q_id
stringlengths
5
6
title
stringlengths
3
296
selftext
stringlengths
0
34k
document
stringclasses
1 value
subreddit
stringclasses
1 value
url
stringlengths
4
110
answers
dict
title_urls
list
selftext_urls
list
answers_urls
list
44czgp
why is there a mass refugee problem right now from dozens of countries? wasn't this originally because of syria attacking their own people?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/44czgp/eli5_why_is_there_a_mass_refugee_problem_right/
{ "a_id": [ "czpbnua", "czpcr2x" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There were a lot of refugees from those countries you listed before Syria, however when the waves of Syrians came, a lot of other people saw it and thought this was their chance to start a better life. If these European coun...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
669t3d
how did video game developers test their games in the days of cartridges?
Being an aspiring programmer I think about all the times I hit "compile", and it makes me wonder how developers back in the Atari and the NES days didn't go bankrupt printing off test carts for the latest version of the game. Especially third party developers who didn't work on the hardware itself, and who I assume cou...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/669t3d/eli5_how_did_video_game_developers_test_their/
{ "a_id": [ "dggqeom", "dggqh3q", "dggqoj3", "dggswn5" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Do you have to burn a DVD every time you want to test the latest iteration of whatever you're working on? \n\nThey ran the tests on the development machines they were working on. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH94fKtGr0M" ] ]
1r0p8h
what are organic photovoltaic solar cells?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1r0p8h/eli5_what_are_organic_photovoltaic_solar_cells/
{ "a_id": [ "cdigzqt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Solar cells utilize a class of materials known as semiconductors to absorb light and generate electrical power. Conventional semiconducting materials used in solar cells are derived from single elements (silicon & germanium) or combinations of...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9qoxs7
do the lungs of a fetus do oxygen/co2 exchange in utero, and how does a newborn go from not needing to "breathe" air in the "normal" sense (while in the amniotic sac) to suddenly needing to breathe room air after being born?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9qoxs7/eli5_do_the_lungs_of_a_fetus_do_oxygenco2/
{ "a_id": [ "e8an2j4", "e8anf4f", "e8anfc8", "e8ao4p3" ], "score": [ 2, 59, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "All oxygen perfusion to the cells occurs through the umbilical cord until birth. Upon delivery, the neonate expelled the amniotic fluid and starts to breath air for oxygenation. "...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WX0POOZhvE" ] ]
dmb1l0
how are compact cameras able to deliver a better optical zoom with similar quality than a dslr camera?
I jumped on the dslr train about 7 years ago but was disappointed by the lack of versatility, unless you dump thousands of dollars into lenses. My mother, on the other hand, bought a $400 compact Sony camera and it vastly outshines my Nikon DSLR. She gets 30x optical zoom whereas to get something similar for my camera,...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dmb1l0/eli5_how_are_compact_cameras_able_to_deliver_a/
{ "a_id": [ "f4yzt59", "f4z0m35" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Example video:\n\n**Excuse the quality for a few minutes while Google processes it. Normally it's excellent quality. It should be 1080p.**\n\n[_URL_0_](_URL_1_)", "Smaller sensor. Compact cameras usually have a 2/3 inch ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uASA5AxdhuuObI\\_4SL5ts8\\_X4Gwi2nQh", "https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uASA5AxdhuuObI_4SL5ts8_X4Gwi2nQh" ], [] ]
3q4puz
why would someone pay the electric company to install solar panels on their home?
I'm noticing my neighbors taking advantage of promotions offered by the electric company to install solar panels on their home. you want solar the electric company isn't your only option. Why would someone purchase the liberator of a resource from the supplier of that reasource? Isn't it like hiring your your lawyer...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3q4puz/eli5_why_would_someone_pay_the_electric_company/
{ "a_id": [ "cwc0r7o", "cwc0tm8" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "At least in France, the electricity you produce through solar panels is \"sold\" to the company. I think you use it directly but you pay less for your electricity. It's more an agreement than a potential conflict of interest...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1s9qv1
when stopped by police, why do police always ask where you have come from and where you are going?
They alwayd ask this and it seems irrelevant to a seatbelt check point or being pulled over for a minor traffic violation.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1s9qv1/eli5_when_stopped_by_police_why_do_police_always/
{ "a_id": [ "cdvbzd6", "cdvj10n" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They want you to talk to see if you slur your speech or are confused, indicating intoxication.", "I work with a lot of cops, and have had many interactions with them on the other side of the law. Why they ask is to see i...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
550ol4
how can the president giveaway us control of internet without congress approval
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/550ol4/eli5_how_can_the_president_giveaway_us_control_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d86kowe" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The US doesn't control the internet. In fact it doesn't even do anything with it's current authority, not that is could. Giving up it's oversight is nothing but a formality where literately nothing will change about how the internet is used.\n\nI...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4y541a
why do countries adapt central bank systems?
Based on what I know it seems like a terrible system, yet many countries seem to have it. What are the pros of these systems?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4y541a/eli5_why_do_countries_adapt_central_bank_systems/
{ "a_id": [ "d6l0p9n", "d6l0zdy" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "What makes you think its a terrible system?\n\nA central bank is in charge of the monetary policy of a country which means it controls the availability of money to help the economy. \n\nIn bad economic times it tries to make...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
13ks0d
why are lethal injections unreliable?
There are a surprising number of cases where the first "lethal" injection of a condemned prisoner was insufficient to actually kill them. It doesn't seem like it should be that hard to kill someone quickly and painlessly, given modern science. Why aren't we using chemicals and dosages where there is no possible way a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13ks0d/eli5_why_are_lethal_injections_unreliable/
{ "a_id": [ "c74tyj9", "c74ueho", "c74uuau", "c9lyga5" ], "score": [ 2, 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The problem is that there's no real way to test whether it's painless, since if it works it ends up with a person unable to report whether they felt pain.\n\nThe problem is that wi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
5cd5kk
why have americans become even more polarized in the 21st century despite the emergence of the internet as a medium where people can easily reach out to each other to learn about their opinions?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cd5kk/eli5why_have_americans_become_even_more_polarized/
{ "a_id": [ "d9vjzm4", "d9vk4rx", "d9vk62z", "d9vl5pd", "d9vl8x7" ], "score": [ 43, 3, 10, 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > despite the emergence of the Internet as a medium where people can easily reach out to each other to learn about their opinions?\n\nIt's also easier to f...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
bbonoo
is the alcohol in mouthwash the same type as found in wine and beer?
