4458", "ctg448x", "ctgcoy6" ], "score": [ 19, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "An American developed a system of quality manufacturing and was ignored by American companies. He took his ideas to Japan where they were universally adopted. \n\nHis name was De...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Edwards_Deming", "http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a5514/4350856/" ], [], [], [] ]
4wx16x
we can control our vision by closing our eyes, we can control our breathing by closing our nose, but how come we are not able to close our ears to naturaly control our hearing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wx16x/eli5_we_can_control_our_vision_by_closing_our/
{ "a_id": [ "d6ajnu9", "d6akm57", "d6akq75", "d6andni" ], "score": [ 2, 6, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Well in the same way that we can close our nose using our hands, we can also close our ears, and that does in fact affect our hearing.", "You can close your nose? I think you m...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3grdw8
why is the iran nuke deal a good thing?
It sounds like we are letting Iran have nukes. That sounds horrible. I have, however, seen multiple instances of intelligent people praising it. Can someone explain this to me? Edit: thanks for all the responses. I read them all. I did not reply because frankly I do not understand it well enough to contribute. Edit a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3grdw8/eli5_why_is_the_iran_nuke_deal_a_good_thing/
{ "a_id": [ "cu0s22z", "cu0sdh2", "cu0u092", "cu0ur7g", "cu0wmco", "cu0xjum", "cu1d4xe" ], "score": [ 177, 10, 8, 31, 8, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "We're not letting Iran have nukes - that's literally the opposite of the intention of this deal, regardless of...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2015/08/05/tom-cotton-we-can-bomb-irans-nukes-back-to-day-zero/" ], [] ]
3qjgvq
why are tvs seasons so short these days?
After a Netflix binge of House and That 70s Show, I notice there seem to be a lot more episodes in a season in older shows, and with newer shows we get like 10-12. What happened, why are we getting jipped?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qjgvq/eli5_why_are_tvs_seasons_so_short_these_days/
{ "a_id": [ "cwfpf5w", "cwfpmlb", "cwfqk6l", "cwfqlfp", "cwfr6dx" ], "score": [ 4, 4, 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "In the US we have two formats for TV series. The Short format used for summer programming that is 10-14 episodes and the long format for fall-spring series th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
66yxg4
is it healthy for me to eat 1 meal per day?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/66yxg4/eli5_is_it_healthy_for_me_to_eat_1_meal_per_day/
{ "a_id": [ "dgmd2sr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Basically you'd be intermittent fasting every day, google \"intermittent fasting\". It's good for you. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2asahu
is bandwidth finite? can it be upgraded with hardware or not?
Both in the sense of bits per second and in the sense of range of frequencies. EDIT: as asked in a below comment, what about airwaves and 3G? can the air clog up with radiowaves or cell towers run out of frequencies?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2asahu/eli5_is_bandwidth_finite_can_it_be_upgraded_with/
{ "a_id": [ "ciy9q5c", "ciy9qh2", "ciya7kh" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 11 ], "text": [ "Absolutely! We're only limited by law and thermodynamics. ", "Bandwidth is finite, and sometime it can be improved with new protocols but generally you need hardware to improve it.\n\nYou can't mak...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2ejocp
could ebola become airborne?
Is it possible for the Ebola virus to mutate so it can spread through the air? Right now it spreads slowly because you can only contract it through contact with bodily fluids but how likely is it to eventually spread through the air?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ejocp/eli5_could_ebola_become_airborne/
{ "a_id": [ "ck03ucn", "ck0dbdh" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "yes, it's possible. but probably not very likely.", "Depends how much bodily fluids you need to contract it. The \"airborne\" route only means that the amount of bodily fluid contained in sneeze droplets has enough viru...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
52qj1t
how is glassware mass-produced?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52qj1t/eli5_how_is_glassware_massproduced/
{ "a_id": [ "d7md5om" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of glassware is produced the same was as by hand except with machines blowing the little blob of glass on the end of the tube into a mold. the mold lets go and you have a glass. that's why you see the seam in some glassware." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2ome08
why do some gadgets work after being exposed to water when they're placed in a bag of rice?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ome08/eli5_why_do_some_gadgets_work_after_being_exposed/
{ "a_id": [ "cmoidac", "cmoif01", "cmoioen" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 11 ], "text": [ "It's for much the same reason as why you see rice in salt shakers in humid environments: the rice takes the moisture out of whatever it's put in. That's why the common convention wisdom of \"bring a ba...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
vba92
how 20k a plate dinner fundraisers are ok when individuals can only donate up to 2500$ to a campaign?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vba92/eli5_how_20k_a_plate_dinner_fundraisers_are_ok/
{ "a_id": [ "c52yqmi" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "It's called a \"loophole.\" You can only donate a certain amount. However you're free to hold a dinner and charge people to attend." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6crdh7
how are there millionaires in communist nations?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6crdh7/eli5how_are_there_millionaires_in_communist/
{ "a_id": [ "dhwt1d7", "dhwtbeh", "dhwx3oh", "dhwx53p", "dhxepw4" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "China isn't communist no matter what they call their political party. They have not been communist for quite a while, so presumably your question no longer ap...
