Split (4)

train · 91.8k rows

q_id stringlengths 6 6	title stringlengths 3 299	selftext stringlengths 0 4.44k	category stringclasses 9 values	subreddit stringclasses 1 value	answers dict	title_urls listlengths 1 1	selftext_urls listlengths 1 1
5m4w2u	We have vast fields dedicated to satellite dishes listening for signals in outer space. Why can't they install dishes on the moon for both listening to space and for bouncing signals back?	My theory is that it's less domestic interference.	Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc0ulfs", "dc0ulsf" ], "text": [ "How would you get it there? Pound for pound, going to the moon is expensive. Really expensive. How would you service them? Getting a technician up there is really really expensive. How would you protect them? Earth has mild temperatures and magnetic prote...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m4wlm	If your brain uses 20% of your calorie intake, and your brain uses more energy when used intensely, does this mean you can lose weight from using your brain more intensely on a regular basis?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc0v8v3", "dc10it1" ], "text": [ "Most of what your brain does has nothing to do with \"thinking hard\". Rather, the energy is primarily going towards just keeping all the systems operational. While it would no doubt be possible to measure some small difference in energy consumption based...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m52yt	How does a OLED TV work?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc0xxhq" ], "text": [ "An OLED tv is a tv made up OLEDs - Organic LEDs. It works basically like a regular LED tv. To explain the significance of LEDs, I'll have to explain LCD displays first. Liquid Crystal Displays work by having a screen-wide backlight, and crystals in front of that backlig...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m553m	Why in winter, on sunny days its really cold, and cloudy days its warm?	Why?	Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc16nc3", "dc0wd2z", "dc0wf6h", "dc0w3xh", "dc0w5y8", "dc15un9", "dc15ypf", "dc11b1i", "dc1msk5", "dc1acnf", "dc172c7", "dc1g0cy" ], "text": [ "Pilot here. The weather has a serious effect on aviation so it's extremely important to understand how it...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m58wm	popular apps terms and conditions	I'd like to explain to mis kids what they are agreeing to for apps such as snapchat, Facebook, instagram, etc... so I'm wondering if there is a website that explains these in a way a teenager can understand	Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc113s1" ], "text": [ "This website is great at breaking down what you need to know URL_0" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text_urls": [ [ "https://tosdr.org/?branch_used=true#" ] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m5nsa	Why it is more pleasant to watch big screen from big distance than small screen from small distance even though they are covering same amount of my field of view?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc0zfeb", "dc0zi07" ], "text": [ "Your eye muscles (muscles in the eye that control the lens ), when relaxed, are naturally focused on what is far away. The eyes also have to turn slightly towards each other to be able to see things that right close to the face. This takes energy and even...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m5xh8	How and why do almonds have a split directly down the middle?	I was eating some today and I didn't know why this was...	Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc129wf", "dc1awcz", "dc12ggn" ], "text": [ "Almonds are seeds, almond seeds are dicots, meaning they have 2 cotyledons. When you split the seed in half you are exposing each cotyledon Therefore both sides of the almond are not completely joined", "Botanist here: They're cotyledon...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m61b0	Why September, October, November, December are 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th months of the year when in Greek (on which I guess it's based) it is more like Septa = 7, Octo = 8, Nona = 9, Deca = 10?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc11j14", "dc11hhg", "dc11o55" ], "text": [ "The Roman Calendar had the New Year starting in March and went like this: * Martius (March) * Aprilus (April) * Maius (May) * Iunius (June) * Quintilis * Sextilis * September * October * November * December At some point January (Ianuarius)...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m6kba	Why isn't American cheese called cheese, and instead called cheese product?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc150nl" ], "text": [ "Because it's not (authentic) Cheese. It's made out of at least two different kinds of cheese and processed, therefor making it a cheese product." ], "score": [ 11 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m6m9q	Why are knives and swords curved?	What about curvature makes it improve these tools' ability to cut?	Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc15wx5", "dc15h5r", "dc15ihf" ], "text": [ "It gives the blade a point to drive forward, if that makes sense. Imagine you have a big juicy steak in front of you. You grab your fork and knife and get ready to cut a bite. Your knife is perfectly straight from the handle to the tip. As ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m6q6k	Adderall and Xanax are both addictive substances. Why is it that Adderall causes mild withdraw symptoms, if any, while Xanax induces a potentially lethal withdraw?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc17g5g", "dc1en0f" ], "text": [ "They have different mechanisms of action, the common denominator of being addictive doesn't really say a whole lot. Xanax is GABAergic, which is something most depressants share: they act on a specific type of receptor causing disinhibition and sedation b...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m6r77	Are all planets revolutions made in the same direction?	All solar system simulators have all the planets doing the sun revolution on the same direction. Is this true? And if it is, why is that?	Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc16jew", "dc16o9f", "dc16s8z" ], "text": [ "So actually Venus spins the opposite direction, probably cuz some big thing hit it early on in it's development. The rest spin the same way because our solar system started basically as a spinning disk of dust. The whole disc rotates the sa...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m6rd6	The difference between things like Inc, Co, Ltd, etc...		