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61mc37
why regulator water looks carbonated after it's been sitting (in a glass) for a while.
If I leave a glass of water out overnight, air bubbles accumulate along the inside walls of the glass. Also, would this change if it was softened or distilled water? [picture](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/61mc37/eli5_why_regulator_water_looks_carbonated_after/
{ "a_id": [ "dffk6yi", "dfgbl0z" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Water out of the tap has gases dissolved in it. Not, you know, a lot, but some. As it sits in the glass, imperfections in the inner surface provide sites for bubbles to form as the gas tries to leave the water. It's a much s...
[]
[ "https://imgur.com/gallery/nP4gN" ]
[ [], [] ]
4hhz8n
why do our bodies slip into comas?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4hhz8n/eli5_why_do_our_bodies_slip_into_comas/
{ "a_id": [ "d2pprot", "d2pwzyp", "d2pzh0e", "d2q09pd", "d2q2vff" ], "score": [ 7, 126, 2, 53, 9 ], "text": [ "A coma is usually the result of physical trauma to specific regions of the brain related to consciousness. The damage can occur in numerous ways such as la...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coma" ] ]
25r8o7
--unions
What exactly is a union, what's the advantage of joining one? Why do employers advise not to join one? So on and so forth. I recently found out my father, a commercial airline pilot, is a member of a/the(?) union so it peaked my interest to finally find out what it is exactly. Thank you.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/25r8o7/eli5unions/
{ "a_id": [ "chjypx0" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "A union is essentially a group of workers joining together to create a company that negotiates on their behalf with their employers.\n\nMy mother is part of the Canadian United Postal Workers (CUPW). And is going to become a steward.\n\nEssential...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
oymsw
why do people think obama is a socialist?
Socialist, Populist, these are words I hear throw around. While I have some understanding of Socialism I guess I dont see its relevance, then again I'm not so politically inclined. so, ELI5?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/oymsw/why_do_people_think_obama_is_a_socialist/
{ "a_id": [ "c3l32us", "c3l38eg", "c3l3yp4" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 9 ], "text": [ "He isn't a socialist. The majority of Americans are just really really stupid.", "Simply because he's using tax dollars to help people rather than let people keep the money to use for themselves.\n\...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
f8pyqd
why is cooked fish "flaky" and layered compared to beef, poultry, pork, mutton, etc?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f8pyqd/eli5_why_is_cooked_fish_flaky_and_layered/
{ "a_id": [ "fimu28s" ], "score": [ 17 ], "text": [ "Muscles, aka meat, contract. That's what they do. They can't exactly bend on their own. \nMost animals we eat move by contracting muscles: think what happens when you bend your forearm:your biceps contracts and pulls your forearm closer to your ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3naazc
why can't we derive energy from gravity?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3naazc/eli5_why_cant_we_derive_energy_from_gravity/
{ "a_id": [ "cvm94k5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "We can, and do. You've described the concept of [tidal power](_URL_0_). The bulge in sea level you mentioned is just high and low tide, and the \"bucket\" can be a dam that fills a reservoir at high tide and releases at low tide.\n\nIt doesn't vi...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power" ] ]
2hoiwe
if patents are only supposed to last 20 years, why are there so many issues with technology patents from the 80's and 90's? shouldn't they have expired?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hoiwe/eli5_if_patents_are_only_supposed_to_last_20/
{ "a_id": [ "ckum1l7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Patents last 20 years. Unfortunately, companies do the (arguably) unethical thing of tweaking their invention slightly, making it technically a new, novel invention but still similar enough to carry out the same work as the original invention. Th...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreening" ] ]
5m0l9n
how does the liver work? like mechanically?
Say I eat some cyanide. Somehow that cyanide gets from my stomach to the places where it does that thing that it does that kills me. And somehow my liver does a thing where it gets to the cyanide and it turns the cyanide from dangerous cyanide into not dangerous cyanide. And then the cyanide leaves. What's happening h...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5m0l9n/eli5how_does_the_liver_work_like_mechanically/
{ "a_id": [ "dbzvmca" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Poisons work in a lot of different ways. \n\nCyanide. \n\nIt doesn't get turned into a 'not poisonous' cyanide by the liver. There is no such thing. \nCyanide works by blocking the cells ability to uptake oxygen. \n\nVery small amount, there's no...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
62h2wx
what are the procedures to a man going overboard on a ship (commercial, private or military).
I expect these are different per country or continent. But would the ship actually be stopped, would a search and rescue team be sent? And what are the repercussions to arriving with a man short at their destination? Any other explanation relating a man going overboard would be great.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62h2wx/eli5_what_are_the_procedures_to_a_man_going/
{ "a_id": [ "dfmhooy", "dfmhpgm", "dfmhqxh", "dfmi9gg" ], "score": [ 8, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "On a Navy ship an alarm is sounded, and a marker is put in their computer system with the lat and long of where they went overboard. The ship performs an S-turn so that they end up...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.cruisejunkie.com/Overboard.html", "https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-small-vessels-procedures-person-overboard-2996.htm#" ], [] ]
4b4met
how does someone born without a birth cirtificate or social security number obtain identification later in life?
Is there a set process for how to deal with this? how often does occur? How is it verified that it is indeed a person who simply was never registered and not someone trying to create a new identity?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4b4met/eli5_how_does_someone_born_without_a_birth/
{ "a_id": [ "d1607jf", "d160kca" ], "score": [ 6, 7 ], "text": [ "In the past, it was very common for poor people or people living in rural areas to not have a birth certificate. Born at home, far from any doctors or hospitals with the assistance of other women. \n\nAt least 2 of my father...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/3n4iw7/i_have_no_birth_certificate_or_id_how_to_prove_i/" ], [] ]
2i54yl
why does the volume vary so much on different channels?
Some channels are so quiet that when you switch back to others it blows out your speakers
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i54yl/eli5_why_does_the_volume_vary_so_much_on/
{ "a_id": [ "ckyz5m5", "cl0lrl6" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "America is atrocious for standards. I live in Japan and every channel has the same volume and display ratio but when I go back home I am baffled by the lack of uniformity among stations.", "Well, my phone froze and scre...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5zplif
why can't you eat nuts even *near* some people with nut allergies?