I have a friend that refuses to use any mouthwash containing alcohol (i.e. Listerine) because she states it contains alcohol; however, she happily drinks wine, beer, and many other alcoholic drinks. I also stated that you don't drink mouthwash, you gargle with it. After some research, I found that ethyl alcohol is gene...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bbonoo/eli5_is_the_alcohol_in_mouthwash_the_same_type_as/
{ "a_id": [ "ekk8646", "ekk8v8r", "ekk9bj3" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The alcohol in mouthwash is indeed food grade ethanol, there are some alcoholic people who do consume it to get drunk as sometimes it's cheaper and more accessible than regular alcohol. It's not a great...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4mb0oa
how does a toilet actually flush from water being added to the bowl?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mb0oa/eli5_how_does_a_toilet_actually_flush_from_water/
{ "a_id": [ "d3u1dzz" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "[Toilet Crossview](_URL_0_) for reference.\n\nAs water is added to the bowl, it rises up the pipe following that blue line. When enough water is added, it overflows the other side and gravity takes over. That water overflowing creates a chain of ...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://i.imgur.com/zkBA3Ml.jpg", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pPfrV8E37o" ] ]
5bfcis
what is 'dead' and what is 'alive'?
What differentiates between the state of death and the state of living?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5bfcis/eli5_what_is_dead_and_what_is_alive/
{ "a_id": [ "d9o1kpf", "d9o7b0k", "d9o8wx8" ], "score": [ 12, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Funny enough:\n\nNobody has a clear cut.\n\nBest example:\n\nScientists are STILL debating wether or not a VIRUS is alive.", "In the context of medicine, death is defined as brain death, a lack of ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
efonqi
different types of spicy?
So, as we all know what spicy is. That doesnt really need explanation. But, is their a difference between different kinds, is their different names for these? For example, spice that comes from peppers usually involves capsicum, but horseradish and wasabi doent have this, where does its spice come from? Why is it feel...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/efonqi/eli5_different_types_of_spicy/
{ "a_id": [ "fc1oucy", "fc3xn36" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "There are different chemicals that cause spiciness. One of the better known ways of measuring spiciness is the Scoville Scale. The test works by diluting (mixing with water) the spicy thing and measuring how much water is ne...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.thoughtco.com/scoville-scale-organoleptic-test-607386", "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scoville_scale" ], [] ]
2fnh2c
why do modern wars seem to be less deadly and brutal than previous wars?
Obviously any war is bad, but when reading the news I can't help but feel like the death tolls mentioned are small when compared to wars like Vietnam/Korea/WW2 etc. The war in Ukraine has < 3000 deaths according to wikipedia, even the Syrian civil war is around 200,000, much less than Koreas 3,000,000+ in the same ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fnh2c/eli5_why_do_modern_wars_seem_to_be_less_deadly/
{ "a_id": [ "ckawpxz", "ckax6ic" ], "score": [ 2, 6 ], "text": [ "It depends which wars you're comparing, but a lot of it is technology and strategy. I hope some war historian comes to write a lengthy explanation, because I enjoy reading those, but the short, simple answer is twofold: 1) ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
21rnn1
why does the combination of cigarettes and coffee seem to be a natural laxative?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21rnn1/eli5_why_does_the_combination_of_cigarettes_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cgfvckc", "cgfves7" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because both on their own are natural laxatives. So.... Together they're extra powerful.", "Coffee (caffeine, specifically) *is* both a laxative and a diuretic, it doesn't just 'seem to be'." ] }
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
jf6yo
what's happening with european economies right now?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/jf6yo/whats_happening_with_european_economies_right_now/
{ "a_id": [ "c2bn08a", "c2bn08a" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "One currency is used by multiple countries, each with their own economy. Some of these economies are pretty shitty, and so they aren't able to pay their debt, or money they borrowed (from other countries, private businesses,...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6o1om5
why aren't stainless steel countertops, like in restaurant kitchens, magnetic, but stainless steel knives are?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6o1om5/eli5_why_arent_stainless_steel_countertops_like/
{ "a_id": [ "dke1cy7", "dke6q5i", "dkenkj3", "dkexj3x" ], "score": [ 297, 56, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Mechanical engineer here (some material engineer might come around and give a better explanation):\n\nIt all has to do with the crystalline composition of your Stainless Steel. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
cxxlw6
how is ebola diagnosed?
I read that they do something called "RT-PCR" or "antibody testing". I'd like to learn about these methods.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cxxlw6/eli5_how_is_ebola_diagnosed/
{ "a_id": [ "eyo7m5j" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "RT-PCR is reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. What that means is it takes a sample, takes all the RNA present in the sample and converts it into DNA. Then you mix it with a special mixture of specific DNA pieces and certain proteins ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2fedq8
why was nato willing to intervene in afghanistan (a country in another region), but is not willing to intervene in ukraine (which actually borders nato members)?
NATO formed ISAL to go into Afghanistan to help in a fight against radicals. But Afghanistan is all the way in the Middle East, so why would NATO now be unwilling to help Ukraine fight against rebels (and possibly Russian soldiers), when Ukraine actually shares borders with multiple NATO members.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fedq8/eli5_why_was_nato_willing_to_intervene_in/
{ "a_id": [ "ck8f8d9", "ck8fk60", "ck8gj2g", "ck8gwfc", "ck9hafe" ], "score": [ 6, 9, 4, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Nuclear bombs. Russia is powerful.", "It's one of the unwritten rules of modern international politics: No direct conflict between nuclear powers.", "...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
dnakw9
what function does dust serve?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dnakw9/elif_what_function_does_dust_serve/
{ "a_id": [ "f597c1d", "f5987q5", "f5994oj" ], "score": [ 2, 11, 4 ], "text": [ "Where would you prefer your dead skin cells to go?", "Things dont need to serve a function. Dust is entropy, entropy is part of life. Things, all things, break down and wear away. Dust is one of th...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
f0ozwv
how does nasa know exact trajectories and locations of space craft in interplanetary space?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f0ozwv/eli5_how_does_nasa_know_exact_trajectories_and/
{ "a_id": [ "fgvprua" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "2 things. First is simple physics. Once a spacecraft is on a trajectory, it doesn't change. Once you calculate a trajectory and burn the engines to put the spacecraft on said trajectory, you know it's there because there's nothing to make it go a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
c1rhnl
why don’t women ‘save up’ their eggs when they take the pill which stops periods?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/c1rhnl/elif_why_dont_women_save_up_their_eggs_when_they/
{ "a_id": [ "erf1pgf", "erf1w6k" ], "score": [ 10, 6 ], "text": [ " In fact when a woman reaches menopause, whether she took the pill or not, she isn't \"out of eggs.\" It's a hormonal thing, not a lack of eggs thing.", "Because the egg is still released, the womb just doesnt prepare ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2cgxqn
how good or bad is the situation involving people crossing the border into the us from mexico?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2cgxqn/eli5how_good_or_bad_is_the_situation_involving/
{ "a_id": [ "cjfdaxv" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "There is no easy answer to this question. Having been to several parts of the US/Mexico border, and having grown up in Texas, I can say that crossing the border in many locations is very dangerous. It's a desert, and the easiest crossing location...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
292k9v
in movie scenes of gambling and betting, people throw up tons of cash for bets - how do they keep track?