Economics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1ab6p", "dc16ulv" ], "text": [ "These names represent different business entities. A business entity is an organization founded for doing business that can enter into contracts and sue or be sued. Let’s say, for example, you start plowing driveways for work. If you don't create a busine...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m6x9z	Why can't single cell organisms be huge? Why can't a single cell be the size of a person?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc180ff", "dc184zy" ], "text": [ "surface area vs internal guts. You have an exponential growth problem. Cells need to take food in and get waste out through their cell wall. When a cell is really small, that works out fine. But if you make a cell larger, the amount of potential mass you ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m76k4	why does shaking (like in a train or bus) and rocking a baby's crib help us sleep?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1cygs" ], "text": [ "I am going to take a dig at this. I think the exact word you are looking for is \"Rocking to sleep\". As to why Rocking helps us sleep, it is a matter of brain waves. Firstly, we have been put to sleep a hundred times since our birth by gentle swinging motions of our pa...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m770s	Why do kids need more sleep than adults?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1a51x" ], "text": [ "Because they are still in the process of growing and that takes a lot of effort and energy, which leads to more recovery time, thus more sleeping." ], "score": [ 5 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m7751	How and why does belly button lint accumulate overnight (or in general)?	ELI5: How and why does belly button lint accumulate overnight (or in general) and why is mine almost always some shade of blue?	Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1al8y" ], "text": [ "There has been a weird and surprising amount of research done on belly button lint! Lint collects mechanically by body hairs, as you move. Most lint comes from your underpants! There's a lot of blue dye in clothing." ], "score": [ 3 ], "text_urls": [ [] ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m78de	What prevents me from making a consumable product that is harmful to one's health and addictive, even though alcohol and tobacco have no medical benefits?		Economics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1am7d", "dc1pjos" ], "text": [ "alcohol and tobacco were legal before we knew of their risks, and now its the status quo, which is hard to change. Im sure the FDA would love to ban tobacco for sure. but thats not how the govt works, there are other forces at work, namely the smokers who...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m7bj0	How does match fixing work?	Who are the people behind it? What does each party get out of it and why do professional athletes agree to such a risky act?	Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1myra", "dc1cs0i" ], "text": [ "first off, you have to understand there are several types of match fixing. Most types revolve around a binary result (win/loss, yes/no) because that means fewer variables. Most of the time, the people getting something out of it are gamblers (who bet on t...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m7by8	How were mathematicians able to calculate pi without accurate measurements?		Mathematics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1f9kt", "dc1c5ic" ], "text": [ "Before calculus, you computed the perimeter of a polygon inside a circle, then the perimeter of one outside a circle, [like this]( URL_0 ), and took their average. The more sides the polygon has, the better the approximation. After calculus, they discover...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m7eiv	Why are large mergers like T-mobile/ATT blocked on anti-trust concerns where smaller monopolies like Stanley/Craftsman go unchallenged?		Economics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1cier", "dc1def7" ], "text": [ "The reason for anti trust laws is to make sure companies will compete against each other to make the best products at the lowest cost. If T-mobile and AT & T would merge they would become so big that nobody could be able to compete against them. In a lot ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m7fh5	Why can the human eye not see infrared light?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1ceht", "dc1d0wn" ], "text": [ "Your eye has photoreceptive cells that respond to certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation striking them. This occurs because those photons are absorbed by proteins in the cell, which trigger a change, that generates a signal sent to the brain. Th...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m7fji	Why do these pictures make people's brain hurt?	Link to pictures: 1. URL_0 2. URL_1 3. URL_2 People say pictures like this make their brains hurt, gives them headaches, etc. People also say they make them feel nauseous, drunk, dizzy, etc. Why does this happen?	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1d564" ], "text": [ "The eyes are trying to focus on an image that is not actually out of focus, it is just that the brain cant make sense of the image. The brain recognizes several familiar patterns, but cant quite focus on one at the time." ], "score": [ 5 ], "text_urls": [ ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m7it9	What causes body aches when fighting a fever?	Currently ill with the flu and my whole body hurts. What causes this?	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1ddaz" ], "text": [ "When you have the flu, your immune system diverts the white blood cells to fight off the flu virus, thus leaving your muscles and joints feeling sore and achy. ... This causes inflammation in muscles and joints, resulting in pain in a similar way to mild arthritis or rh...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m7kfr	If autonomous vehicles are to be the future of transportation, what steps are being taken to ensure they function in extreme weather conditions such as blizzards or black ice?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1dfrx", "dc1e6s4" ], "text": [ "Extensive testing of these systems on all terrain has been conducted and will continue to be conducted. There are standard responses to certain situations that we should all do. For example if you're skidding, you turn into it to regain control. The car c...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m7uap	Why do clouds turn dark when they are about to start raining?		Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1gr1d" ], "text": [ "When sunlight hits water or ice in a cloud, it refracts, bending in direction. With small clouds, some sunlight bounces around inside and eventually makes it out towards the ground. Rain clouds are larger, so less sunlight makes it through the cloud without being redire...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m8187	How come there are so many companies offering free web hosting? What's the catch?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1j0yg", "dc1hxad", "dc1nb8h", "dc1kpgr", "dc1kiyg", "dc1iwcx", "dc1jhhm" ], "text": [ "Like /u/donsterkay said, such companies usually make their money through advertising. It's worth noting, though, that not all of them do shady stuff like cramming ads on all your p...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m83w6	Why are some things 'oddly satisfying'?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc20brk" ], "text": [ "Burgot gave you 3000+ karma on /r/leagueoflegends, so you are satisfied. Why? Burgot is very odd, yet satisfying. Therefore, he is odd and satisfying." ], "score": [ 5 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m85fe	Why is it that if you look at a word for long enough, your brain will question its spelling, despite it being a simple and familiar word that's normally spelt with ease?	These are usually simple words, like 'able' for example. My brain will tell me 'that doesn't look right' and I know I've been spelling it correctly for years, but suddenly my brain decides it's wrong.	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1jxuk" ], "text": [ "This is known as 'semantic satiation' and there isn't much academic literature on this specific effect from my brief research that I did just now. However, from what I can tell it's related to other effects so I'll base my explanation around an understanding of those as...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m89k6	Why do we wake up in the middle of the night even when not triggered by dreams or external stimuli?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1md22" ], "text": [ "You cycle through different stages of sleep, ranging from lightly asleep to hardcore asleep to dreaming: N1, N2, N3, REM. N1 is light sleep, the transition between awake and asleep. During the night, you move up and down these stages. Sleep isn't an on/off switch--it's ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m8gg3	Why do public toilet seats have a gap in the middle and ones at home don't?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1kyp5", "dc1ry4v", "dc1q928", "dc200fq", "dc23cxy" ], "text": [ "I know this! When a man sits on a toilet, the head of his penis often comes in contact with the inside of the toilet seat. By having a gap, this prevents germs from being transferred from dick to dick. (Ladies ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m8rt9	Why does a company want to sell my personal info? To whom? For how much? What's the data even look like?	I keep reading that companies like Facebook, Google, and so many others like to collect our personal information to sell it. But to whom? What's that information even look like? Is it an Excel document that has my name and some columns with checkmarks confirming I watch porn and love video games? Who would buy that dat...	Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1nwzu", "dc1oucn", "dc1oxn0" ], "text": [ "So the big common misunderstanding is that Facebook, Google, and most large companies don't actually sell your personal information. Yes they collect it, but they don't sell it. Smaller and more unscrupulous companies will sell your dat...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m8ssq	when looking at the moon during the day, why is the dark side camouflaged by the blue sky?	Just took [this photo]( URL_0 ) as an example	Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1oe2h", "dc1ohnj" ], "text": [ "Because the dark side doesn't send out (reflect, really) enough light to be able to shine through the blue light that is \"created\" in our atmosphere, while the bright side of the moon does. It's the same reason the rest of the dark sky isn't showing. It...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m8tbi	Can someone explain how high profile people can not pay taxes? How would they not be audited or investigated if they're suspicious?		Economics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1pj0h", "dc1o8xb" ], "text": [ "The big thing is if you are rich, you (usually) don't have to worry about a regular paycheck to get by. That gives you a lot of options to avoid (legal) or evade (illegal) taxes. For example, instead of a salary, you might choose to get paid in stock opti...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m8vxj	Fluoride is added to water, but iodine is added to salt. What was the reasoning behind choosing these specific elements and where they should be added?		Chemistry	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1pqwi", "dc1p11r" ], "text": [ "Iodine is added to salt because there used to be a real problem with iodine deficiency in the US, leading to all sorts of thyroid issues. Goiters everywhere, man. Salt was the most obvious candidate for mass-supplementing, as almost everyone used it, it i...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m8wc0	Why are people swayed more by negative reviews than positive ones?	When searching for things on Amazon, there can be 100 5-star reviews and and one 2-star review, and for some reason I give the 2-star review more weight in my mind even though the overwhelming consensus is that the product is great. It's the same with film reviews. I'll find myself hesitating to watch a movie because o...	Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1oty3", "dc1pwg0", "dc1v4gl", "dc1rgpb", "dc269j1" ], "text": [ "You're more worried about what could go wrong than what can go right. Same reason you fail to notice something in the background of no importance but your brain instantly alerts you of a perceived threat in you...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m8wei	. How do dowsers work? (E.g in the location of groundwater supplies)		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1p1y3" ], "text": [ "They don't work. They are a form of fortune telling, and are easily manipulated by the dowser (scam artist) by tiny pressure and tilting of the hands." ], "score": [ 11 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m942b	Why is the top bun of a burger normally thicker than the bottom, when the bottom holds all the weight?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1rgcx", "dc1t0ef" ], "text": [ "Bread rises when baked. The flat bottom portion was on the bottom of the pan, and the \"fluffy\" top was allowed to rise up in the over. The same thing happens with muffins, and loaf bread, and lots of baked goods. You could flip it upside down, but it ge...