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dhe2aq
why are most coins in the world circular?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dhe2aq/eli5_why_are_most_coins_in_the_world_circular/
{ "a_id": [ "f3mm9ee", "f3mx79n", "f3ne3kq", "f3nkqrr", "f3nq86z", "f3nqllq", "f3nrat6", "f3nsgvz", "f3nt4d7", "f3nwgxt", "f3nwwg7", "f3nyb37", "f3nzkkd", "f3o14te" ], "score": [ 2800, 494, 66, 808, 3, 22, 7, 32, 19, 2...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_currency" ], [], [ "https://www.telegraph.co.uk/only-in-britain/50-pence-coin-enters-circulation/" ], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/dha0o9/the\\_surinam\\_cent\\_is\\_a\\_square\\_coin/", "https:/...
mlrui
how "e" raised to "i times pi" is -1. how can you raise a real number by an imaginary number and get a real number?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mlrui/eli5_how_e_raised_to_i_times_pi_is_1_how_can_you/
{ "a_id": [ "c31xnvz", "c31xupx", "c31xnvz", "c31xupx" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 2, 8 ], "text": [ "It happens because of how closely related the exponential and trigonometric functions are.\n\ne^*ix* = cos x + isin x.\n\nIf you're okay at calculus, [this site](_URL_0_) has a pre...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.math.toronto.edu/mathnet/questionCorner/epii.html" ], [], [ "http://www.math.toronto.edu/mathnet/questionCorner/epii.html" ], [] ]
aobfq2
why is sexual isolation not reversible?
When speciation occurs over time and two species that used to be able to reproduce can no longer reproduce to make a viable offspring. I don’t think this process is reversible, and I was wondering if anyone could explain why it isn’t (if that’s truly the case)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aobfq2/eli5_why_is_sexual_isolation_not_reversible/
{ "a_id": [ "efznb1w", "efzpew6" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "When the two populations have experienced enough different mutations that their offspring are not viable it is extremely unlikely that later mutations are going to sync up such that later offspring are viable. It isn't techn...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3wk3or
why did some animals become mainstream pets?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3wk3or/eli5_why_did_some_animals_become_mainstream_pets/
{ "a_id": [ "cxwrqgf", "cxws8ek", "cxwymq8", "cxx1a59" ], "score": [ 17, 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "They were the easiest to tame and domesticate. Also, some had actual uses beyond \"companion\".", "Dogs that liked to be around humans did better than those who didn't. Even...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1tn6e0
why does ordering something from a tv commercial takes so long to be received versus getting it from an online site ?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1tn6e0/eli5_why_does_ordering_something_from_a_tv/
{ "a_id": [ "ce9l23u", "ce9m9ru" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Because often times a large part of their profit is from overcharging you for the crappy shipping they use which in reality costs about 1/5th of what you paid. Additionally home shopping network, and others like it, are typ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7dpvmb
does temperature affect evaporation rate below boiling point?
I figure that water would evaporate faster as you get into higher temps, but is there some force at work that keeps the rate consistent below boiling point?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7dpvmb/eli5_does_temperature_affect_evaporation_rate/
{ "a_id": [ "dpzkxvq" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ " Water evaporates much faster at higher temps. Think of a clothes dryer. If the heat didn't speed the evaporation of the water in the clothes, there would be no need to warm the incoming air. Smear a drop of water on a cool surface and the same s...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3bnoy2
what is will power and where does it come from if emotion is based off of chemical interactions?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3bnoy2/eli5_what_is_will_power_and_where_does_it_come/
{ "a_id": [ "csns63h" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "\"Will power\" is not a concept that modern psychologists really use -- it's kind of an inaccurate idea.\n\nA more accurate version is \"delayed gratification\". This means the ability to give up a short-term pleasure in order to obtain a larger ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4wov03
is it possible for humans to procreate during zero gravity space flight?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4wov03/eli5_is_it_possible_for_humans_to_procreate/
{ "a_id": [ "d68quhc", "d68rdjt" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Probably, sperm don't need gravity to travel. So a woman could probably get pregnant, but as far as after that, we just don't know. IIRC Vsauce did a video on this.", "The short answer is, we don't know. Possible, maybe....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
aw870k
the indian “head bob”
I’ve seen a lot of references to the Indian cultural communication method colloquially know as the “the head bob”. I’ve read that it means different things in different contexts... what are the main ones?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aw870k/eli5_the_indian_head_bob/
{ "a_id": [ "ehkmq6f" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "In America it is generally understood that rotating the head up and down means \"yes\" and rotation side to side means \"no\".\n\nHowever in India there are a lot more head movements with different meanings. Along with the two Americans are famil...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
blh3oo
why is it princess eugenie and princess beatrice, but it's lady louise windsor and james, viscount severn?