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[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
14zw9r
video game emulators and isos.
I'm not trying to find any such things. I just want to understand a little more about what a downloadable program does to play games from a completely different system. And what is needed to make that happen. I find it all very confusing.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/14zw9r/eli5_video_game_emulators_and_isos/
{ "a_id": [ "c7hzd1e", "c7hzgz4" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "from what i've seen there's 2 ways of making an emulator, one works with any system (eventually) but it expensive and slow, tho other only works on fairly simple systems so was used a lot in early emulators. i'm oversimplify...
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[ [], [] ]
3omda4
how do people keep losing shoes and socks on the road?
I mean come on! As someone who clean streets on my walks from times to times, I find this really disturbing to have found many socks and shoes lying there.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3omda4/eli5_how_do_people_keep_losing_shoes_and_socks_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cvyhsf9" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The trash bag your trailer park mom put the dirty clothes into had a rip in it and the wind from the ride in the back of the rusty pick up tore a sock out and it landed on the roadside." ] }
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alovn5
g-suits
How do g-suits prevent the body from g-forces despite they can't prevent the acceleration if the body?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/alovn5/eli5_gsuits/
{ "a_id": [ "effms9i", "efft8n6", "efi4980" ], "score": [ 8, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't prevent you from experiencing g-force. You can still go into G-LOC in such a suit. They just make it easier to resist the effects. For example, they compress your legs so that blood can't all...
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[ [], [], [] ]
655c3w
why do we have the constant need to swallow saliva?
I often feel uncomfortable and strange whenever I attempt to discontinue swallowing saliva at a controlled rate. It's a thing we always have to do, why is that?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/655c3w/eli5_why_do_we_have_the_constant_need_to_swallow/
{ "a_id": [ "dg7iuan", "dg7llmn" ], "score": [ 13, 4 ], "text": [ "We constantly produce saliva, so you either have to swallow or spit or your mouth will soon be full of it...", "There are touch receptors in the back of your throat. When saliva builds up and touches your throat it init...
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3ypqve
why do parents keep pressuring their children to go to college and take out school loans when there are all of these statistics about then national loan debt.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ypqve/eli5why_do_parents_keep_pressuring_their_children/
{ "a_id": [ "cyfj4ch", "cyfjech", "cyfjf3z", "cyfm65z", "cyfq2gi" ], "score": [ 2, 10, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's pretty difficult to land a job without a degree. And the really high earning jobs (lawyer, doctor, banker, etc.) are pretty much off the table ", "...
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[ [], [ "http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnebersole/2012/08/08/why-a-college-degree/", "http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/02/11/study-income-gap-between-young-college-and-high-school-grads-widens" ], [ "http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/02/11/the-rising-cost-of-not-going-to-college/" ], [...
45z61g
is there a reason why the middle finger is the longest on the hand but the thumb toe is the longest on the feet?
I was reading Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, and in chapter 10, the narrator says, "Doctor Miyata popped over to our table at dinner to explain why people's middle fingers are longer than their index fingers while with toes it works the other way." The book never actually explains this, so I was wondering if anyone...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45z61g/eli5_is_there_a_reason_why_the_middle_finger_is/
{ "a_id": [ "d016wol", "d018z84" ], "score": [ 49, 26 ], "text": [ "The big toe is big because it is an evolutionary leftover thumb, essentially. When we were evolving, the innermost finger became thicker and stronger to help us grab things. The same thing happened in out toes, when we use...
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[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morton%27s_toe", "http://imgur.com/e3yuqn2" ] ]
2h0vjb
why do i have more stamina during my runs after over-eating?