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m96lw	If addiction is a medical condition, then why do many addiction programs require that their adherents take responsibility for their actions?	Wouldn't that be like taking responsibility for diabetes?	Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1rbsf", "dc1rv28", "dc1s5x4" ], "text": [ "It is exactly like taking responsibility for diabetes, and then changing your lifestyle to account for it. It is a medical condition, but one that has both physical and psychological elements to it. If you don't fix the mental stuff, fixing...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m96vr	Why do we have different sizes for audio jacks (like 2.5mm and 3.5mm)? Does it make any difference other then the size of the plug?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1rgx3" ], "text": [ "The larger size audio jacks are preferred in pro-level gear because it can be built much sturdier, and with high end beefy metal parts withstand thousands and thousands of plug/unplug cycles. Functionally, there isn't a big difference. But since for musicians this stuff...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9asi	How come when you're sick you can blow your nose and they'll be completely empty and 5 minutes later they're full and dripping. How does mucus generate so quickly and where is it even made.		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1u0av", "dc23eut", "dc1ybl1", "dc2c9si", "dc2eafz", "dc279b3", "dc2d1bt", "dc2cg70", "dc2ignm", "dc2fdp8", "dc2bg6f", "dc2fort", "dc2g9ef", "dc2e0lm", "dc2betn", "dc2n6c5" ], "text": [ "The mucus comes directly from the surface of ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9bcw	Why do sites like Youtube and Facebook (but especially Youtube) continuously modify their interface with new skin, color, and features, despite the negative reception of their userbase?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1sxyo" ], "text": [ "Because everybody hates change. Week 1-4 of a UI overhaul, everyone hates it. It's all different and you have to find the stuff you want again. Once you figure it out you stop caring and usually whatever new/optimized feature gets a jump in usage, which is why they made...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9jxh	Why does meth make users skin so ugly and old-looking?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc21fo6", "dc1uh9w" ], "text": [ "For 7 years i shot up meth and heroin pretty much every day. Between not eating and scarcely drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated, your body begins to basically go into starvation mode. Scabs come from picking because while on meth if you cant stay bus...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9mtr	How does one die of depression?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1v77f", "dc1wt3r" ], "text": [ "Suicide. Chronic depression, especially when combined with other mental illness, drastically increases a person's chances of attempting suicide.", "You don't die from depression. It is a stepping stone to diabetes, suicide, and heart attacks. Depressi...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9myw	- An Air Duct Company is using my cell phone number as "a mask" to call hundreds of people. Im now receiving hundreds of calls from these people. What should I do?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1vegl", "dc1vt04" ], "text": [ "Report them to the police and contact a lawyer to sue them. You should also call your phone company and tell them what is going on.", "Have you tried asking one of these people what information they've gathered about this company? I mean, if you know ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9qhj	How and why do our limbs feel fuzzy when they fall asleep?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1wvud" ], "text": [ "When the nerves in a certain area are deprived of their nutrients especially electrolytes, they begin to fire frantically. This causes the pins and needles feeling." ], "score": [ 3 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9rpm	how does sound escape an airtight room?		Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1wfj0", "dc1w7vz" ], "text": [ "Sound is not just a vibration through air, it's a vibration through anything with mass. The air inside the room will vibrate then the vibration will hit the walls/doors and cause them to vibrate too - the vibration propagates through the solids that make ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9sah	Whats the difference between Computer Engineers, IT, and Computer Scientists?	A teacher had a great explanation explaining their roles with a car analogy. I can't remember it , it was something like one designs the cars internal parts and how they relate, ones a master mechanic that works on the car parts, and one drives the fully built/tuned up car to its destination, I'm not sure if it's how h...	Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1wxzd" ], "text": [ "Computer Engineering is about the hardware and making of a computer. answer the question: how does it work? and how do i make a new functioning one? how do i make a better one? IT is about using existing devices in an environment. answer the question: how do i deploy th...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9t17	Why do we feel relief after we hit or break something when we are mad?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc21427", "dc29xsz" ], "text": [ "Aggressive reaction syndrome (ASR). It is commonly found in primates and is a response of the enlarged amygdala. When we get angry it's essentially the amygdala taking over and telling the brain it's time to get physical and assert ourself. Since we're so...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9ve2	When you have a cold, why do your symptoms feel worse right after you wake up?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc25lx8", "dc23vyd" ], "text": [ "This is similar to a previous topic, except [this ELI5]( URL_1 ) was saying you'd feel worse at night due to your cortisol levels dropping, which is what [this article describes.]( URL_0 ) Basically your cortisol peaks during the day and therefore your bo...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9x7u	Why does every human/household have a specific scent and why is everyone's different?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1xunz" ], "text": [ "Every person has different bacteria in their skin that creates their own scent. Combine yours with your SO and it will a create a seemingly unique scent." ], "score": [ 5 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5m9xa9	How do airplanes avoid issues with snow/ice on the runway when taking off or landing?