Obviously there is Prince Harry and William as the grandchildren in the succession line, and all of the Queens children are Princes and Princesses (Charles, Anne etc), but why are two of her grandchildren Princesses, and another two are not? Both grandchildren from Andrew and Sarah are Princesses (Eugenie and Beatrice...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/blh3oo/eli5_why_is_it_princess_eugenie_and_princess/
{ "a_id": [ "emocoig" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "This one's entirely up to personal choice. Whose choice, exactly, is not entirely clear, but when Prince Edward married, there was a royal press release that all of his children were to be styled as nobility, rather than royalty." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
230qn5
why is fluoride put in water marketed to babies if they are going to lose all of their teeth in a few years?
I've seen the "baby water" in the grocery store many times. I've checked it out, and it looks like the only difference is that it has more fluoride. Why do they add it if the babies potentially don't even have teeth yet, and are going to get a new set within a few years? Does it strengthen bones?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/230qn5/eli5_why_is_fluoride_put_in_water_marketed_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cgs8ww4", "cgs9a7n", "cgs9zdr" ], "score": [ 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because their teeth can still rot before they fall out, which can still be painful, and getting fillings as a child sucks. EDIT: Also consider the associated plaque, bone loss, and risk of infection ass...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/201_Elements_of_the_Human_Body-01.jpg" ], [] ]
efaqp2
tears
What's actually happening when we blink back tears? If it doesn't flow down the face, where does it go?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/efaqp2/eli5_tears/
{ "a_id": [ "fbzcgvm" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "You have small ducts in the inside corners of your eyes. If you can keep the tears from spilling over, the fluid drains out through those ducts into your nasal passages." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3cu7ly
if rape is common in male prisons, why doesn't the public take it seriously?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3cu7ly/eli5_if_rape_is_common_in_male_prisons_why_doesnt/
{ "a_id": [ "csyztas", "csyzurk", "csyzw3w", "csz05j1", "csz06wa", "csz081k", "csz1t5e", "csz20wk", "csz2xoa", "csz3ejz" ], "score": [ 41, 13, 7, 29, 4, 3, 4, 7, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "I'm not sure how prevalent it is, but in gene...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison_Rape_Elimination_Act_of_2003" ], [], [], [], [] ]
7isfdu
how did we come up with the asteroid theory for dinosaur extinction?
ELI5
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7isfdu/elif_how_did_we_come_up_with_the_asteroid_theory/
{ "a_id": [ "dr12pcs", "dr145hi" ], "score": [ 8, 5 ], "text": [ "It's not the only theory but it's the one best explained by all the evidence. First, there's the 150km wide impact crater off the Yucatan peninsula. It was created by a roughly 10km wide asteroid impacting at 30+km/s and it'...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicxulub_crater", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cretaceous%E2%80%93Paleogene_boundary", "http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/extinction/dinosaurs/asteroid.html" ] ]
3p14ts
can a planet have two suns like tatooine?
And why is it possible? Does one sun revolve around the other?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3p14ts/eli5_can_a_planet_have_two_suns_like_tatooine/
{ "a_id": [ "cw27z81" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Yes. There are plenty of binary star systems in the known universe. However, the planets orbiting them might not be habitable, as temperatures would likely vary greatly due to how the planet orbits the stars." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
17opg3
envy--why exactly do others' accomplishments cause us to feel worse about ourselves?