People just yell out their bets with a fistful of cash and the bookie just grabs it - is someone taking notes on what they bet on, how much they gambled, and gave them a receipt? Does this happen in real life? It seems so complicated.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/292k9v/eli5_in_movie_scenes_of_gambling_and_betting/
{ "a_id": [ "cigucpl", "ciguh22", "ciguuji", "cigzmuv", "cih0lik", "cih8bpy", "cihars8" ], "score": [ 10, 71, 6, 2, 3, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Some gambling venues have \"odds\" tickets. So if you want to bet on a fighter that has 1:10 odds on winning (un...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
f5i1e0
how are threads for clothes made?
i'm referring to the synthetic, hairline, super thin, almost microscopic threads that are used to make thicker threads, what are they made of and how are they made?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f5i1e0/eli5_how_are_threads_for_clothes_made/
{ "a_id": [ "fhytl3v", "fhywcej" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The individual fibers are twisted together, like a rope, but on a smaller scale. As each fiber binds up through torsional friction, there are more fibers added, this lengthening the piece. Then, they take these individual st...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/CSUUsLeWYS8" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYkglUysDKk" ] ]
6i1iu0
the difference between the nazi army, ss, and the wehrmacht.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6i1iu0/eli5_the_difference_between_the_nazi_army_ss_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dj2rg7f", "dj2u6r6", "dj2ur6k" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The Wehrmacht was the German Army. It existed well before the Nazis came to power. The SS replaced the SA. It was a paramilitary organization with different arms doing different things. Some were State ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
7pbxd8
why won't most domestic freezers work in cold temperatures?
Shopping for a new freezer recently, and was puzzled to learn that most aren't suitable for outbuildings/garages that reach cold temperatures in winter. You would think they would work better by being in a colder environment as they don't need to achieve such a big drop in temperature?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7pbxd8/eli5_why_wont_most_domestic_freezers_work_in_cold/
{ "a_id": [ "dsg39s1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A freezer/fridge is essentially a heat pump, where is pumps the heat, or lack of cold air out of the container. It does this by decompressing a gas that is pumped through tubes in the freezer. As the gas moves it pulls the extra heat from the fri...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3gxw3p
how did bill cosby's statements about quelludes surface if they were "sealed" by the court?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3gxw3p/eli5_how_did_bill_cosbys_statements_about/
{ "a_id": [ "cu2i29i", "cu2i3kz" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The court unsealed them. Cosby's lawyers argued they should stay sealed but the judge disagreed, saying there was a strong public interest at stake, Cosby portrays himself as a public moralist, so this information is very im...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3chcp2
why do old people keep "chewing" even when they're not eating anything?
I seen a lot of older folks do this, but I never had the courage to ask anyone this, it's kind of a weird question.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3chcp2/eli5_why_do_old_people_keep_chewing_even_when/
{ "a_id": [ "csvjlq4", "csvjp0g", "csvwp2n" ], "score": [ 12, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "Playing with their dentures.\n\nSimilar to when people who have tongue-studs play with them in their mouth, the elderly have the same habit of orally maneuvering their dentures. A better question would...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
8xuqrh
how come shanghai tower (632m) and mia khalifa (828) can stand so tall without breaking from wind? concrete doesnt bend does it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8xuqrh/eli5_how_come_shanghai_tower_632m_and_mia_khalifa/
{ "a_id": [ "e25v5t4" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Are you sure you didn't mean “Burj Khalifa?”" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2q3gxj
why is it common practice for companies that i already do business with to call me up with "special offers" that are just trying to scam me out of more money?
Seriously, it makes me want to do business with people who treat me like a human not a stack of bills.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2q3gxj/eli5_why_is_it_common_practice_for_companies_that/
{ "a_id": [ "cn2ggmp" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Essentially, because you have spent money with them in the past, you're more valuable to them as a customer. Your purchase has proved you a) have money and b) are willing to spend it with them, so marketing additional products to you is more like...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5eu61w
why does the body need metals like zinc?
I understand the need for metals like iron in foods. However, some, especially zinc, seem very odd to be needed. Even in small amounts, what purpose does eating zinc provide in the human body?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5eu61w/eli5_why_does_the_body_need_metals_like_zinc/
{ "a_id": [ "daf5n1v" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "Some special type of enzymes need them to work. They are also part of some cellular structures. So if you do not have them, some cells do not work properly and some chemical reactions made by these enzymes just not happen." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4uyous
is it actually legal for a police officer or fbi agent to demand i let them use my car in order for them to continue a high-speed chase?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4uyous/eli5_is_it_actually_legal_for_a_police_officer_or/
{ "a_id": [ "d5u0tqt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yes. \n\nAn officer of the law has the right to commandeer any vehicle or vessel they need to in the course of pursuing a suspect and the city/department will compensate you for any damages incurred. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
fim2kf
why do white fabrics or transparent silicones seem to “yellow” out of nowhere?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fim2kf/eli5_why_do_white_fabrics_or_transparent/
{ "a_id": [ "fki94dw" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "There are two primary reasons, the clothes absorb dirt and oil from you body and they build up over time, and some detergents don't wash out completely and they absorb dirt and oil. Even 100% cotton t-shirts that can be bleached are going to turn...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6cvmnp
what happens to the human body under extreme pressure?
So I really don't know. What would happen to a body (dead) under high pressure? Like the Mariana Trench pressure. I have seen burials at sea and most people think fish food, but what happens to the body at extream depths going down. Let's say for argument sake 20 kg of chains tied to the feet?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6cvmnp/eli5_what_happens_to_the_human_body_under_extreme/
{ "a_id": [ "dhxp3n7" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Past a certain depth, the pressure exerted on the body is greater than the bodies ability to maintain structural integrity. Soft tissues would compress and rupture, bones would break and your body would basically fall apart.\n\nTL;DR: Squish." ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5iczeq
how are cpus made?