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1xlev" ], "text": [ "Runways are routinely plowed and deiced by airport ground crews. If it is snowing hard enough that the runway can't be cleared the airport is closed and traffic is diverted to other airports." ], "score": [ 3 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5ma2nr	Why does walking on a broken escalator make us feel off balance? Arn't they just stairs?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc1yqde" ], "text": [ "The rise-over-run specifics aren't the same as regular stairs so we aren't used to the setup which makes us feel \"weird\" while walking up or down unmoving escalators." ], "score": [ 11 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5ma5kw	When a jar won't open, why does hitting it from the bottom, or tapping the lid on the edge of the counter, work to make it easier to open?		Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc20429", "dc278q8" ], "text": [ "A jar won't open is often due to pressure. Hitting a jar from the bottom rarely works for me. What I do is put it under running hot tap water for 30 s and it usually opens. When it's heated up, pressure in the jar changes. Someone please correct me if I a...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5ma6xu	What happens if I own stock in a company and that company gets sold (or bought out) by another company?	Say I own 100 shares of company A. Company B buys company A. What happens to my stock? Thx	Economics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc238ag", "dc1zp98" ], "text": [ "It depends on the specific of the deal as announced and approved by the shareholders, but most commonly the shared will be converted to shares in the acquiring company. Sometimes they'll issue only in full shares and pay cash for fractional shares and som...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5ma97d	Why does string theory require that there be 10 dimensions?		Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2e29d", "dc22gbu", "dc25dad" ], "text": [ "Imagine a room with some 3-dimensional objects in it, like a sphere, a cube, a cone, a pyramid, etc. The room and the objects are uniformly white in color, and there's no light except for a flashlight that you can shine into the room from d...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5maqcd	How does the United States Treasury Department know how much money to produce, printing notes and stamping coins, each year?	How do they take in account people losing paper notes, accidentally throwing change away, destroying money, storing money for decades, etc. How does the Treasury Department calculate how much money to create every day, month, year?	Economics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2hc1d" ], "text": [ "The Treasury does not know how much cash they need to create. They are told by someone else called the Federal Reserve Bank how much to create. People and businesses don't like to have too much cash laying around because it could be lost or stolen and you have to physic...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mb7y2	how come spicy foods make your nose runny? Also, how come cold weather causes the same effect?	Always been curious about this.	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc29l5b" ], "text": [ "Two different reasons. Capsaicin as found in most peppers causes a runny nose because it irritates the membrane and mucous production increases to clean itself. Cold air causes a runny nose because cold air tends to be dry air, and lungs need to be wet inside in order t...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbair	There are definitely exceptions to this, but I was talking to a friend recently and we noticed that the phrases "Momma's boy" and "Daddy's girl" are a lot more common than "Momma's girl" and "Daddy's boy". What makes a child more likely to bond to the parent of the opposite sex?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2ey6l" ], "text": [ "I think you're reading the inference of the phrases incorrectly. The phrases exist because they are exceptions to the norm. A Daddy's Girl is called that because it is worth remarking on(and vice versa) it being assumed that most children latch on to the parent of the s...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbe6k	Why does soda make the spicy feeling worse after eating something hot?	Sitting here eating some hot wings and drinking soda. The soda seemed to amplify the spicy sensation. Why is this happening?	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2atrv" ], "text": [ "Capsaicin (the chemical that makes stuff spicy) is not water soluble. Drinking water or soda actually just moves the capsaicin around your mouth, spreading it so it's affecting a larger area. Drink something with lots of fat such as milk, as capsaicin is fat soluble, so...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbene	When someone is struck in the testicles, why is the pain often times felt in the abdomen instead of only the point of impact?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2aw74" ], "text": [ "The testicles are formed inside the abdominal cavity and then drop down prior to sexual maturity. There is a nerve attached to the testicle that runs back into that area." ], "score": [ 9 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbfsf	Why do we say that looks aren't important when we actually get attracted more by looks than personality?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2apz9", "dc2c0a3" ], "text": [ "We get initially attracted by looks, for sure, but they aren't enough on their own for most people. Neither is personality, of course. It is oversimplifying to say looks aren't important. But it is also oversimplifying to say we are more attracted by look...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbhgi	Why does hot water feel significantly hotter on my face than on other parts of my body?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2bchl" ], "text": [ "A more sensitive and dense pattern of nerves and minute vascularisation in your face. Your back/thigh/arm doesn't have the same amount or type of nerves as your face. Your head is highly vascular as well, and is the warmest appendage from the core. You regulate your sku...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbqpn	Can you sneeze in your sleep?	If so, why? If not, why not?	