It's a given that we feel worse when someone else has something we can't have. My theory is that learning that there exists a person (whom we know) who has something we want "rubs in" the fact that we are missing something. But if missing something makes us feel bad, why don't we feel bad constantly, and not just whe...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/17opg3/eli5_envywhy_exactly_do_others_accomplishments/
{ "a_id": [ "c87fhrz" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "While someone getting to have something that you can't have is certainly a part of it, I also think that respect is a major part of Envy. It makes sense that people get what they deserve, for better or for worse. It also makes sense that some peo...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
36dcyw
what's the difference between silk produced by spiders, and silk produced by moth larvae? why don't we farm spiders for their silk?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/36dcyw/eli5_whats_the_difference_between_silk_produced/
{ "a_id": [ "crcxz7l", "crcznx2" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Moth larvae will live happily in a box together, spiders however will kill and eat eachother. So it's much easier to farm moth larvae instead of having individually housed spiders producing the silk :)", "Practicality an...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2hxq7v
is adblock plus detrimental to websites that rely on advertisements?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hxq7v/eli5is_adblock_plus_detrimental_to_websites_that/
{ "a_id": [ "ckwygtf", "ckwyp96", "ckwzpol" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "How to explain this for this subreddit..yes!", "It really depends on the target audience.\n\nA website for grandmothers who quilt is unlikely to have many tech-savvy users that have AdBlock installe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
evpmfq
why, after building millions of cars and seeing that all of them rust, do automobile makers still not spray a rustproof coating or use stainless steel wherever appropriate?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/evpmfq/eli5_why_after_building_millions_of_cars_and/
{ "a_id": [ "ffx4mmq" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "Stainless steel is expensive and harder to work with. Spraying an undercoating at the factory costs money. They pass those savings onto the customer who hopefully will have a rusted out car in 6-10 years and buy a new vehicle." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
cmsskv
why is the oil in the us so much cheaper than its european counterparts?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cmsskv/eli5_why_is_the_oil_in_the_us_so_much_cheaper/
{ "a_id": [ "ew4fcvn", "ew4ff6r", "ew4fxzs", "ew4gscc", "ew4hdj9", "ew4lcmk", "ew4nik0" ], "score": [ 5, 17, 8, 22, 4, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "The US is one of the world's largest oil and gas exporters, and has a ton of domestic refining capacity. Combine...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_taxes_in_the_United_States", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel\\_taxes\\_in\\_the\\_United\\_States" ], [], [], [] ]
2evcv1
how come tattooing doesn't cut skin off?
If a tattoo needle is constantly piercing your skin like a bajillion times a second, and making a (say....)circle, how come the skin doesn't peel/fall off? Even shading for that matter. How does it not cut off skin if you're dragging this piercing object across your skin repeatedly?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2evcv1/eli5_how_come_tattooing_doesnt_cut_skin_off/
{ "a_id": [ "ck3arri" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Sometimes it does when done by a bad tattoo artist, but only with solid images. They go over the same area too many times, too deep. The entire patch of skin becomes one big scab and falls off eventually ." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
45a5my
hindu deities, how are there so many versions of the same gods?