Like when they make you not eat anything with nuts on a plane if someone has a nut allergies or kids can't bring peanut butter to school if a kid has a nut allergy. I mean... how do they even get contact with them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zplif/eli5why_cant_you_eat_nuts_even_near_some_people/
{ "a_id": [ "dezza7b" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "The oils in nuts, and many foods, evaporate. Once airborne someone nearby who is severely allergic can breathe them in and have a reaction. \n\nAdditionally these oils can transfer to things that you touch after you eat them, so if the person all...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cnmc5s
what’re the benefits of dha?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cnmc5s/eli5_whatre_the_benefits_of_dha/
{ "a_id": [ "ewbyaeu" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "DHA, (or Docosahexaenoic Acid) is just a type of omega-3 fat.\n\nYour body makes a small amount of DHA naturally from other fatty acids, so if you want to take a super-dose to supplement it, you can. There's a lot of science surrounding omega-3 ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
x7v4z
how does a pedal powered generator work?
I'm refering to generators that create power when people petal bikes. I thought it was somewhat like a windmill but on a smaller scale. However, after researching it and I've only managed to get myself confused. What peices make it work and why? How does each seperate peice of the system work and what would happen i...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/x7v4z/eli5_how_does_a_pedal_powered_generator_work/
{ "a_id": [ "c5jynlb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Almost all electricity you use on a regular basis is generated the same way. If you have a coil of wire and a magnet, moving one or the other near each other will produce electricity (the flow or movement of electrons). The faster the parts (coil...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4fhfrp
how do papercuts occur?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4fhfrp/eli5_how_do_papercuts_occur/
{ "a_id": [ "d28tc03" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Simply put, when paper is cut into it's form (say a book or so) the paper is left with a very sharp, clean edge. If you run your finger against a sharp object like that, you're bound to get cut" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8pw0mw
like we see ants, can ants or other insects see bacteria or micro-organisms as their "ants"?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8pw0mw/eli5_like_we_see_ants_can_ants_or_other_insects/
{ "a_id": [ "e0egaoy" ], "score": [ 38 ], "text": [ "No. In fact ants have *worse* visual detail than humans do. While their legs may be more precise than ours, their eyes are not. They can't see micro-organisms." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2crawt
why do so many americans hate on france when france is america's biggest ally throughout history and helped america gain independence?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2crawt/eli5_why_do_so_many_americans_hate_on_france_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cji8mz6", "cji8q7q", "cji8xk2", "cji96m4", "cji9ejz", "cjiagni", "cjib0vy", "cjibc8o", "cjibca9", "cjibhno", "cjibkh3", "cjibz0n", "cjifke5", "cjifsyt", "cjiitr7", "cjiki04", "cjinfw9", "cjipw1g", "cjiv7f3", "cjiw046", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.gallup.com/poll/167390/decade-freedom-fries-opinion-france-strong.aspx" ], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1sgwd6
what the hell has kanye west done to warrant so much boasting?
I mean he was even nominated for Times 'person of the year' and came 6th after Snowden. What the hell am I missing here?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sgwd6/eli5_what_the_hell_has_kanye_west_done_to_warrant/
{ "a_id": [ "cdxggjp", "cdxgsso", "cdxgstv" ], "score": [ 2, 11, 3 ], "text": [ "He's one of the hottest producers in the music industry and pretty much every one of his solo works has been critically & popularly acclaimed. He's a very influential artist in the music industry whi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6l1qwu
why does everyone think people from canada are nice?
I went to Montreal a few weeks ago and everyone was kind of dicks. Even a homeless man wouldn't take our money when he found out we were from the US.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6l1qwu/eli5why_does_everyone_think_people_from_canada/
{ "a_id": [ "djqf149", "djqm2z2", "djqnr32", "djqos06", "djqs7jw", "djr2fbu", "djr3tux", "djr3ykn", "djr6tjq" ], "score": [ 79, 55, 8, 14, 17, 21, 2, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "To be fair most of Canada thinks people from Montreal (and other ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
820fru
what would make space shuttles move laterally when lifting off?
I always thought it curious: when I watch videos of,say, Challenger's final mission, the shuttle seems to move forward instead of straight up--even though the whole unit with its boosters appear to stand perfectly vertical as it is firing off. What makes this possible?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/820fru/eli5_what_would_make_space_shuttles_move/
{ "a_id": [ "dv6iwrt", "dv6l47a" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Some of the nozzles are angled, and many of them are steerable. They specifically *want* the vehicle to rotate and then head out as much horizontally as vertically -- it has to reach 17,000 mph horizontal velocity by the tim...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1sjbo2
how do we know that humans have kept correct time since ancient past? maybe we have accidentally skipped a couple of days, and today is not 10th dec, 2013.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sjbo2/eli5_how_do_we_know_that_humans_have_kept_correct/
{ "a_id": [ "cdy5ihb", "cdy5k82", "cdy5ndl", "cdy5rmw", "cdy6thd" ], "score": [ 2, 17, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I think the weather would be a good indicator of the time of year it is. ", "You know that the calendar is just an arbitrary date, right? We could just a...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_time_hypothesis" ], [] ]
2wonxk
how can those treadmill sensors tell what my heartrate is while i'm running really fast and the whole thing is shaking like crazy?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2wonxk/eli5_how_can_those_treadmill_sensors_tell_what_my/
{ "a_id": [ "cosqnij", "cosryu2" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They work by detecting the electrical impulses your heart puts out every beat.\n\nSo long as you hold on to the sensors and complete the circuit, it doesn't make how much things are shaking.", "The most probable answer i...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1kchoy
what does the mc in front of people's last names mean?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kchoy/eli5what_does_the_mc_in_front_of_peoples_last/
{ "a_id": [ "cbniqtk", "cbnir2j", "cbnkeug" ], "score": [ 7, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "it comes from \"mac\", which means \"son\".\n\nYou would say \"kozteaz son of bob\"\n\nOr kozteaz mac bob.\n\nThis eventually became \"mc\" and then the names merged to become something like \"McBob\"",...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.houseofnames.com/wiki/mac-prefix" ], [] ]
8c42no
when someone says the universe is 13.5 billion years old, what exactly does that mean?
Space itself stretches. Time flows at different rates in different regions of the universe. So, what does 13.5 billion years mean? How is time being defined?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8c42no/eli5_when_someone_says_the_universe_is_135/
{ "a_id": [ "dxby044", "dxc1jl8", "dxc75dl", "dxc93tw" ], "score": [ 31, 3, 9, 5 ], "text": [ "Time is being defined as \"what we're experiencing here on Earth right now.\" Hence the use of the word \"years\", which is an Earth-orbit related unit. \n\nBasically, if they w...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_the_universe" ], [], [], [] ]
3aqlf1
the relative differences in speed between 2g, 3g, 4g and lte technologies.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3aqlf1/eli5_the_relative_differences_in_speed_between_2g/
{ "a_id": [ "csf18nf" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Each \"G\" represents a generation of data technology (2G stands for second generation). So they describe more of a range rather than a specific speed:\n\nFirst Generation phones and towers were fully analog. \n\nSecond Generation phones and t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4tbdmi
how can servers go down for active users?