I normally keep to a diet of about 1600 calories a day (5'8M). Normally when I go for a run I run 2 miles straight, then walk 1/2 a mile, then run 2 miles, then walk 1 mile, then run 1.5 mile, then walk the last 1.5/2 miles. This past Friday and Saturday I ate over my typical calories by at least 300 each day (if not a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2h0vjb/eli5_why_do_i_have_more_stamina_during_my_runs/
{ "a_id": [ "ckobayo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Jesus, man, eat some more food. Friends I have who were training for Ironman ate pasta and carbs all day. Doesn't mean you have to, but you're burning so many more calories than you're taking in that it doesn't sound healthy. Eat clean-ish, l...
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2f83ka
do files completely disappear when you delete them? how do recovery tools work and can you find these deleted files?
A bonus question: Due to the recent celebrity leak, I was wondering if iCloud and other online services store data after you delete them
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2f83ka/eli5_do_files_completely_disappear_when_you/
{ "a_id": [ "ck6rz7f", "ck6s0jq", "ck6suq8" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "When you delete a file off your hard drive, all that happens is that your computer marks that file as \"overwrite when necessary\". The file is still there *until* something needs to overwrite it. ", ...
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21snvp
whats up with the "higher altitude" baking instructions on my cookie dough packaging?
no pun intended
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21snvp/eli5_whats_up_with_the_higher_altitude_baking/
{ "a_id": [ "cgg4k3u", "cgg6f12" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "The decreased atmospheric pressure makes water do different things than it does at sea level, like not boil at 100C/212F (it boils at a lower temp). You have to compensate for those sorts of things when you're cooking at alt...
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63urt4
water is a stronger base than milk, but why does milk seem to soothe heartburn more than water?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/63urt4/eli5water_is_a_stronger_base_than_milk_but_why/
{ "a_id": [ "dfx4pat", "dfx5d1p", "dfx6vec" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Milk already has lots of other molecules diluted in it. Proteins, calcium, fats, sugars. Water is more ready to dilute the acid from the stomach. The proteins and fats coat the esophagus protecting i...
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1ugm71
why do i need to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water every day even though i will end up peeing most of what i drunk?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ugm71/eli5_why_do_i_need_to_drink_15_to_2_liters_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cehv44n", "cehvuzf", "cehxnw9", "cehz4kq" ], "score": [ 5, 4, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Your body loses some water through sweat or your moist breath but also you urinate to remove waste that otherwise builds up in your body. That waste is what turns your urine more ...
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6dk9px
why do parks close at night?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6dk9px/eli5_why_do_parks_close_at_night/
{ "a_id": [ "di3bbfc", "di3czbx" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It depends on where you live, but in most cases it's because parks provide a secluded area that can be used by drug users and other people that may harm the area. It's to avoid health hazards and criminals.", "Public saf...
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2on9m9
when a bank goes bankrupt where does all the money from people's accounts go?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2on9m9/eli5when_a_bank_goes_bankrupt_where_does_all_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cmopyfu", "cmoqi5k", "cmoried", "cmoustu", "cmpdjcg" ], "score": [ 2, 25, 2, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "It gets put into custodianship by the FDIC. But I would love to know the procedure by which that works from someone who actually iknows what they are talking...
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lgmkc
how can countries export goods?
This is my first time here, so I apologize if I'm breaking any rules. I always hear that "Venezuela produces most of the world's oil" or "Thailand is a major producer of rice", and that this is somehow related to how wealthy that country is. How does a country export anything? Aren't those goods produced by private ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lgmkc/eli5_how_can_countries_export_goods/
{ "a_id": [ "c2siwsr", "c2sixav", "c2sj329", "c2siwsr", "c2sixav", "c2sj329" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Some of [Venezuela's oil companies](_URL_0_) are owned by the govt so the country does produce the oil. Not all countries are capitalist...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petr%C3%B3leos_de_Venezuela" ], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petr%C3%B3leos_de_Venezuela" ], [], [] ]
7gp2xz
how do our cars keyless entry systems know which car is ours in a sea of cars using similar technology?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7gp2xz/eli5_how_do_our_cars_keyless_entry_systems_know/
{ "a_id": [ "dqkne94", "dqkngim", "dqknje2", "dqknlxl" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They're coded. If the radio signal from your keychain doesn't broadcast the same pattern the car is expecting, it doesn't unlock the door. When you push the button in a sea of cars...