I am doing a research project on Hindu deities, and I am not understanding how some of the major gods are basically just versions of other gods. Ie: Durga is explained to be a fiercer form of Parvarti. I found a quote that reads "All Hindu gods and goddesses are the same god or divine energy." I am still not wrapping m...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/45a5my/eli5_hindu_deities_how_are_there_so_many_versions/
{ "a_id": [ "czw9plk", "czw9w0h", "czwd2xb" ], "score": [ 17, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "So, let's talk about you. You're a person, probably a student somewhere. No matter where you are or what you're doing, you're always you.\n\nBut! You're not always the same you. When you're at home wit...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1nsvnf
the sopranos; why after whacking someone killer always leaves the gun at the scene of the crime? script's stupidity?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nsvnf/eli5_the_sopranos_why_after_whacking_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "cclp0m0", "cclp0yl", "cclrhzl" ], "score": [ 7, 19, 3 ], "text": [ "Since the gun is not a legit purchase and may have the serial numbers removed, as long as they wiped it down there is generally no one to trace it to them.", "If the gun can't be tied to you, and y...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
1vzlnd
how can king trademark words like candy and saga, and what is to stop me from grabbing a dictionary and starting with a?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vzlnd/eli5_how_can_king_trademark_words_like_candy_and/
{ "a_id": [ "cexae34", "cexaih1", "cexfmwo" ], "score": [ 49, 17, 3 ], "text": [ "Trademarks only cover uses that you can show could cause confusion to a consumer. So you can have Apple Computers and Apple Apple Company, and neither is infringing on the others' trademark.", "To...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
83kxo5
what time do astronauts have on their watch?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/83kxo5/eli5_what_time_do_astronauts_have_on_their_watch/
{ "a_id": [ "dviloz0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "UTC.\n\nThis is mainly because this sleep schedule is convenient for most parties involves (mostly Russians and Americans). Its a compromise between American and Russian timezones, and fits fairly well for everyone else given that the exact oppos...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3xgx35
what is going on with the dnc and why is it so detrimental to a campaign?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3xgx35/eli5_what_is_going_on_with_the_dnc_and_why_is_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cy4lql6" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "From what I understand...\n\nThere was some sort of database error in the DNC (Democratic National Committee, the official name of the Democratic Party). In that error, one of Bernie Sander's staff accessed a part of the voter information databa...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
21szqk
why can't we "drain" volcanoes before they explode?
I don't just mean the lava/magma, I mean also releasing the pressure inside.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21szqk/eli5_why_cant_we_drain_volcanoes_before_they/
{ "a_id": [ "cgg841z" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Imagine you had a sealed pot, full of boiling water. You want to reduce the pressure inside the pot, but you can't turn off the fire. If you create a whole in the pot, releasing the pressure, then there's going to be a jet of steam. Doesn't ma...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8znz95
why do many rivers tend to make an "s" pattern in the way they flow?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8znz95/eli5_why_do_many_rivers_tend_to_make_an_s_pattern/
{ "a_id": [ "e2k3jnp", "e2k424e" ], "score": [ 4, 10 ], "text": [ "Water will hit a rock while going slightly downhill and will go around the edge of the rock, and then continue along the original path. Alternatively it’ll hit a region of denser rock that is less erodible and so it will go...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
32dy2m
in a capitalistic country like the us, why are universities so expensive and without competition between each other?
I mean, with so many students looking for the best offer, I don't understand why doesn't any investor try to take a bite out of that market. To run a university is not cheap, but I don' think that's the point, studying in private universities in my country (Spain) cost usually around 6.000 €/year and, even if the costs...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/32dy2m/eli5in_a_capitalistic_country_like_the_us_why_are/
{ "a_id": [ "cqab89w", "cqabqp6", "cqabxo3" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because universities are impacted. The demand is higher than the supply, so kids will pay what it takes to get it. We also have huge government aid programs that will fuck you when you're out, but allow...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://forprofitu.org/fact-sheet/" ], [] ]
4cjlq1
. why do many employers give their hourly employees sporadic, weekly-changing, temporary schedules?
So many employees assign new shifts every week. Wouldn't it be easier for everyone if they had set times each individual was meant to work? A schedule that didn't waver, have overlap, technical errors, over scheduling, and wildly differing hours (ex. Working night shift and then working morning shift)? Not to mention a...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4cjlq1/eli5_why_do_many_employers_give_their_hourly/
{ "a_id": [ "d1nzinl", "d1is2eg", "d1isle9", "d1isv7r", "d1iswjg", "d1iytna", "d1izcvy", "d1j04cq", "d1j0eir", "d1j274n", "d1j2x7z", "d1j44u8", "d1j4ehw", "d1j8r25", "d1jbofc", "d1jvxx2" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 6, 484, 7, 6, 2...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://planday.com/" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/business/a-part-time-life-as-hours-shrink-and-shift-for-american-workers.html" ], [], [], [ "https://time360app.com" ], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_shop_scheduling" ], [],...