I've always wondered how this can work. I know with certain online games, they can go through waves up being up or down for everyone. But how does that happen? In my head it should be "server has room for 1000 people, we have 900 in right now, if 1000 more try to join we let in 50 and put the rest in a queue to allow...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4tbdmi/eli5how_can_servers_go_down_for_active_users/
{ "a_id": [ "d5g03b6", "d5ga10q" ], "score": [ 7, 2 ], "text": [ "That's the sort of thing you'll try to do to manage demand, but it's made more complicated because a single user doesn't necessarily make one connection to the server and keep it open for the whole time you're playing. In yo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3g4u35
considering how common cracked phone screens are, why do the the manufactures seem to go out of their way to make the screens so damn hard to replace?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3g4u35/eli5_considering_how_common_cracked_phone_screens/
{ "a_id": [ "ctutf6y", "ctuuan7" ], "score": [ 29, 9 ], "text": [ "To make phones thin, manufacturers sacrifice modularity. No-gap screens have better optical quality. ", "Why would they want to make it easy for you to be able to replace the screen when they can just sell you a whole n...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3048c3
in countries like the uk, or ne usa, when people live in remote, relatively isolated villages (say population < 500), what jobs do they do exactly? i mean, there are only so many jobs that the local farm or the village grocery store need.
?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3048c3/eli5_in_countries_like_the_uk_or_ne_usa_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cpoy4nz", "cpoy96q", "cpoynsp", "cpozcnn", "cpozhmw", "cpp06or" ], "score": [ 18, 4, 15, 5, 2, 10 ], "text": [ "Most of them are farmers. The 'local farm' isn't really a thing, but small farms are still common. A few people in the coffee shop,...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
1sn0vd
why is the comparison of the necessity for balancing our federal budget to balancing my personal budget flawed?
I know economists all think this argument is overly simplified and ridiculous, but I do not understand why. Why is it more efficient for the government to run a deficit, whereas I am better off not running a deficit? Thanks
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sn0vd/eli5_why_is_the_comparison_of_the_necessity_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cdz7am4", "cdz7r27", "cdzcx7t" ], "score": [ 35, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Here is why:\n\nThe US Federal Government is one of the largest sources of stimulus for the greater US economy. There are times (not 100% of the time) when it is better for the Federal Government to r...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7p7z7n
why is it that the amount of inertia and the strength of gravity are both based on mass?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7p7z7n/eli5_why_is_it_that_the_amount_of_inertia_and_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dsfaf9k", "dsfe0m2" ], "score": [ 3, 6 ], "text": [ "Things with mass inherently have inertia, and that inertia scales directly with changes in mass. Similarly, things with mass bend spacetime in such a way that a gravitational field is produced, and the degree of that bending...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3rwfx2
how has snoop dogg not been arrested for smoking marijuana?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rwfx2/eli5how_has_snoop_dogg_not_been_arrested_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cwrvydz", "cwrvypm", "cwrwl5l" ], "score": [ 3, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "do you want to be the guy that arrested snoop dog. Cause i dont want to be the guy that has to arrest snoop dog. By the time your done slogging through all of the hate you will be getting, it wouldnt be...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoop_Dogg#Legal_incidents" ], [] ]
46zw6y
why is it that heat helps abdominal pains, and sore and knotted muscles but it doesn't help with headaches?
What's the main difference in the pain to make it different?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/46zw6y/eli5_why_is_it_that_heat_helps_abdominal_pains/
{ "a_id": [ "d09hqu7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Headaches are not muscle related. Heat, a lot of times helps muscles to contract/relax. Many times, headaches are caused by dehydration, an issue that applying heat would not help at all. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
13szxt
what exactly does it mean that the n64 runs on 64 bits?
[Best answer imo](_URL_0_)
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13szxt/eli5_what_exactly_does_it_mean_that_the_n64_runs/
{ "a_id": [ "c76x2n3", "c76xgns", "c76yvbc" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 11 ], "text": [ "Imagine you're writing numbers on a piece of graph paper, with one digit per square. If you have, say, 20 squares per line, and you can't have numbers go from one line to the next, then you can only w...
[]
[ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13szxt/eli5_what_exactly_does_it_mean_that_the_n64_runs/c76yvbc" ]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.nand2tetris.org/", "http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs61c/fa12/", "http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~cs61c/fa12/lectures/14LecFa12CacheI.pdf", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Von_Neumann_architecture" ] ]
kturs
what are the different kinds of lightbulbs?
and how do I identify them in the wild? space
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kturs/eli5_what_are_the_different_kinds_of_lightbulbs/
{ "a_id": [ "c2n6hhd", "c2n79xs", "c2n87re", "c2n6hhd", "c2n79xs", "c2n87re" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are [incandescent lightbulbs](_URL_1_). These have a bulb-shape and get hot. They work by putting electricity through a thin wire ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Compact-Fluorescent-Bulb.jpg", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gluehlampe_01_KMJ.png" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Compact-Fluorescent-Bulb.jpg", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gluehlampe...
4q6q75
360 degree video.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4q6q75/eli5_360_degree_video/
{ "a_id": [ "d4qoi3i", "d4qpl42", "d4qq349", "d4qqddt", "d4qswyz" ], "score": [ 23, 12, 2, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "The material is recorded as data that when played back through a software player allows the user control of the viewing direction and playback speed. You u...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://youtu.be/x0gRcRd_rHs" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMtUycyCy3s" ] ]
3vm3qc
will certain olympic sports reach a point where progress can't be made in them?
To fix ideas, consider the 1600 meter race. While its astounding that people continue breaking record in this event, am I correct in assuming that eventually "peak human performance" will be reached? For example, it seems unlikely that an unmodified human will ever reach a point where they can run the 1600 meters in 30...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vm3qc/eli5_will_certain_olympic_sports_reach_a_point/
{ "a_id": [ "cxoomct", "cxop63d", "cxopi76", "cxopu0b", "cxoq56k", "cxordok", "cxov0ox", "cxoy70p" ], "score": [ 22, 16, 2, 2, 2, 4, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "While record breaking may become increasingly rare, remember that participants aren't raci...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
37sk1d
if researchers can infect lab rats with most cancers by injecting them with cancer cells can they do that to humans too?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/37sk1d/eli5if_researchers_can_infect_lab_rats_with_most/
{ "a_id": [ "crpiom7" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I don't know that that's actually done. I certainly haven't heard of it. If it is possible, I would say that due to selective inbreeding lab rats of a certain genetic lineage are nearly genetically identical. So, you can transfer tissues from one...