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2d4j2" ], "text": [ "Totally. And it can wake you up out of a dead sleep. Reason? Any number of reasons, something tickling your nose, allergies, respiratory infections." ], "score": [ 5 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbrg7	If black coffee and diet pop are mostly water, why do they not hydrate the body?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2dasa", "dc2dcds" ], "text": [ "They do hydrate the body. They contain caffeine which is a mild diuretic (makes you urinate) but overall they do hydrate.", "In general, they do hydrate you. Just less so than pure water, because caffeine is a diuretic (i.e. a chemical that makes ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbs3o	Why does prolonged screen time make me feel so drained?	I loooove reading stuff on Reddit and the interwebs. I'm constantly looking things up and reading on my smart phone or computer. You can learn so many things with the internet. The more time I spend in front of a screen reading,gaming or whatever, the more I feel like complete shit. If I have a really slow day at work ...	Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2eqgt", "dc2gs3g" ], "text": [ "A lot of the tiredness comes from your posture. When we sit in front of a screen (or lay down in the same posture for a long time), our muscles strain and tense up. There needs to be movement in our muscles for proper blood flow. The strain in muscles is ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbt5s	How come soldiers today don't wear full armour that covers their entire body? Knights were able to move easily and with todays technology making a soldier bulletproof should be easy.		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2du1x", "dc2gn76" ], "text": [ "You are incredibly mistaken on how easy it would be to make a soldier bulletproof. When you shoot someone they suffer bruised and/or broken ribs even with the hugeass vest and ceramic plates in it. This is assuming the bullet doesn't go through and cause ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbv01	Why are Credit Ratings Agencies Private For-Profit Institutions?		Economics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2e3u3" ], "text": [ "credit ratings aren't related to the government. it's a for-profit institution that benefits other for-profit institutions (lending banks). credit bureaus don't work for you the individual, they sell your rating to the banks." ], "score": [ 3 ], "text_urls":...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mbvcp	Why do people breathe harder as they get fatter?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2e8qk" ], "text": [ "Bigger body. More places for blood. Blood needs oxygen. More breathing. Same goes for bigger muscle guys too." ], "score": [ 8 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mc1ha	Why does a goldfish die when you transfer him form muddy water to clean water ?	I understand it's an environmental shock, but I'd like to know what happens on a biological level for that fish to die when it's brought to an environment that should provide everything it needs.	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2fco2" ], "text": [ "fish usually die because the chemistry of the water is significantly different. temperature, ph levels, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels, any other chemicals in the system. it's rarely a matter of mud vs clean." ], "score": [ 4 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mc4hz	Why do Kettle chips get different bags?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2fwyv", "dc2ic3w" ], "text": [ "I haven't noticed that, but it's probably meant to make you think you're buying a premium product...", "All part of the marketing. Brands want to have a point of difference. If Kettle is the exact same as another brand, what reason do you have to buy ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mc7bw	Why does sunlight bleach/lighten things?		Chemistry	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2h08p" ], "text": [ "The rays, especially the ultraviolet ones, are breaking the bonds of the molecules of the colored compounds. So they lose their color. It is the more energetic photons, the higher frequency ones, which do this best." ], "score": [ 4 ], "text_urls": [ [] ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mcane	Is there an advantage to using the Imperial System of measurement instead of the Metric System?	To the best of my knowledge, the Metric System is standardised and the conversion to higher or lower measurements is linear; is there a reason aside from tradition, as to why the Imperial system is used?	Mathematics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2ii94", "dc2hc05", "dc2hp39", "dc2i4dm", "dc2h7o6", "dc2oege", "dc300ig" ], "text": [ "No advantage to the imperial. The changes are arithmetic only. The metric system being standardised in orders of magnitude makes it significantly easier to remember. It's worth poi...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mcd4v	Why can't helium balloons float upside down?	in case you don't understand what I mean, I have a helium balloon with words on it, but when I grab the balloon and turn it upside down such that the words on it become also upside down, the balloon immediately becomes upright again. I would think that the helium would just cause the balloon to rise up while upside dow...	Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2htx3" ], "text": [ "Gravity attracts heavier objects with more force than lighter objects. For example, if you drop a hammer in water, you will see the cheek sinking first, followed by the handle. That is because the cheek is made of steel and is more dense, therefore, heavier, than the ha...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mcjql	What happens to a photon when it hits your retina?	The light from a faraway star takes billions of years to get here, somehow manages to not bump into even so much as a speck of dust, and finally hits your eye and then your retina. What happens to it then? Does it transform into a bit of electrical energy? And how can so little energy travel so far?	Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2t7ax" ], "text": [ "Your retina has photoreceptors with specialized pigments which get modified by the inciding light. They change in conformation and affect nearby receptors, closing them and stopping a previously active influx of Na+ and Ca2+. Without the entrance of these positive ions,...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mcmua	I imagine that if I were in a position of power I'd be so overwhelmed with my opportunity to serve the people that it'd be all I could think about. How is it that seemingly every politician becomes self serving by the time they reach power?