mwb11
how angel investing and venture capital works
I understand what they are there for, but how does the process work? Which one is ideal for what stage of a start-up's growth?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/mwb11/eli5_how_angel_investing_and_venture_capital_works/
{ "a_id": [ "c34cnjb", "c34cnjb" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Angel investors are generally investing *their own money* in an organization, whereas a venture capital firm is investing *other people's money*, money that other people have invested in the venture capital fund.\n\nAs such,...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
43r4cx
what does it mean for a food to have 'anti-inflammatory' properties?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43r4cx/eli5_what_does_it_mean_for_a_food_to_have/
{ "a_id": [ "czk9ncf" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It means that the food contains chemicals that can help to reduce inflammation.\n\nIt will not make you harder to set on fire." ] }
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[]
[ [] ]
8lzt42
seeing as how electricity often takes the form of plasma in many instances of physical manifestation, would it stand to reason that all plasma could be utilized the same way if its heat energy were concentrated/channeled enough?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8lzt42/eli5_seeing_as_how_electricity_often_takes_the/
{ "a_id": [ "dzjq6s2" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Electricity does not take the form of plasma, plasma is a state of matter where electrons and nuclei dissolve in a quantum soup example the sun.\n\nElectricity is electrons flowing through matter generally via the valence electrons.\n\nAlmost for...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
7p87e1
why do movie studios opt for cgi when it seems like practical affects would be cheaper, easier for actors to work with, and preferred by audiences?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7p87e1/eli5_why_do_movie_studios_opt_for_cgi_when_it/
{ "a_id": [ "dsf85vl", "dsf8s7v" ], "score": [ 7, 5 ], "text": [ "Because CGI generally does look better the reason alot of people think practical effects are better is because we only notice bad CGI ", "Practical effects are generally not cheaper. At least not in modernity. They are ...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
fx9gdm
why the sun feels hotter in some places than others?
I live in Rio and when it's 75°F and sunny it feels almost chilly; i've also lived in Houston, TX and when it's the same temperature it feels hot and the sun burns, even in winter. And it doesn't make senses because the sun is lower at the sky in Texas because of the higher LATITUDE.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fx9gdm/eli5_why_the_sun_feels_hotter_in_some_places_than/
{ "a_id": [ "fmszth4", "fmt0r7p", "fmt0vns", "fmtae70", "fmtwz63" ], "score": [ 7, 5, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Seems like a moisture and wind difference between the two. People normally say things like \"it's not the heat, it's the humidity.\" Which is true. Imagine ta...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.houston.climatemps.com/vs/rio-de-janeiro.php" ], [], [] ]
4mj4p9
why does being in hot weather make some people irritable, the rain make people tired, and winter make people depressed?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4mj4p9/eli5_why_does_being_in_hot_weather_make_some/
{ "a_id": [ "d3vvfle", "d3vvw27" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The winter depression is probably linked to low levels of sunlight which will effect serotonin and vitamin d", "When people are physically uncomfortable, they get irritable so they they feel encouraged to move to an envi...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
2m5ky8
why do we have hair on our knuckles?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2m5ky8/eli5_why_do_we_have_hair_on_our_knuckles/
{ "a_id": [ "cm15w5e", "cm16xvk" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "We have hair on our knuckles , for the same reason we have hair on our arms/legs ( if you believe in evolution) . Now it doesn't really serve a purpose .. But it used to be part of our 'coat' .", "That's a recessive trai...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7rzvju
how does a country’s military/businesses/etc transition when they are taken over by another in war?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7rzvju/eli5_how_does_a_countrys_militarybusinessesetc/
{ "a_id": [ "dt0u3l2" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "It really depends on the war, the extent of the damage to that country (it may not have a functional military by the end), terms of the resulting treaty, etc. There's not a hard and fast rule when it comes to warfare: it's sorta the point where ...
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[ [] ]
1zchpl
why i am i not hearing about anything being done about the comcast-tw merger?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1zchpl/why_i_am_i_not_hearing_about_anything_being_done/
{ "a_id": [ "cfsfdvs" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It's in its early stages, it takes quite a while for two large companies to merge into one. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5cbiaw
what us lean muscle?