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[ [] ]
1mdfss
why aren't all/most hospital items copper/silver plated?
If these materials don't get infected, why aren't they all plated with it? Wouldn't the cost offset the cost of disinfecting them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mdfss/eli5_why_arent_allmost_hospital_items/
{ "a_id": [ "cc852os", "cc867t7", "cc88622" ], "score": [ 11, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Copper takes about 2 hours to completely disinfect a surface from bacteria and virus. As such it makes sense to disinfect things directly to remove the infectious agent quicker most of the time. Theref...
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[ [], [], [] ]
2bh8ad
ssd capacity affects performance?
Why is it that the higher the size of the SSD Drive the faster the speed for read/write. Why are all SSD the same speeds (not across all SSD Brands but within a product range). SSD capacity affects performance?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2bh8ad/eli5ssd_capacity_affects_performance/
{ "a_id": [ "cj5bahy" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, surprisingly. Bigger capacity translates to more storage chips, and that translates to greater parallelism in transfering data. Thus, faster performance for the big boys :)" ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
83xd1z
physiologically, why is it easier to throw something accurately underhand vs overhand?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/83xd1z/eli5_physiologically_why_is_it_easier_to_throw/
{ "a_id": [ "dvl6r9z" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The overhand throw involves a much more complex set of motions using several joints and a lot of different muscles. There's more to get wrong." ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
3mt69v
did native americans have land and borders
Earlier today, I got into a bit of an argument with a person over whether or not Pocahontas was a princess or not because according to this person, Powhatan didn't own any lands or have borders despite being in charge of like 30 or more different tribes during the time.. So please help me.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mt69v/eli5did_native_americans_have_land_and_borders/
{ "a_id": [ "cvhwd7x" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Many tribes did not have the same type of personal land ownership concepts that Europeans did (though some did, particularly those that built cities) but virtually all of them had the concept of territorial control by the tribe, had defined borde...
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[ [] ]
figx5x
what would be different about the way the sun rises and sets if the earth was not tilted on an axis?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/figx5x/eli5_what_would_be_different_about_the_way_the/
{ "a_id": [ "fkh2zti" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "If the axis was at 90 degrees relative to the orbital plane the sun would set and rise as it does on the equinox so just like on March 20 in and September 22-23. So just look out next Friday.\n\n \nThe equinox is the day that the equator lines u...
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[ [] ]
1tpxq1
why does schizophrenia typically start to affect someone in their late teens or 20's?
I recently had Someone close to me committed for hearing voices and having paranoid delusions. It sounds like they may have paranoid schizoactive disorder, however I grew up with this person and they have never shown any of the signs of any kind of brain disorder until now (they just turned 22). Is there any reason tha...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tpxq1/eli5_why_does_schizophrenia_typically_start_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ceackjs", "ceact93", "cead4v6", "ceaf73h" ], "score": [ 5, 18, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Can I tack another sub-question onto this? A friend of mine is in a PhD psychology program and mentioned that a person really only \"has\" schizophrenia for about 10 years and aft...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
qnphv
why some vegetarians to eat fish
Aren't they not supposed to eat animals?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/qnphv/eli5_why_some_vegetarians_to_eat_fish/
{ "a_id": [ "c3z02hh", "c3z05ey", "c3z05n9", "c3z09e7", "c3z0npw", "c3z0z3a", "c3z2kfr" ], "score": [ 14, 3, 12, 3, 5, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "By definition, they are not vegetarians.", "Well, most vegetarians that eat fish, do so because a fish has h...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
opydp
why does my tv flicker on and off whenever my refrigerator cycles on?
It didn't always do this, and everything is still plugged in the same way and with the same cables. It just started to do this recently; whenever the refrigerator cycles on, my 40" Samsung LCD starts to flicker and then the screen shuts off for a second or two. Sometimes it goes off and on several times. Is this a pro...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/opydp/eli5_why_does_my_tv_flicker_on_and_off_whenever/
{ "a_id": [ "c3j46hj", "c3j5wkz" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ " Are they on the same circuit? Just like brown outs occur on a larger scale in big cities when a lot of electricity is being used at the same time like on a very hot summer day and every household is running the AC. When the...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
4g8v31
why san francisco is an attractive place right now for tech startups
I mean, to me it seems like with the highly dense residential area and extremely high cost of living it wouldn't be an attractive place but it is. Can someone explain this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4g8v31/eli5_why_san_francisco_is_an_attractive_place/
{ "a_id": [ "d2fhx3c", "d2fz4dh" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's the major hub for technology. It's easier to network and connect with others who can help your startup. ", "They are shortsighted idiots, and are causing one of the worst gentrification crises going on in the US rig...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
nqokp
what does it actually mean when companies in the us say they support certain legislation? (e.g. godaddy with sopa)
Why is this support considered so important? Is it purely lobbying money? If so, it almost seems like lawmaking is mostly companies putting money towards "buying legislation", and people can only affect this process by voting with their wallets. Is this view in any way accurate?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/nqokp/what_does_it_actually_mean_when_companies_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "c3b6j1t", "c3b7jpg", "c3b6j1t", "c3b7jpg" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "It means they endorse it and agree with it. That way, when it's debated on the floor, people can say \"X company agrees with this legislation, it's obviously the right move to make...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
23muhw
how can apple products be smoother and faster than others with less hardware capability.
Hello, I have been an Android man since Google came out with it. However I recently had an upgrade for my phone service and decided to get an iPhone. I just want to stress that I think Android is better in almost every category(more customizable, more integrated with the web, more open source, etc) but I would have to...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23muhw/eli5_how_can_apple_products_be_smoother_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cgyjdry", "cgyjhls", "cgyos3o" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Optimization of the software for a specific set (or smaller subset) of hardware. \n\nThe components in PCs and Android phones will vary significantly, yet that same Windows/Android code has to work acro...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4gwi43
how does russian in latin characters work?