Say there's a brand new cpu out on the market. How does it go from being an idea, to a finished, working cpu? Also what makes it superior to other cpus; new competition and older models?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5iczeq/eli5how_are_cpus_made/
{ "a_id": [ "db77hu2", "db782a1", "db7atg4", "db7c42e", "db7cctj", "db7cqlj", "db7cx5i", "db7d1cu", "db7dqyo", "db7dxmp", "db7e6je", "db7ekaa", "db7envz", "db7eo82", "db7exrq", "db7gvn3", "db7h2qt", "db7j0eg", "db7jnr8", "db7kbas", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FLBtQC0F0c", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWVywhzuHnQ", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeGqCl3YAaQ" ], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streaming_SIMD_Extensions" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.epectec.com/...
3mgj8j
how did rockstar actually manage to create/model the gigantic map in gta5 ?
Like it seems like no two places inc the city are the same, how did they even design the whole thing ?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3mgj8j/eli5_how_did_rockstar_actually_manage_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cveqtzd" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You never design one complete thing. The map is kinda made in that way. The map is divided into many tiny parts and then compiled as one. When we look at the bigger picture we can only see the entire map when we are totally zoomed out or most of ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
10exfw
ionic bonding, molecular compounds, and covalent bonding
Can someone explain chemical bonding to me? What is the difference between covalent bonding, covalent-network bonding, polar bonding, non-polar bonding, etc? What is an ionic compound? What is the Metallic-Bond model? The VSEPR Theory? Hybrid orbitals? When do you use parentheses when you're bonding elements?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/10exfw/eli5_ionic_bonding_molecular_compounds_and/
{ "a_id": [ "c6cyslz" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Well, elements are extremely unstable when left alone. An individual atom is basically a nucleus with an equal number of electrons and protons. these atoms want to achieve stability by either sharing or donating electrons to achieve a stable oute...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://earth911.com/recycling/glass/", "http://www.quantumwise.com/documents/manuals/VNL-2008.10_Manual/chap.molbuilder.html#fig.molbuilder.hybrids" ] ]
2exfe6
why do the pronunciation of some words seem to match the meaning so well?
It seems like some words are just in place to describe something and are very ordinary, like computer, tomato, etc. However, some words feel like the pronunciation really captures the object the word refers to, such as emotions and such. For example: loathe, slut and c*nt (feels like very dirty words to me), vehement...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2exfe6/eli5_why_do_the_pronunciation_of_some_words_seem/
{ "a_id": [ "ck3uele" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "I'm not an etymologist, but a linguist.\nI would say that rather than words being tailor made, it's a combination of association and usage that make you have certain \"feelings\" towards a word.\nI say this only because words weren't made at one ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2oyrr6
why is cheap labor frowned upon but outsourced jobs aren't?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2oyrr6/eli5_why_is_cheap_labor_frowned_upon_but/
{ "a_id": [ "cmrqg12", "cmrqrr0" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Every time a factory closes in the Netherlands because it has been outsourced to (most likely) Poland, a lot of people frown. Meanwhile, people still buy China made cheap products. I'd say the opposite is true.", "Becaus...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9pqf7l
how do we have information about ancient events?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9pqf7l/eli5_how_do_we_have_information_about_ancient/
{ "a_id": [ "e83le2y" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They wrote about their important news. Scrolls, books, chiseled in stone...\n\nIt's not hard to preserve books for thousands of years, actually. Keep them dry is about all that's required. Ancient Rome, have some scribes make copies of the imp...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
krbc3
add/adhd and adderal.
How does adderal and other stimulants help ADD/ADHD? If the condition causes the person to have too much energy how would a stimulant help?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/krbc3/eli5_addadhd_and_adderal/
{ "a_id": [ "c2mkh0g", "c2mkorv", "c2mkqis", "c2ml6mx", "c2mmgur", "c2mmost", "c2mnoz3", "c2mp73i", "c2mpubg", "c2mkh0g", "c2mkorv", "c2mkqis", "c2ml6mx", "c2mmgur", "c2mmost", "c2mnoz3", "c2mp73i", "c2mpubg" ], "score": [ 4, 9, 7...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
20uvys
why am i repulsed when i hear the sound of my own voice?
This seems to be a common phenomenon. When you hear your voice played to you on a recording or video, not only does it sound vastly different than it does in your head while you're speaking, but a fair amount of people are embarrassed, asking "Is THAT what I sound like?!" in disgust. What gives?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20uvys/eli5_why_am_i_repulsed_when_i_hear_the_sound_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cg6y2m3", "cg6ywo1", "cg71tln" ], "score": [ 12, 17, 5 ], "text": [ "When you speak, the sound you perceive is due more to the conduction of sound waves through your bones and tissues than it is through air. You build an idea of what you sound like over the many years...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncanny_valley" ], [] ]
1odeo3
how can we breed dogs and change their physical bodies?
I see shows that talk about how a dog is bred to be physically different for a job. For instance, the corgis were bred to have short legs to be better herders by biting the ankles of other animals.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1odeo3/eli5_how_can_we_breed_dogs_and_change_their/
{ "a_id": [ "ccqyb8b" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Every puppy in a litter is a little bit different. Pick the one that is the closest to what you want out of a dog, then wait until it can have puppies. Repeat for many generations." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
foijvj
how are manufacturers going to suddenly switch to manufacturing ppe/ventilators?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/foijvj/eli5_how_are_manufacturers_going_to_suddenly/
{ "a_id": [ "flfddfu" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Here is an example. A ventilator company said they needed plastic parts to make more ventilators, but their supplier was in China. They had molds, but needed plastic pellets and the specific injection machine their Chinese supplier uses. GM said...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
erl3fe
what part of the brain realizes a memory?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/erl3fe/eli5_what_part_of_the_brain_realizes_a_memory/
{ "a_id": [ "ff4cniv" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "There is not going to be an answer for your question...we still don't know enough about our own brain to understand it at that level.\n\nWe know approximately where memories are stored and using functional MRI we can see part of the process as it...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
fgp7vr
why do city construction projects cost so much?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fgp7vr/eli5_why_do_city_construction_projects_cost_so/
{ "a_id": [ "fk5zrah", "fk5zrf1" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Signs near roads have to be very safe. Wind and storms can apply enormous forces, particularly something that's 80 feet long. The cost would be the same on private land, unless the owner didn't worry about the liability.",...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1vd5sv
at what point does sound become destructive?