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3gjoij
why do teenagers and young adults tend to side with their parents on political issues, but almost nothing else?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gjoij/eli5_why_do_teenagers_and_young_adults_tend_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ctyrayh", "ctyrfa8", "ctys08c", "ctysmpt", "ctyss00", "ctyt17l", "ctyt5tt", "ctytxs5", "ctyxn0d" ], "score": [ 31, 7, 93, 13, 3, 5, 4, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Do they? When I was a teenager, I listened to Rush Limbaugh and wha...
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8yu72z
airline baggage handlers: i really want to understand the logistics of checked bags
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8yu72z/eli5_airline_baggage_handlers_i_really_want_to/
{ "a_id": [ "e2dqs5k", "e2drm5x", "e2dv90p", "e2dx8y3" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 30, 21 ], "text": [ "This should hold you over until someone can answer those specific questions: \n\n_URL_0_", "Depending on the airline and the aircraft being loaded, bags for people that will ...
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[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7v6gog/eli5_how_do_airlines_get_your_checked_luggage_on/" ], [], [], [] ]
4fatf4
how heavy water is made
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4fatf4/eli5_how_heavy_water_is_made/
{ "a_id": [ "d27co7f" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "In large quantities, it is extracted rather than made. Heavy water is water in which the two hydrogen atoms have a neutron as well as a proton in the nucleus. \n\nThese molecules of water with the heavier version of hydrogen (called deuterium, sy...
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5nyta8
who's with who and who's against who in the middle east regarding syria, iran, lebanon etc and why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5nyta8/eli5_whos_with_who_and_whos_against_who_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dcfh5is" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Vox and Kurzgesagt made pretty good videos 'bout it.\nCheck 'em out [here](_URL_1_) and [here](_URL_0_).\nYou're welcome!" ] }
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[ [ "https://youtu.be/NKb9GVU8bHE", "https://youtu.be/AQPlREDW-Ro" ] ]
5t0yeb
how is elon musk able to accomplish so much?
He always seems to be Musking it up, doing crazy cool things for the world. What's the story here?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5t0yeb/eli5_how_is_elon_musk_able_to_accomplish_so_much/
{ "a_id": [ "ddja3dx", "ddjb1db", "ddjb3if", "ddjchx2" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Guy's rich, spends his money on R & D and makes it very public. A lot of companies are doing the same, the difference is their R & D is in a less \"cool\" field.\n\n\"Hey everyone,...
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eeu8vk
why is there sand then water then sand when digging a hole at the beach?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eeu8vk/eli5_why_is_there_sand_then_water_then_sand_when/
{ "a_id": [ "fbwkn9m" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The sand isn't \"floating\" on the water. Water is filling in the gaps between the grains of sand." ] }
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luj5k
el5: where does the mass of a tree come from? why isn't there a vaguely tree-shaped hole or depression in the ground beneath?
Some trees are enormous, but I've never noticed any significant depression around them. Even if they take many years to reach full size, I find it hard to imagine where all that bulk really comes from. How much is accounted for by water?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/luj5k/el5_where_does_the_mass_of_a_tree_come_from_why/
{ "a_id": [ "c2vppx6", "c2vpr8n", "c2vq423", "c2vqcoz", "c2vr8yj", "c2vrnhg", "c2vppx6", "c2vpr8n", "c2vq423", "c2vqcoz", "c2vr8yj", "c2vrnhg" ], "score": [ 9, 58, 2, 114, 4, 4, 9, 58, 2, 114, 4, 4 ], "text": [ ...
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[ [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITpDrdtGAmo&feature=related" ], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITpDrdtGAmo&feature=related" ], [], [] ]
2i4fra
how is it discrimination for employers to not hire young women because they "statistically" are very likely to get pregnant, but it is totally legal for insurance companies to charge young men more because they "statistically" get more tickets?
I'm not sure what the difference is, legally...is there one? Is it actually illegal for a company to not hire a young woman for that reason, or is it just sort of taboo?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i4fra/eli5_how_is_it_discrimination_for_employers_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ckypp5j", "ckypr4t", "ckyptuu", "ckypv3q", "ckyq9zg" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 7, 2, 22 ], "text": [ "Because we as a society think it's very important for everyone to have an equal shot at a job. It's not as important that everyone pays the same amount for c...
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1tqsxn
why do we perform better (sport, school, etc) when we are really happy?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tqsxn/eli5_why_do_we_perform_better_sport_school_etc/
{ "a_id": [ "ceajk74" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Can you provide documented evidence that indicates that this is true?" ] }
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