I'm sorry if my title doesn't make sense but I don't know how to ask this exactly. If I search for this phrase in Google: "slishkom cennij shtob prodovatj" it will say this: Showing results for слишком ценный чтобы prodovatj No results found for slishkom cennij shtob prodovatj Obviously "slishkom" (or any of those o...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gwi43/eli5_how_does_russian_in_latin_characters_work/
{ "a_id": [ "d2lbbqf", "d2lcq16", "d2ln7fc" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We use alphabets, and combinations of letters to represent sounds. Some languages use the same alphabets, others use different ones. For translating between the different ones, we use agreed translitera...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
a27azc
why do potato chip companies put so much air in bags of chips?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a27azc/eli5_why_do_potato_chip_companies_put_so_much_air/
{ "a_id": [ "eavpun6", "eavq3zm", "eavqgb6" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 18 ], "text": [ "I think it's to act as a cushion. If all the air was out of the bag, even the smallest thing landing on a bag of chips would crush most of them to crumbs.", "The air is a cushion. When the bag is ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
soakk
how is inflation arrived at by a country if the gov't would print a lot of money?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/soakk/eli5_how_is_inflation_arrived_at_by_a_country_if/
{ "a_id": [ "c4flk64" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "More money = money is worth less (since everyone has more of it) = higher prices (inflation). \n\nPrinting more money doesn't actually fix anything." ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
41y060
if the city of flint made the dercision to switch water supply, why is the governor being blamed while the mayor is the victim?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41y060/eli5_if_the_city_of_flint_made_the_dercision_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cz6344b", "cz63b51" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "During the time in which the decision was made to switch the water supply, the city of Flint was under the emergency management of the state government. It was a state official who authorized and carried out the switch and s...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2amha2
stars blinking
Does anyone know why stars blink as they do? I would love to know as I have always loved looking up onto the skys. and this questing always comes up.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2amha2/eli5_stars_blinking/
{ "a_id": [ "ciwn1vi" ], "score": [ 19 ], "text": [ "The atmosphere consists of many many layers of air \"pockets\", and these pockets are constantly moving around in the atmosphere. What makes each pocket different from another is that they have slightly different temperatures and densities.\n\nH...
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[]
[ [] ]
c1q81w
how does replanting rainforest differ from regular forest?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c1q81w/eli5_how_does_replanting_rainforest_differ_from/
{ "a_id": [ "erfcvub" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They’re vastly different. Regular forest is “old growth forest”—it’s a vast ecosystem that has existed for perhaps millions of years. Thousands or millions of species have evolved to coexist in that environment. But then loggers come and clear cu...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7mdkuh
how does a computer recover corrupted data?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7mdkuh/eli5_how_does_a_computer_recover_corrupted_data/
{ "a_id": [ "drt7lol" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Tolerances, error detection and error correction.\n\nTolerance: In TTL logic if the voltage on a data line is between 2V and 5V that's a logical 1, and between 0V and 0.8V is a logical 0. This means that the hardware can take a bit of variation ...
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[ [] ]
3f0doh
how does an unknown music artist's song become a major hit?
I mean, do they just upload it on facebook or youtube and someone randomly clicks on it and because it is sooo good, they share it with their friends or something?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3f0doh/eli5_how_does_an_unknown_music_artists_song/
{ "a_id": [ "ctk35or", "ctk7vwg" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "Record companies scout for talent and then promote specific new artists relentlessly in many cases. ", "Record companies pay large sums to broadcasting to play their songs. I've heard it's around $50,000 grand for a sing...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7nhafy
why does meat to stick to cooking surfaces?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7nhafy/eli5_why_does_meat_to_stick_to_cooking_surfaces/
{ "a_id": [ "ds1vipj", "ds1w6ka", "ds1wjev", "ds1yj25", "ds252tx", "ds2dm6k", "ds2ezvr", "ds2hm0o", "ds3a504" ], "score": [ 82, 219, 60, 4, 4, 6, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The meat breaks down when heated, and releases its carbon. The car...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4c1mm6
why are reading books more beneficial to your mind than reading the internet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4c1mm6/eli5_why_are_reading_books_more_beneficial_to/
{ "a_id": [ "d1e92nb", "d1e9ltb", "d1ea8q4", "d1eaje5", "d1ecooa", "d1edgmy", "d1eek69", "d1eesl5", "d1eevuy", "d1efy89", "d1eglx2" ], "score": [ 290, 41, 3, 29, 2, 7, 2, 2, 2, 2, 7 ], "text": [ "I am squarely in the \...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/benefits-of-reading/", "http://mic.com/articles/99408/science-has-great-news-for-people-who-read-actual-books#.G33tTd0iA" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
cpd4lv
what is the difference between code and script.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cpd4lv/eli5_what_is_the_difference_between_code_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ewonr6r", "ewpswu2" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Some people make a distinction between \"compiled\" languages that produce executable machine code & \"scripting\" languages that are either interpreted or compiled to a VM at runtime. Either way, it's still \"coding\" an...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
29pykc
why does the president of the united states need to be born in the united states to be eligible to run?
It seems like the country that a person was born in has little to do with their abilities to lead.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/29pykc/eli5_why_does_the_president_of_the_united_states/
{ "a_id": [ "cincl4q", "cinclog", "cincn1r", "cincsy2", "cinj38h" ], "score": [ 3, 11, 6, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a constitutional requirement.\n\nThe why behind *that* why is likely because the anti-federalists (Jefferson and his gang) hated Alexander Hamilton and ...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
azmybf
why is it necessary for artificial sweeteners to be hundreds upon hundreds of times more sweet than sucrose?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/azmybf/eli5_why_is_it_necessary_for_artificial/
{ "a_id": [ "ei8wz2q", "ei8x4m4" ], "score": [ 10, 3 ], "text": [ "It isn't \"necessary\" per se but it is useful. For example if you have a sweetener which is 1000 times sweeter than sugar then you can get the same flavor by using only one thousandth as much of the sweetener than sugar. T...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
6fotb3
what is the history behind boys hiding their emotion?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6fotb3/eli5_what_is_the_history_behind_boys_hiding_their/
{ "a_id": [ "dijtoy9", "dijwnp1", "dijwool", "dik6kon" ], "score": [ 8, 4, 12, 2 ], "text": [ "Male humans generally keep their emotions to themselves as not only is it viewed as 'masculine' to keep tight control of your emotions, men find little sympathy when they do displ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1w6t13
why do cameras have so many mega-pixels when screens only display a few hundred thousand? what's the point?
Ignoring the ability to zoom in - what is the point? If my screen has 1920x1080= 2073600 pixels why do I need 10 million pixels in a photo? Am I missing something? edit: Yes I did forget about printing. But perhaps because it is not very relevant to me. When was the last time any of you printed a photo? I think most p...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1w6t13/eli5_why_do_cameras_have_so_many_megapixels_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cez7m6a", "cez7md9", "cez7qpw", "cez7qsi", "cez7wyj", "cez8qov" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 4, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "You are forgetting printing. The more pixels you have, the larger, sharper prints you can make.", "Printers print at upwards of 300...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "www.dpreview.com" ] ]
5tqd6y
what would happen if nato broke up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5tqd6y/eli5what_would_happen_if_nato_broke_up/
{ "a_id": [ "ddo8b8e" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Well nothing immediately. But obviously each member state would be more vulnerable to attack, with a particular problem to the Eastern European countries. " ] }
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[ [] ]
4p61zw
how do snipers calibrate their scopes while on assignment?