Since sound is a wave, if I pumped thousands of decibels (dB) at a structure, could I blow it up?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vd5sv/eli5_at_what_point_does_sound_become_destructive/
{ "a_id": [ "cer25q5", "cer2z8c" ], "score": [ 2, 7 ], "text": [ "Most of the damage caused by an explosive is from the pressure wave, which is technically a sound wave, so yes. You can destroy things with sound.", "There are some good answers here, but there are two more, equally cool...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17tqXgvCN0E", "http://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/extracorporeal-shock-wave-lithotripsy-eswl-for-kidney-stones" ] ]
2v2dim
where do people who break iphone's and samsung's, in youtube videos, get the phones in the first place?
I just can't find a reasonable explanation as to how they get 15 iPhone 6's to do "break tests" on.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2v2dim/eli5_where_do_people_who_break_iphones_and/
{ "a_id": [ "codukv3" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Two reasonable ways are they're sponsored to do so because they're popular on YouTube and get the phones free. Or they already make a shit ton of money and buying them doesn't mean much to them." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
28ha2l
youtube will block independent music videos
So, I can still post a video called "Silly Cat Falls Down Stairs" But if I post a video of my band playing the song "Silly Cat", it gets deleted? Because I didn't pay YouTube a fee, like VEVO did?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28ha2l/eli5_youtube_will_block_independent_music_videos/
{ "a_id": [ "ciayz7f" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Essentially, Music companies are fed up with people downloading their artists music for free and uploading them and monetizing them. YouTube are fed up with having music companies threaning to sue. To stop this happening, YouTube is going to make...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9yadu3
why do your eyeballs roll up when you close your eyes?
Is this exclusive to humans/mammals?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9yadu3/eli5_why_do_your_eyeballs_roll_up_when_you_close/
{ "a_id": [ "e9zz2vz" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "What? I think this might exclusive to you. You mean when you close your eyes, like having a rest, your eyeballs go up as if you would be looking up ? That’s some weird shit " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1zupqz
how come even the simplest medicines have so extreme adverse effects mentioned in the leaflet?
So I was just wondering - in almost all of the medicines we come across, there are tons of adverse effects listed in the leaflet inside the box. Sometimes they mention that such and such effect was spotted in some 1 in 10.000 patients but sometimes they don't and there is just a list of things to watch out for. How is ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zupqz/eli5_how_come_even_the_simplest_medicines_have_so/
{ "a_id": [ "cfx5bqk", "cfx5cjz" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Its Acetaminophen . and to answer your question, Its mostly cya on the part of the pharmacy company. and scientific due diligence and throughness.\n", "No, certain adverse reactions given on the drug are more often aller...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
llfbi
how do anonymous hack into servers?
I understand small password hack techniques, but how do they get in to quite secure webservers that may have large passwords? e.g. HBGary would of had a secure password, how can they get through that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/llfbi/eli5_how_do_anonymous_hack_into_servers/
{ "a_id": [ "c2tmgxe", "c2tmhos", "c2tmj7x", "c2tmoq8", "c2tmv9j", "c2tn4r3", "c2tnlm6", "c2tmgxe", "c2tmhos", "c2tmj7x", "c2tmoq8", "c2tmv9j", "c2tn4r3", "c2tnlm6" ], "score": [ 27, 24, 13, 39, 2, 3, 9, 27, 24, 13, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUY8HysBzsE&amp;t=1m31s" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUY8HysBzsE&amp;t=1m31s" ], [] ]
buvqm3
how do birds last so long flapping their wings non-stop?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/buvqm3/eli5_how_do_birds_last_so_long_flapping_their/
{ "a_id": [ "epia39c", "epiavnh", "epjujui" ], "score": [ 4, 17, 3 ], "text": [ "4.5 billion years of evolution. They're made to do it. It's like asking how humans can last so long walking.", "Also, they generally don’t go non-stop. Flap, flap, glide for a while, etc. \n\nThey ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
wzr8w
light in space
I'm not sure if this should be in /r/askscience or /r/AskShittyScience, so I'll put it here. There is no sound in space because there isn't any matter to vibrate, or something along those lines. Then how is there light, shouldn't it need something similar?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wzr8w/eli5_light_in_space/
{ "a_id": [ "c5hwiow", "c5hwmn2" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "You're exactly right about why there is no sound in space. Sound is the propagation of a pressure wave through a material (such as air). Without some material, there can be no sound.\n\nIt was long thought that light *did*...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
49ky1c
what's the difference between a hard link and a symbolic link in windows?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49ky1c/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_a_hard_link_and/
{ "a_id": [ "d0sn6te" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "A hard link is directly pointing to a physical location on the hard drive. A symbolic link is like a shortcut - it points to a hard link. A symbolic link can point to a different hard drive and make it appear to the user that it is merely a direc...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3k8ywx
why do cars use steering wheels, instead of other control systems such as motorbike handles or jet joysticks?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3k8ywx/eli5_why_do_cars_use_steering_wheels_instead_of/
{ "a_id": [ "cuvmx6q", "cuvnw08", "cuvx9ua" ], "score": [ 2, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "When cars first came out, they used \"rack-and-pin\" systems so they NEEDED steering wheels. Basically the wheel was connected to a gear that turned a rack (basically a gear laid out in a straight lin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1ph8pm
why do dry counties still exist in the u.s.?
I'm confused as to what real purpose they serve. I assume most people just go into the next county to get alcohol, so from a business point of viewwhy would you want to pass up on that revenue?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ph8pm/eli5_why_do_dry_counties_still_exist_in_the_us/
{ "a_id": [ "cd29ipg", "cd29k0m", "cd29kh1", "cd29nwi", "cd2avwl" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because religion. Because politics. Because they dont want some store getting all the town yahoos tanked up n hangin all around town causing ruccus!", "...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
3i2g8s
why are bright white led lights allowed on cars for use at night when white light reduces your ability to see in the dark?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i2g8s/eli5_why_are_bright_white_led_lights_allowed_on/
{ "a_id": [ "cucq5uh", "cucqttm", "cucy920", "cucz63z" ], "score": [ 37, 24, 43, 2 ], "text": [ "We normally drive with our headlights set to a \"dipped\" position. This means that they are pointed down slightly, so you can see the road ahead of you, but the lights don't po...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
75aiy4
how does the earth (and everything else) just float, suspended in space?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/75aiy4/eli5_how_does_the_earth_and_everything_else_just/
{ "a_id": [ "do4muup", "do4mztb", "do4n7o0" ], "score": [ 2, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "We don't just float. We are travelling very quickly around the sun. We don't just sit suspended in space.", "The short answer is: it doesn't. We are constantly falling towards the sun. It's just tha...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
3voxvz
i don't understand how something sealed in the freezer gets more and more ice in there after months/years. where is the water coming from exactly?