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2jfpp", "dc2jn4d" ], "text": [ "Because they cannot get to that position in the first place without being self serving, at least to some degree. Fully altruistic people never survive in politics long enough to get to any high ranks. Now there are a lot of politicians who have a large do...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mcqoj	How do we define the age of a meteoroid? (so how old is this piece of rock from space, when it's older than the earth itself?)	After seeing this [post]( URL_0 ) I would have thought someone had already asked this question, because I'm really interested in how the actual method of finding out how old this piece of rock is done. Unfortunately I could not find someone who had asked this, or the answer. Is there anyone here who can explain it to m...	Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2pwg7" ], "text": [ "They are most likely using Uranium-Lead (U-Pb) dating. There is a mineral called zircon that incorporates uranium while forming, but rejects lead. It is assumed that all of the lead content in the zircon is from radioactive decay. The uranium, specifically U-238 (238 be...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mcu4l	How long should food take to journey from the mouth to the bathroom?	The time for me seems to have lengthened over the years and wondered if this is due to the fact that I have IBS and Diabetes.	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2mmfc" ], "text": [ "This is called whole gut transit time and it varies from species to species. In humans it can take anywhere from 10-73 hours. This is very person specific and based on personal diet, activity and genetics. For instance, eating a large meal typically induces a bowl movem...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mcxa6	fix: What is actually happening when an aquatic animal is said to be able to "hold its breath" for x hours.		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2mszt" ], "text": [ "Not sure how this is confusing. It means the animal doesn't have to come up to the surface to take another breath for that length of time. What exactly are you confused about?" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text_urls": [ [] ] }	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mcypv	Why do you sometimes wake up with a headache if you've slept for too long (i.e. more than 9 hours)?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2skzp", "dc2sasq", "dc33bwm" ], "text": [ "It's usually dehydration. When you go 9 hours or more without drinking water you become dehydrated regardless of whether you're awake or asleep. Try drinking a glass of water before you go to bed and keeping another full glass by your bed s...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mczvx	why can't jedis use the force to turn off their opponents lightsaber?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2lo2j", "dc2lnpk", "dc2ljn5" ], "text": [ "Probably the same reason Vader didn't just force choke Obi-Wan or Luke. A person strong with the force would create a small aura around them, somewhat repelling others using a simple direct force ability on them. Like a bubble pushing again...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5md4gs	Can't you simply guess a PaySafeCard pin since it only contains numbers?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2mqug" ], "text": [ "In principle, yes. But how many valid PINs exist at any time? Let's be very optimistic and guess 1 billion. There are 10 quadrillion possible 16-digit PINs, so you have a 1 in 10 million chance of guessing a valid PIN. That puts it in the same ballpark as guessing the w...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5md7zt	Why is Uber losing so much money and how can they still afford to be up and running?	Thanks.	Economics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2nyps" ], "text": [ "Uber is growing under the same strategy and mentality as Amazon - grow as fast as possible, gain as much market share as possible and do so at any expense. In a new market like ride sharing, the biggest and most popular will win in the long run. Profitability may be qua...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
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.		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2pfb1", "dc2p7o7", "dc2o57l", "dc2vx3r", "dc2uwnn" ], "text": [ "$7 a day can feed multiple people quite easily here in the US, too. Go buy a giant bag of rice, and a few bags of dried beans. That can feed a single person for about $1 - $2 per day. Of course, you have money,...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mdezf	What happens if an animal who is supposed to hibernate is unable to?	What happens if an animal who is supposed to hibernate during the winter is unable to because of health reasons or even environmental factors (i.e. home being destroyed by forest fire or being snatched out of environment by poachers)? Does its body wear down and fall into a deep sleep regardless of the severe circumsta...	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2oqcj", "dc3erwp" ], "text": [ "A particular example: brown bears. If the bear doesn't get enough chow to get fat before hibernation, it's likely to wake up in the middle of the winter and go about looking for anything to eat. What you get is a шатун, a \"rocker\", which is willing to k...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mdfbo	How is it possible that steel has a scent?		Chemistry	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2ppeq", "dc2ppk5" ], "text": [ "Some metals produce volatile compounds when binding with oils from the human body, such as when they are handled. These can produce a taste or smell (the familiar taste of pennies for instance) even if the metal itself does not have much of either on its ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mdpi2	How does stress cause acne?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc33yv7", "dc3an9h" ], "text": [ "Acne is predominantly triggered by hormonal imbalances. When you are stressed, your body produces excess stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Just imagine your computer's available memory being your skin. In order for it to run smoothly, you ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mdqhe	If a nuclear missile is launched, why can't someone just shoot it down while it is still high in the air?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2qq4m", "dc3152a", "dc2qqx7", "dc2so1n", "dc2qq9o" ], "text": [ "Conceptually that is possible. However most of the time when we talk about \"nuclear missiles\" we are referring to the concept of an \"ICBM\" or intercontinental ballistic missile. That type of missile fires b...