Presumably they can't setup a range somewhere and shoot at it but I'd also assume their guns get banged around a bit while they are on the go.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4p61zw/eli5_how_do_snipers_calibrate_their_scopes_while/
{ "a_id": [ "d4ib1wg", "d4ifxqr" ], "score": [ 6, 9 ], "text": [ "Professional military snipers, and presumably others have log books of their previous shots in training situations. Commonly called DOPE or data on previous engagement. So they review their log book to see how their rifle pe...
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[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/Aa_pPiQW2Cs?t=1583", "https://youtu.be/Aa_pPiQW2Cs?t=925" ], [] ]
4izv1u
when dying naturally, does the body manually shut itself off, or does the person's life just end abruptly?
The concept of death has always boggled my mind, but if their is anything that's always peaked my interest, it's death by natural causes. When someone dies naturally, what exactly does that mean? Does the body just manually shut it self down for no reason? Or does the body just cut off, like pulling the plug on a PC? I...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4izv1u/eli5when_dying_naturally_does_the_body_manually/
{ "a_id": [ "d32hflh", "d32kfvl", "d32neeu", "d32qw8g", "d32uyfy", "d334z81", "d3371p4", "d33e11i" ], "score": [ 98, 20, 12, 11, 3, 11, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It doesn't shuts itself off. This would serve no evolutionary purpose.\n\nWhen someone ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/death-wave-animals-bodies-die-worm-study_n_3650102.html" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
6gi0id
how do shows and videos have the same person in the shot at multiple places within the same scene?
For example the last scene in Childish Gambino's music video for "sweatpants" _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gi0id/eli5_how_do_shows_and_videos_have_the_same_person/
{ "a_id": [ "diqewea", "diqhdsc" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "From my basic knowledge they put the camera on a tripod so it doesn't shake or move at all and then film it twice and then layer the shots together so that there are 2 of the same person on there :) ", "The classic effec...
[]
[ "https://youtu.be/ExVtrghW5Y4" ]
[ [], [] ]
3ryr0i
speech recognition
How to things like Siri and google voice search know what I'm saying? Edit: Thanks!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ryr0i/eli5_speech_recognition/
{ "a_id": [ "cwsi04z", "cwsid2y", "cwsqok2" ], "score": [ 5, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Sound is interpreted by the computer as a signal. The frequency of the signal can be mapped out into a function/graph. The distribution of this graph can be compared against other signals that correspo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2d22ir
why do chewing noises annoy me?
Why do chewing noises (not necessarily loud) bug me to the point where I might have to walk away?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2d22ir/eli5_why_do_chewing_noises_annoy_me/
{ "a_id": [ "cjlbazv" ], "score": [ 21 ], "text": [ "Misophoniac to the rescue! \n\nI have exactly the same problem. it's called Misophonia and not considered as a disease or something like that. There are research on the phenomenon since 2003 or so.\n\nI've found a lot of informations on the inte...
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[]
[ [] ]
4yqbtx
how can we control our arms and legs but not control our heart, stomach and nerves
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4yqbtx/eli5_how_can_we_control_our_arms_and_legs_but_not/
{ "a_id": [ "d6pmruj" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "You don't have full (i.e. \"conscious\") control over your body. \n\nYou have multiple nervous systems in your body, some of which are voluntary (the somatic nervous system governs movement) and you control those. Some of which aren't (the autono...
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[]
[ [] ]
3po4k3
alien megastructure
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't the events we're observing from KIC8462852 be over 1,500 years old...due to the speed of light? It's possible that whatever we're seeing, isn't currently happening anymore, right? It's possible that the object isn't there anymore. I'm not an astrophysicist but I know a thing or tw...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3po4k3/eli5_alien_megastructure/
{ "a_id": [ "cw7xmpc", "cw7xn3e" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "You are correct: it is entirely possible that it isn't there any more. If they had amazing telescopes, and are still around right now, they would be seeing the events around the fall of Rome right now.\n\n\nThat said, what i...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
338rd6
how come rapists get longer sentences than murderers in the us?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/338rd6/eli5_how_come_rapists_get_longer_sentences_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cqikit4", "cqiknko", "cqikoz7" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I would be shocked to find out that first degree murderer's get shorter sentences than rapists. \n\nHowever, I would not be surprised that the average sentence of anyone convicted of a criminal homicide...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5zxkdd
why do toddlers have an instinct to throw themselves on the ground then kick and cry/scream when they don't get what they want? why not just stand/sit and cry?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zxkdd/eli5_why_do_toddlers_have_an_instinct_to_throw/
{ "a_id": [ "df1t5bf", "df1tinf", "df203xf", "df2055l" ], "score": [ 8, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I don't think i've ever seen a child do the laying kicking and screaming outside of movies/TV\n", "Because they feel their emotions so intensely that they kind of don't know wh...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
7zznpm
how do sun rays stay hot?
Sun rays travelling through -70'c or colder space but how are they still hot when reaching earth surface?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7zznpm/eli5_how_do_sun_rays_stay_hot/
{ "a_id": [ "durw536", "durwkcm" ], "score": [ 15, 8 ], "text": [ "The sun's rays that make it to you aren't heat rays. They are radiation energy. When that radiation hits you, your shirt, the ground, etc it absorbs the energy and gives off heat.", "Temperature is a measure of the move...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cporzk
what is inertia and why does it happen?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cporzk/eli5_what_is_inertia_and_why_does_it_happen/
{ "a_id": [ "ewqs4c5", "ewqs5x5", "ewqt8ry", "ewqtd81" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Inertia is the inherent property of mass that causes objects with mas resist changes to their velocities. It's a fundamental property of the universe; it's not \"caused\" by anythi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4s49n0
why do americans dye their cheese orange?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4s49n0/eli5why_do_americans_dye_their_cheese_orange/
{ "a_id": [ "d56e5g2", "d56efvd", "d56f3ay", "d56faw8", "d56fo2i", "d56fuhz", "d56g1ov", "d56gdni" ], "score": [ 237, 97, 22, 24, 2, 7, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "What color is cheddar cheese where you come from? All cheese is naturally white, or off...