I put a box of individually wrapped egg rolls from Costco in my freezer a year ago. I've eaten them slowly and it's still half full of wontony goodness. I've noticed that when they were new, there was no ice in the little packages. Then more, and more and more. Today I opened a few and my plate was so full of ice...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3voxvz/eli5_i_dont_understand_how_something_sealed_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cxpcwa5", "cxpd3oh" ], "score": [ 5, 6 ], "text": [ "Every time you open the freezer door a little warm air gets in there and the moisture in the air cools and condenses sticks to everything. It's too small an amount to notice from 1 opening of the door to another, but it is n...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7fr863
why do we get vibration-like echoes when driving and we open the rear windows?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7fr863/eli5_why_do_we_get_vibrationlike_echoes_when/
{ "a_id": [ "dqdw22f" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "My best guess is that it has to do with airflow not being consistent. I notice this the most when only one window is rolled down and it seems to stop if I open another window on the other side of the car. I think it’s because the air is rushing i...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4h7sg0
what are the little white table-looking things they put in the middle of take-out pizzas?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4h7sg0/eli5_what_are_the_little_white_tablelooking/
{ "a_id": [ "d2o4egu", "d2o4ekk", "d2o4esz", "d2o4f5u" ], "score": [ 13, 3, 2, 10 ], "text": [ "Those are props, or spacers, to keep the middle of the pizza box lid from collapsing and getting smooshed down on to your pizza.", "They are to keep the top of the box from c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
6gmwhb
in british politics, what are the politicians with 'shadow' in their title e.g shadow chancellor, shadow foreign secretary. what is their purpose?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6gmwhb/eli5_in_british_politics_what_are_the_politicians/
{ "a_id": [ "dirgyzp", "dirh0qt", "dirh77n", "diriicf" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "They are the official opposition, so the government will have a health minister, the opposition will have someone who \"shadows\" that minister and in debates etc. asks questions a...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_Cabinet" ], [], [] ]
6wtpgu
given that we started at $0 and we are now at countless zillions, where did all the worlds money come from?
I'm not talking about paper money, more how can we start with cave men of zero wealth to have built economies worth trillions. I'm assuming people will reply with two people trading with one another however how can either side get back more than what they started with?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wtpgu/eli5_given_that_we_started_at_0_and_we_are_now_at/
{ "a_id": [ "dmaoelr", "dmaomyz", "dmar678" ], "score": [ 43, 5, 17 ], "text": [ "You're making the assumption that there was zero wealth to start off. If I'm a caveman and I pick up a shiny rock that other cavemen want, I now have wealth. Likewise if I make a tool out of wood and ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
mdrh9
how a person with an accent sings without the accent.
How does a British singer sound exactly like an American one?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mdrh9/eli5_how_a_person_with_an_accent_sings_without/
{ "a_id": [ "c303ukf", "c303v3y", "c303ukf", "c303v3y" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Folk music perspective: British folk singers open their mouths far and have less \"twang\" and more \"warble\", most American folk singers go the okie/appalachia route and sing wit...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
7lcfa0
why did americans and soldiers hate jane fonda for sitting with that gun in a photo, even though she campaigned so much on the soldiers behalf?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7lcfa0/eli5why_did_americans_and_soldiers_hate_jane/
{ "a_id": [ "drl6s85" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The 1970's were a different time and place. However, even today you wouldn't find much sympathy for a celebrity who appeared sympathetic to our enemy to the point that U.S. Congress held hearings to establish whether her behavior constituted trea...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6lc59x
how do they get the different colors that we see commonly in fireworks?? and why aren't there more blue and variations of blue fireworks???
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6lc59x/eli5_how_do_they_get_the_different_colors_that_we/
{ "a_id": [ "djspj55" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "They use them by adding metals to the fireworks. Different metals burn different colors. Iron for Red. Titanium for White. Copper for Green. I think Cobalt for blue? Quantum mechanics really, excited atoms of a given element produce light i...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7f7hf8
what makes any given bacteria inherently beneficial or harmful to humans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7f7hf8/eli5_what_makes_any_given_bacteria_inherently/
{ "a_id": [ "dq9x3t4", "dq9x5z4", "dq9x99s" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "In most cases this has to do with what type of stuff the bacteria produces, but also how aggressively it out-competes other bacteria and whether or not it's capable of penetrating tissue on its own. The...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2o51xc
how do we not run out of food and other natural resources?
It seems like the supply on earth is very limited and I'm surprised we haven't run out of things with the way our current population consume things. How do we do supply ourselves so well without draining the planet dry.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2o51xc/eli5_how_do_we_not_run_out_of_food_and_other/
{ "a_id": [ "cmjs1i7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There's more on earth than you might think. We produce more than enough food to feed the planet. The problem is distribution - the food is all concentrated in rich countries. Food is basically stored solar energy. Plants use the sun to grow and a...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7w05uu
why can some large corporations get away with directly attacking other large corporations in their commercials without getting in trouble for slander/defamation?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7w05uu/eli5_why_can_some_large_corporations_get_away/
{ "a_id": [ "dtwhkpr", "dtwi65u", "dtwz9tu" ], "score": [ 19, 17, 2 ], "text": [ "Defamation (in US law) is a knowingly false statement of fact that causes damages.\n\n\"X sucks and is dumb and makes bad products\" isn't a statement of fact. It is an opinion, and opinion cannot be ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2jka90
why does the air conditioner in my car "smoke" when it is raining out?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2jka90/eli5_why_does_the_air_conditioner_in_my_car_smoke/
{ "a_id": [ "clci83n", "clcit7e", "clcjjsz" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "It's more of a mist than a smoke I suppose. ", "Because there is so much moisture in the air that the evaporator in your car is not able to pull it all out. ", "It's water vapor, cold air can't ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
e64n8d
how come some drugs cause physical withdrawals (opioids) and others only psychological withdrawals (cocaine) or no withdrawals at all (nsaids)
& #x200B; |||| |:-|:-|:-| ||||
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e64n8d/eli5_how_come_some_drugs_cause_physical/
{ "a_id": [ "f9nshpw", "f9o1zlr", "f9o37fv" ], "score": [ 2, 21, 4 ], "text": [ "a lot of the time it depends on the parts of the brain that they effect along with the symptoms they create when you do them. I know when it comes to medication that covers up pain you have more severe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
436mwt
what is coal ash? is it really bad? are there any good benefits?