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mdt0b	Why do humans laugh in bursts like "Ha ha ha" instead of one long "haaaaaaaaaaa"?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2srm3", "dc2r2wm", "dc2unm7", "dc2sns3" ], "text": [ "Because it's caused by contractions of the diaphragm. The sudden intake or exhale of air causes it to be in short bursts. & nbsp; When your brain thinks something is funny, sends a bunch of happy hormones around your body. Yo...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mdxg2	Is it really important to human in critical condition to stay conscious, and why?	In many action movies we see how paramedics etc. prevent injured person from loosing consciousness, like "Stay with us!" Is it true? Does this improve the prognosis? Why?	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2s85r", "dc2shok", "dc357jz" ], "text": [ "> Is it true? Does this improve the prognosis? Why?Is it true? Does this improve the prognosis? Why? No, it doesn't help them live. But what it can do is identify health threats which would otherwise be difficult to detect. Someone who has ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mdxu3	Why is it that major internet service providers are starting to add bandwidth limits? Shouldn't service get better and less restrictive as infrastructure improves?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2t54a" ], "text": [ "Major internet service providers are just like any corporation, they're out to make as much money as possible. They charge as much as they can for their product, and spend as little as possible on infrastructure. So, while prices have continued to go up, and new ways ar...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5me209	How can a touchscreen project black in a power saving way (details on the screen inside)?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2tdgf" ], "text": [ "An LCD element is made so it is transparent unless you apply a voltage. When you apply a voltage to the element it is going black. It does not take much power to do this as you only need a voltage and no current. The electricity does not pass through the elements but st...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5meb4s	why do we feel the urge to chew/pick at/mess with sores in our mouth, even though we know doing so will make it worse?	Is there a scientific reason we do this? My brain logically tells me that I should bite at the sore in my mouth, etc... but my body feels the urge to mess with it even though it only worsens the problem. ELI5 why this happens?	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc3b1c3", "dc2ybhj" ], "text": [ "Great question! Two important mechanisms: innervation and gate control theory. First, innervation. What's very different from the inside of the mouth and the tongue compared to skin elsewhere in the body (except the fingertips), is that its greatly sensor...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5med4g	Why are we cool with moldy cheese but freak out over moldy bread?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2yn32", "dc2z3g5", "dc35nt8", "dc38p0a", "dc36qsz", "dc37viq", "dc3crl1", "dc303eq", "dc2zth0", "dc3t3jm" ], "text": [ "Most people I know are not okay with eating moldy cheese unless it's specifically cultured mold such as is found in blue cheese. Molds ...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mefop	What are the main differences between the Canadian government and American government ?		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2wu1q" ], "text": [ "Canada has a parliamentary system, and so they have a prime minister, who is elected from among the parties within parliament itself. In addition, their upper house (the Senate, equivalent to the House of Lords in the UK) is appointed by the government, rather than elec...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mei4l	Why is it that some people don't know how to swim or even float in water?		Physics	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc2wvnd", "dc2x0w7", "dc2x80u", "dc2x3r6" ], "text": [ "Part of it might be the fact that your friend in amazing shape - muscle is considerably more dense than fat, and sinks while fat floats.", "Humans have a breath holding instinct annnnd that's it. Swimming and floating (th...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5meqrp	Why do top nutrition advisory panels continue to change their guidelines (sometimes dramatically) on what constitutes a healthy diet?	This request is in response to a report that the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (the U.S. top nutrition advisory panel) is going to reverse 40 years of warning about certain cholesteral intake (such as from eggs). Moreover, in recent years, there has been a dramatic reversal away from certain pre-conceived notio...	Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc30hg9", "dc38ijx", "dc300wa", "dc3b2e5", "dc3d47j", "dc3q89n", "dc31bzc", "dc37523", "dc38div", "dc3fzes", "dc3c7zs", "dc3ny35", "dc3ofyn", "dc3rc67", "dc3dl0z", "dc3lo41", "dc3ldlo", "dc39fri", "dc3dwvd", "dc3bf2s", "d...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5metlf	Please explain the Star Trek Stardate calendar system. Is it nonsense or based on something scientifical?		Technology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc30ilg", "dc3dsbr", "dc2zqiz" ], "text": [ "In the original series the stardates were made up just to sound futuristic. There have been some attempts to explain them, but the original writers didn't have a secret code. Starting with The Next Generation, they standardized them. The fi...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5mexjc	Why do some people have an overwhelming urge to playfully bite newborn babies? "I just want to eat them up!" etc.		Other	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc30uyo", "dc39aen", "dc424d3", "dc31427", "dc3nqze", "dc3ew4d", "dc3hj2u", "dc3w5xf", "dc3yu0l" ], "text": [ "It's called [cute aggression]( URL_1 ) and it's due to [crossed 'wires' in your brain trying to handle the extreme emotional response]( URL_0 ) to cut...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]
5meyqb	What is the uncomfortable feeling after laying on one side of your body for too long, making you want to switch sides?		Biology	explainlikeimfive	{ "a_id": [ "dc31ff4" ], "text": [ "Doctor here. Essentially when you lie on one particular side, you put pressure on bony prominences, and this pressure, actually makes it more difficult for blood to penetrate the skin on the pressure areas. That feeling is essentially your body telling you that your tis...	[ "url" ]	[ "url" ]

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