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[ [ "http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/11/07/243733126/how-17th-century-fraud-gave-rise-to-bright-orange-cheese" ], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annatto#Cheeses" ], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annatto" ], [], [] ]
5myor3
why does it seem like almost nobody in the world wears socks?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5myor3/eli5_why_does_it_seem_like_almost_nobody_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dc7at4q", "dc7b0sh" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "I have no idea what planet you are from, but here on Earth we men regularly wear socks. While I admit to working from anecdotal evidence I can't think of a signle friend who doesn't\n\nIs it possible some of these men you're...
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[ [], [] ]
2196yb
why do i have to press ctrl+alt+del to log log into my window's computer?
I have found articles showing you how to change this stupid step, but I would like to know why it is there in the first place? Why am I not just presented with a login screen? How does this help anyone?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2196yb/eli5why_do_i_have_to_press_ctrlaltdel_to_log_log/
{ "a_id": [ "cgasvg6" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "Ctrl-Alt-Del is called a trusted keyboard sequence. No other program can hijack or use that sequence. So, when Windows asks you to use that keyboard sequence, you know for sure that Windows is the only program asking for it. Otherwise, any ol...
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eszf2z
why does laying in bed help when you’re feeling unwell, how does resting help with the recovery?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eszf2z/eli5_why_does_laying_in_bed_help_when_youre/
{ "a_id": [ "ffd5env", "ffd5f4y", "ffd5jod", "ffd5x5z" ], "score": [ 7, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Fighting disease or healing from an injury takes a tremendous amount of energy. Basically any and all metabolic output that’s not necessary for basic survival is going to killing g...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
3khpr5
why do we whistle?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3khpr5/eli5_why_do_we_whistle/
{ "a_id": [ "cuxitgy" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ " Uh to attract women?" ] }
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[ [] ]
34jhwd
why did google succeed and aol crumble?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34jhwd/eli5_why_did_google_succeed_and_aol_crumble/
{ "a_id": [ "cqv8sox", "cqv9r8a", "cqva4nr" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "AOL's main service, their internet browser, was overtaken by other, better services which were also free. Their email was similarly overtaken. Google, on the other hand, provides an excellent service to...
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[ [], [], [] ]
wijcl
if the average digestion process takes about 24 - 72 hours, why certain things (like taco bell) seem to feel like they "go right through you".
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wijcl/eli5_if_the_average_digestion_process_takes_about/
{ "a_id": [ "c5dm8sd", "c5dmnwx", "c5dmy6h", "c5dmykw", "c5dn0ko", "c5dnf96", "c5dngdw", "c5dnleh", "c5dns14", "c5dnxk7", "c5dokb5", "c5dp0zm", "c5dquyp", "c5dsdba", "c5dur8g" ], "score": [ 81, 3, 29, 33, 3, 129, 6, 227, ...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrocolic_reflex" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
62adhi
why are people so judgmental in highschool?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62adhi/eli5_why_are_people_so_judgmental_in_highschool/
{ "a_id": [ "dfl1fl6", "dfl4ioe" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Being a jerk is easy. Compassion and tolerance are learned, and they take years of life experience and maturity to develop.", "This isn't what you'll want to hear, but... because you're children. You haven't lived much, ...
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[ [], [] ]
1so2mw
why is the pope so important? do his quotes and views really change the whole catholic church?
I'm not a Catholic and so I've never really understood why the pope is so important. Does what he thinks and says really change the Catholic church and what Catholic's believe and how they treat people (athiests, LGBTQ, etc.)? From my non-Catholic view all I ever see is a pope that really only exists to make quotes and...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1so2mw/eli5_why_is_the_pope_so_important_do_his_quotes/
{ "a_id": [ "cdzhxmy", "cdzke30" ], "score": [ 4, 7 ], "text": [ "The pope acts as a leader for the Catholic Church. When it comes to matters of faith, he is \"right.\" _URL_0_\nThis means that his opinions and quotes have a pretty powerful impact on most Catholics, and can in turn affect ...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_infallibility" ], [] ]
551qco
how are carbon nanotubes similar to/different from carbon fiber?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/551qco/eli5_how_are_carbon_nanotubes_similar_todifferent/
{ "a_id": [ "d86womx" ], "score": [ 19 ], "text": [ "Let's say you have a bunch of sheets of paper.\n\nIf you lay them all flat on top of one another, and glue them all together, you'll pretty much get a big block of paper. If you push hard enough from the side, you might be able to separate the p...
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ebyk7r
how do podcasts insert advertisements that are unique to my location?
I have noticed some ads in my podcast for things in Southern California, and I'm sure listeners in the northeast get different ads. I'm not surprised the podcasts know where I live, but what's the technical method they use to serve these ads? I was under the impression a podcast is just a single audio file. Is there a ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ebyk7r/eli5_how_do_podcasts_insert_advertisements_that/
{ "a_id": [ "fb8azyq" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A podcast is a single file when you get it but is it not necessarily a single file on the server.\n\nSo you have podcast files that are split into multiple parts and you put them together with the ads into a single file when you download it. What...
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[ [ "https://castos.com/dynamic-ad-insertion-for-podcasts/" ] ]
478o4z
why are the great plains of north america nearly treeless? there doesn't seem to be a problem with growing plants in this region.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/478o4z/eli5_why_are_the_great_plains_of_north_america/
{ "a_id": [ "d0b1h4m", "d0b4jmx", "d0b5a7l", "d0b6tu4" ], "score": [ 13, 4, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "A combination of a few things:\n\n* The plains are more prone to drought than more wooded areas and grasses can handle this better\n\n* The flat terrain means lightning and fires ...
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[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.google.com/maps/@38.0673293,-96.2394462,2807310m/data=!3m1!1e3", "http://geogdata.csun.edu/wa_panorama_atlas/files/page0_1.jpg", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortgrass_prairie#/media/File:US_Great_Plains_Map.svg", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_shadow", "...
m2g55
why do things get so much cheaper the more you buy?
EG 1 ticket costs 4 bucks, but if you buy 20 of them at the same time they only cost 40?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/m2g55/eli5_why_do_things_get_so_much_cheaper_the_more/
{ "a_id": [ "c2xjb9o", "c2xjb9o" ], "score": [ 9, 9 ], "text": [ "It is due to a marketing method called [price differentiation](_URL_0_). Also, when you sell an individual ticket to an individual person, you must take a number of steps (agreeing the sale, accepting payment, delivering the...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_discrimination" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_discrimination" ] ]
33g4i1
how does zimbabwe concurrently use the us dollar, chinese yuan, indian rupee, japanese yen, etc. do citizens of zimbabwe have to carry around currencies of all kinds? do stores accept any currency?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33g4i1/eli5how_does_zimbabwe_concurrently_use_the_us/
{ "a_id": [ "cqklln4", "cqko29p" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "It's not so much that they use all those different currencies, it's that they don't use their own.\n\nZimbabwe's dollar lost so much value that they at one point printed a 10 trillion dollar bill. So, as it became financiall...