The reason I'm asking is because Republic Services' is getting closer and closer to dumping a lot of it in a landfill back in my old hometown. I have no knowledge of what it is,the effects of it,etc It sounds like really bad stuff and I just want it explained to me better.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/436mwt/eli5_what_is_coal_ash_is_it_really_bad_are_there/
{ "a_id": [ "czfyca4" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Coal ash is what's left over when a power plant burns coal. It's mainly silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, and iron oxide, but does contain some heavy metals, so it can be a problem if it gets in the groundwater.\n\nBut unless you actually eat it o...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1hsnkt
the appeal of comic book superheroes
I never got it, and I feel like there is something I am missing. Everyone seems to love them (superman, batman, etc.) so much and I would like to join in the fun. What is great about them?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hsnkt/eli5_the_appeal_of_comic_book_superheroes/
{ "a_id": [ "caxipqj", "caxjchq", "caxkosg", "caxl47v", "caxm4fk", "caxqkvx" ], "score": [ 8, 29, 2, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Superman is the embodiment of the perfectly \"good\" person. He's the one we all wish we could be. He fights crime, saves the world, ge...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
dco8fk
why does hitting someone (or getting hit) hard causes a bruise? why is it blue?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dco8fk/eli5_why_does_hitting_someone_or_getting_hit_hard/
{ "a_id": [ "f29efwl", "f29hcam" ], "score": [ 3, 4 ], "text": [ "A sufficiently powerful impact will cause tissue and capilaries to break meaning you have a hematoma which is localized bleeding under the skin. \n\nNow for some reason some blood vessels like Veins will look blue or purple ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cutywp
why there is a "tipping point" for the destruction of the amazon
I keep hearing things like "once we destroy 20/30/40% of the Amazon, we've reached the tipping point, and the rest will follow." what is the science behind this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cutywp/eli5_why_there_is_a_tipping_point_for_the/
{ "a_id": [ "exyvxu0", "exz3er6", "exz49lg", "ey0mqgj" ], "score": [ 15, 3, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "The trees in the Amazon create their own microclimate causing increased amounts of rain sustaining the conditions for the rainforest. The starting point for the rain is the Bodele...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://youtu.be/Ggeu_M7HRR4" ], [], [], [] ]
3o11po
why does the recruiting/hiring process for most jobs move so ridiculously slow?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3o11po/eli5_why_does_the_recruitinghiring_process_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cvt1ra5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I work for a natural gas company. We have 1 engineering department. HR collects applications, but it's up to the engineering manager to determine out of all of the applicants which ones should qualify for an interview. In the meantime, that ma...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6x4cbx
why most ammunition's dimensions have decimal number instead of round number?
Such as 7,62x49 instead of 7,60x49, and 5,56x49 instead of 5,50x49.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6x4cbx/eli5why_most_ammunitions_dimensions_have_decimal/
{ "a_id": [ "dmd1lh4" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "A reason for some strange values is that they were original designed in inches. \n\nThe 7,62 are developed from the .30-06 Springfield cartridge where a diameter of .3 inches was used. \n\n5,56 is derived from a .222 inch cartridge where the va...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
k6drx
why is the swiss national bank saying it will buy all other currencies in unlimited quantities? eli5
_URL_0_ I don't understand economics!
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/k6drx/why_is_the_swiss_national_bank_saying_it_will_buy/
{ "a_id": [ "c2hunsb", "c2hvetf", "c2hvoil", "c2hunsb", "c2hvetf", "c2hvoil" ], "score": [ 25, 3, 2, 25, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The Swiss Franc is actually too strong verses other currencies right now. This sounds like it would be a good thing and too a degree ...
[]
[ "http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/06/us-swiss-snb-idUSTRE7851LV20110906" ]
[ [], [ "http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/08/19/139791374/the-friday-podcast-switzerlands-too-strong-for-its-own-good", "http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/09/06/140211340/swiss-to-everybody-else-go-away-now" ], [], [], [ "http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/08/19/139791374/the-friday-podcas...
601zze
why is china's role in ww2 such uncommon knowledge?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/601zze/eli5_why_is_chinas_role_in_ww2_such_uncommon/
{ "a_id": [ "df2v1t0", "df2wq5s", "df2wvbw", "df2zag2", "df2zgx6", "df318t2", "df31krp", "df32068", "df348x9", "df35nqh", "df35td1", "df36h7d", "df36luy", "df377qu", "df37b3c", "df37due", "df37evd", "df37r6t", "df387vs", "df38je3", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://psmag.com/china-lost-14-million-people-in-world-war-ii-why-is-this-forgotten-367ca7f219d8#.ffigfdlki" ], [], [], [] ]
68tduf
why do people in the us refuse pay raises to not get into higher tax brackets?
Is it because people do not understand how tax brackets actually work? EDIT: I should've put "some people" in my title, now I sound really passive aggressive. My bad
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/68tduf/eli5_why_do_people_in_the_us_refuse_pay_raises_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dh13ky9", "dh13m5u", "dh13u4y", "dh16g3e" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 26, 24 ], "text": [ "I never heard of that before, but if some people do that, it's because they don't understand how tax brackets work.", "People think that if they get a raise that it will push...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://i.imgur.com/XIlIqdp.png", "http://i.imgur.com/7o95BMj.png" ], [] ]
1mdzjl
why does gold of the same amount of karats look different colors?
Beyond rose gold and white gold, why will some gold have brighter more yellow color thank other, even if it is the same amount of karats?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1mdzjl/eli5_why_does_gold_of_the_same_amount_of_karats/
{ "a_id": [ "cc8ajmt", "cc8alc5", "cc8at2l", "cc8ausn" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The carat unit is the level of purity of the gold. If it's less than pure gold (24k) then the gold has been mixed with other metals. The various other metals create variation of ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt4Lh-hgGok&amp;feature=player_detailpage#t=283" ], [], [ "http://chemistry.about.com/od/jewelrychemistry/a/goldalloys.html" ] ]
3guofv
how are the words in phonetic alphabets (such as the nato phonetic alphabet) chosen and why have they changed over the years?
How were the words chosen? Why have they changed in the past? The NATO Phonetic Alphabet: Alpha, bravo, charlie, delta, echo, foxtrot, golf, hotel, india, julliet, kilo, lima, mike, november, oscar, papa, quebec, romeo, sierra, tango, uniform, victor, whiskey, x-ray, yankee, zulu
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3guofv/eli5_how_are_the_words_in_phonetic_alphabets_such/
{ "a_id": [ "cu1lwc5", "cu1lyn5" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "From _URL_0_:\n\n > The final choice of code words for the letters of the alphabet and for the digits was made after hundreds of thousands of comprehension tests involving 31 nationalities. The qualifying feature was the li...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_phonetic_alphabet" ], [] ]
4w50z9
what is the most probable scenario for worldwide infection of some deadly disease?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4w50z9/eli5_what_is_the_most_probable_scenario_for/
{ "a_id": [ "d640kwq", "d640mze", "d640rw5" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A significant international event, for example an Olympics. \nHeld in a place where an outbreak is occurring, Zika doesn't quite fit that bill.", "There is no probable scenario for worldwide infect...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2he3l6
why do so many americans believe in god?
As a Norwegian, I think northern Europe is very close culturally to America in so many ways, but here literally no-one, except some of the older generation, believe in god, while I have the impression that religion is a huge part of the lives of so many Americans. Why is that?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2he3l6/eli5_why_do_so_many_americans_believe_in_god/
{ "a_id": [ "ckrtfq8", "ckrtfz2", "ckrtn3r", "ckrtz0y", "ckruhsr", "ckrv3ob", "ckrvimd", "ckrx26h", "cks5ujf" ], "score": [ 7, 3, 3, 2, 3, 3, 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "*gets on knee* America was founded by very religious groups of people ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2y5jpg
how can full albums stay up on youtube for months if not years without being taken down, but full movies are taken down almost instantly?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2y5jpg/eli5_how_can_full_albums_stay_up_on_youtube_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cp6f4ci" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Because the groups which manage the rights for music have got their shit together and negotiated deals with Youtube. GEMA (Germany) is the exception, so most of these albums are blocked in Germany." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
d0il1q
why wet slaps hurt more?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d0il1q/eli5why_wet_slaps_hurt_more/
{ "a_id": [ "ez9w9ig", "ezaa0mo", "ezael1k", "ezaj7yi", "ezbae10" ], "score": [ 16384, 127, 527, 28, 12 ], "text": [ "Skin is soft, mushy, and full of lots of little cracks and holes. When you slap someone, a lot of the force from the slap gets cushioned by the skin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
wauo1
why does gatorade hydrate you better than water?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/wauo1/eli5_why_does_gatorade_hydrate_you_better_than/
{ "a_id": [ "c5bqseg", "c5br4mg", "c5brgz4", "c5brnql" ], "score": [ 4, 12, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Gatorade doesn't necessarily hydrate you better than water. What it has that water doesn't is high levels of sodium, which replaces the salt that you sweat out. It also has ingred...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
ccgof1
why do a lot of out of tune people singing together sound not out of tune? or at least not as out of tune as compared to if they all sang as individuals.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ccgof1/eli5_why_do_a_lot_of_out_of_tune_people_singing/
{ "a_id": [ "etmqaas", "etmqmop" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Your brain is good at understanding patterns, and what things are \"supposed to be.\" If one person does something wrong, your brain says \"that's wrong!\" but if multiple people are doing different things wrong then your br...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
8hz8ig
what triggered the us to pull out of the iran nuclear deal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8hz8ig/eli5_what_triggered_the_us_to_pull_out_of_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dynn4lo" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Trigger #2 for 45 was that Obama admin negotiated it and he wishes to destroy everything Obama." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8wbi27
why is it that in radio frequencies, the lower the frequency the further range you get but less bandwidth?
Was reading bout 5ghz vs 2.4 GHz WiFi . Basically why is attenuation proportional to frequency?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8wbi27/eli5_why_is_it_that_in_radio_frequencies_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e1u99j6", "e1u9k5e", "e1ufcmm", "e1uq9gm", "e1urhr5", "e1urouv" ], "score": [ 94, 10, 2, 2, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "Think of a 5GHz signal as a fully loaded car, and a 2.4GHz signal as a fully loaded semi. \n\nWhich do you think is easier to stop?\n\...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyquist\\_frequency", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyquist_frequency" ], [], [] ]
bve6fq
how does cold transfer if it's just the absence of heat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bve6fq/eli5_how_does_cold_transfer_if_its_just_the/
{ "a_id": [ "epom4xm", "epop0s4", "epopohc", "epogxp6", "epoh6tg", "epohiqk", "epoi5eq", "epoib5n" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2, 12, 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Cold sucks the heat out of other things. If you have a cold thing and a hot thing and put t...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
4pfae1
why is ups suddenly transferring so many packages to usps thus causing delays?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4pfae1/eli5_why_is_ups_suddenly_transferring_so_many/
{ "a_id": [ "d4khh6m" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "It's cheaper. The USPS has to deliver to every house. The government requires them to do that. UPS is a for profit company that doesn't have to follow the government's rules. They don't have to deliver to everyone themselves. It is expensive to s...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7i5qv4
why is the lucas number superior to the fibonacci sequence in terms of calculating the golden ratio?
I just don't see the difference.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7i5qv4/eli5why_is_the_lucas_number_superior_to_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dqwa4vv", "dqwbfz9", "dqwcvyw", "dqwdm6l" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 2, 9 ], "text": [ "You can get an approximation (estimate, if you prefer) of the golden ratio from lucas/fibonacci numbers by taking one element from the sequence, then dividing it by the previous el...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
4wrs4t
why does a circuit require a neutral? why is it classified as 0v but has 230v traveling through it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wrs4t/eli5_why_does_a_circuit_require_a_neutral_why_is/
{ "a_id": [ "d69dpjd", "d69f7tm" ], "score": [ 2, 21 ], "text": [ "Voltage is a difference in energy levels. There's no such thing as 230V without having some sort of reference whether that's a neutral pin of a power supply or ground.", "Hey, so your question is worded a bit incorrectl...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
9iy50c
sir michael atiyah's solution to the riemann hypothesis and what it means for mathematics if confirmed to be correct.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9iy50c/eli5_sir_michael_atiyahs_solution_to_the_riemann/
{ "a_id": [ "e6ndzii", "e6nnq25" ], "score": [ 14, 6 ], "text": [ "The early consensus seems to be that the alleged proof is deeply flawed, where “deeply flawed” is a euphemism for utter nonsense. The author is a renowned mathematician, but he's also 91 years old and he's been writing some...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7329rw
why does the feeling of zero-g (without the physical resistance of water; like floating in the air) seem like a familiar feeling, despite never having experienced it?
To elaborate: doesn't the feeling of floating around, pushing off from a wall that's upside down or something with your feet and just floating towards something else, maybe grabbing onto something to stop your momentum, seem so familiar to you in a weird way? Isn't it just so easy to imagine that you can almost swear y...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7329rw/eli5why_does_the_feeling_of_zerog_without_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dnn0pn0", "dnn2or2", "dnn30sf", "dnn9trd" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "40 weeks in a womb? ", "I have a question: Having not experienced it, how do you know it feels familiar? You're just assuming the sensation you imagine is accurate at that poin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]