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2xlm72
while both minorities have faced oppression in u.s history, why do asian americans seem to be "better off" compared to african americans?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2xlm72/eli5_while_both_minorities_have_faced_oppression/
{ "a_id": [ "cp16j1t", "cp16jah", "cp170n0", "cp175xn", "cp18a2o", "cp18b0a", "cp19k78", "cp1abvc", "cp1c7sd", "cp1cdfw", "cp1docp" ], "score": [ 7, 6, 73, 31, 2, 12, 53, 4, 2, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "A large number of Asia...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://youtu.be/gFmFOmprTt0" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
zfpw1
why isn't it easier for immigrants to become a u.s. citizens?
Wouldn't the country benefit from having taxpayers absorbed into the system? It seems like people here will either take advantage of the system without being counted or they'll participate in the system as a citizen. This whole statement could be incredibly false because I, like Jon Snow, know nothing. Is there a maxi...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/zfpw1/eli5_why_isnt_it_easier_for_immigrants_to_become/
{ "a_id": [ "c6492et" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "There's no particular incentive for a country to make migrants intro citizens. While they wait for their papers to come through, they contribute just like citizens do, but get fewer benefits in exchange. \n\nIt's a bit like \"why buy the cow when...
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41vvks
why are sexual fetishes so much more common in men than they are in women?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/41vvks/eli5_why_are_sexual_fetishes_so_much_more_common/
{ "a_id": [ "cz5j5l1", "cz5j7ve" ], "score": [ 15, 4 ], "text": [ "What evidence do you have that this is the case? I've certainly never seen data that suggests it.", "I don't think they are more common in men than women. I think that our current society allows men to have sexual fetis...
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[ [], [] ]
3ajoay
how can the stock market grow at an average of 7% when gdp only grows at 2%?
So historically, the stock market has grown at about 7% per year, but GDP growth is averaging about 2%. I know that the two aren't perfectly correlated, but shouldn't the long-term growth rates be similar since GDP represents the total output of the economy and a broad-based stock index like the S & P 500 should repre...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ajoay/eli5_how_can_the_stock_market_grow_at_an_average/
{ "a_id": [ "csd8i0g", "csdbuve" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "This is just a guess, but globalization maybe.\n\nGDP is money spent in inside the country. The stock market goes up when companies are expected to be more profitable. When companies cut costs by outsourcing labor and buying...
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30mgf8
if minimum wage goes up to $15, what happens to those only earning marginally more than that at present?
I'm a 3rd grade teacher with a Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience and I make ~$39,000/year or ~$18.75/hr. I'm certainly not in it for the money, but I'm curious about the effect of a minimum wage hike upon the lifestyle of my family. If the minimum wage goes up to $15/hr and workers without even a GED or any ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30mgf8/eli5_if_minimum_wage_goes_up_to_15_what_happens/
{ "a_id": [ "cptr57o", "cptrajn" ], "score": [ 9, 3 ], "text": [ "It would probably be up to the individual employers. A lot of people would demand higher wages, I'm sure. I make just over $40K a year, and I'd be fine staying here, even if minimum wage went up.", "That's an excellent q...
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9nc0bs
how is produce transported internationally without wilting or spoiling?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9nc0bs/eli5_how_is_produce_transported_internationally/
{ "a_id": [ "e7l4jdg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There are climate controlled shipping containers called \"reefers,\" and the process by which they were developed for use involved a team traveling inside them around the globe for quite some time-at least a year. I forget the specifics, but ther...
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[ [ "https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/reefer-madness/" ] ]
60m47b
why are my old smartphones (2013) so slow today doing simple stuff like photos and internet browsing when it could run playstation 3 graphics games with ease?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60m47b/eli5_why_are_my_old_smartphones_2013_so_slow/
{ "a_id": [ "df7hyt2", "df7i1u8" ], "score": [ 13, 2 ], "text": [ "Planned Obsolescence.\n\n_URL_0_ \n\nBasically, if you make the perfect product, then people would not need to replace or buy a new version.\n\nHowever, if you ensure that your product degrades over time, then you'll force ...
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[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence" ], [] ]
fp2r7z
what's epistemological anarchism?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fp2r7z/eli5_whats_epistemological_anarchism/
{ "a_id": [ "fliz8d8" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Think about Back to the Future.\n\n\"Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads\"\n\nThe idea is that a lot of significant scientific progress was made while ignoring the accepted ways of understanding and studying science (the road)\n\nNewton...
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6z7n5m
why americans use drywall instead of concrete and bricks to build houses in areas prone to natural disasters?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6z7n5m/eli5_why_americans_use_drywall_instead_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dmt4bfq", "dmt4dfc", "dmt4ucv", "dmt54pq", "dmt5q9f", "dmt5yoj", "dmt9qb7", "dmtav3n", "dmtew4b", "dmtnpif", "dmtpwdm", "dmtr1tu", "dmts3c2", "dmtubwu", "dmtxhet", "dmu0dtl", "dmu2705", "dmukqy7" ], "score": [ 8, 11, ...
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4zs9vx
why do we ride horses and donkeys but not cows or sheep? (sheep would be comfy, i imagine.)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4zs9vx/eli5_why_do_we_ride_horses_and_donkeys_but_not/
{ "a_id": [ "d6yepo7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Two reasons\n\n1- Physiology. Horses are relatively easy to mount and control with the reins. Cows are very wide and while you can mount them for a time (rodeo) they are uncomfortable to ride for extended periods of time.\n\n2 - Social structure....
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1ajo9a
why do mental health issues like depression, anxiety and adhd appear to be increasing exponentially year on year?
I've been a little obsessed with this lately. Can it really be as simple as people being diagnosed properly (or improperly...)? Or is there something that has changed significantly in our society? E.G. social pressures? nutrition? sedentary lifestyles? I'm kind of convinced there's a much stronger link between sugar /...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ajo9a/eli5_why_do_mental_health_issues_like_depression/
{ "a_id": [ "c8y0ikq", "c8y0jjs", "c8y1qmx" ], "score": [ 6, 7, 5 ], "text": [ "First of all, what makes you think diagnoses are increasing \"exponentially\"? Have you researched actual rates?\n\nSecond, it's difficult to say what the cause is, but it's absolutely certain that man...
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