Why do fitness experts and healthy food marketing harp on " lean muscle"? Is there other muscle?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cbiaw/eli5_what_us_lean_muscle/
{ "a_id": [ "d9viyad" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "There are 3 different types of muscle: Skeletal muscle, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. Typically, lean muscle refers to skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle are all the muscles that you have voluntary control of (your limbs, torso, back, neck, fac...
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[]
[ [] ]
6h9gn7
how/why most stars are binary systems
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6h9gn7/eli5_howwhy_most_stars_are_binary_systems/
{ "a_id": [ "diwklbx", "diwmq3u" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Most stars are not. its estimated that 1/3 of the stars in the milky way are binary systems, but 2/3 are not. And since our methods for determining if a system is binary are flawed, the number may not even be that high.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
73q0ap
if the wavelength of light corresponds to its energy, and space expanding lowers the wavelength of light, where does the light's energy go?
Edit: stretches the wavelength, not lowers it.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/73q0ap/eli5_if_the_wavelength_of_light_corresponds_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dnsoa3g" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Conservation of energy is not always true. Noether's theorem establishes a one-to-one correspondence between symmetries and conservation laws. The symmetry associated with conservation of energy is time-translation symmetry. In any system where t...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.preposterousuniverse.com/blog/2010/02/22/energy-is-not-conserved/" ] ]
43838a
is it feasible to build a modern computer from scratch?
I am talking you, the elements and whatever god or gods you may or may not believe in.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/43838a/eli5_is_it_feasible_to_build_a_modern_computer/
{ "a_id": [ "czg7p7o", "czg7ptd", "czgfock" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "No, it's not. Especially since different parts of a modern computer require many different fields of knowledge to build. Chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, software engineering. You'd also ha...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
9rncs7
why do human eyelids follow the iris when looking down but there's no eyelid to follow when looking up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9rncs7/eli5_why_do_human_eyelids_follow_the_iris_when/
{ "a_id": [ "e8icqq7" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Because your eyelids aren’t the same. You have a hood and the bottom one. The hood is far more mobile. The bottom one *does* follow your eyes up, just not as much. " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3yb92a
how do windows registry cleaners decide what to remove?
What is considered a useless entry?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3yb92a/eli5_how_do_windows_registry_cleaners_decide_what/
{ "a_id": [ "cybzyju" ], "score": [ 8 ], "text": [ "Some basic things right off the bat are references to .dll files that are no longer there. For example if you uninstalled a program and the registry had entries pointing towards a now removed .dll file that's considered useless. Another one would...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5rmpwz
what is a band and when does a band go from being a band to being an orchestra?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5rmpwz/eli5_what_is_a_band_and_when_does_a_band_go_from/
{ "a_id": [ "dd8fmvl" ], "score": [ 9 ], "text": [ "\nUsually, a band does not have stringed instruments. \n\nA band would consist of brass instruments, like trumpets and trombones, and woodwind instruments such as flutes, saxophones and clarinets. \n\nOrchestras are primarily made up of stringed ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5lzq4h
why do wedding dresses turn yellow after a period of time?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5lzq4h/eli5_why_do_wedding_dresses_turn_yellow_after_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dbznaop" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Many white things turn yellow over time. Generally it's the result of sunlight or oxidation. White cotton generally gets its white color from being bleached and washed with fabric whiteners.\n\nFabric whiteners and brighteners are temporary dyes ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_brightener" ] ]
7o0gzn
why is there so much room in food packaging?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7o0gzn/eli5_why_is_there_so_much_room_in_food_packaging/
{ "a_id": [ "ds5wazr" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "To avoid crushing your food. The packaging can be squished a bit until the pressurized air can support whatever is crushing it.\n\nIf your chip bag was 100% chips it would be 1/3 crumbs." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
54r3og
during a police interrogation, can you actually get away with not saying anything until you're provided with a lawyer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/54r3og/eli5_during_a_police_interrogation_can_you/
{ "a_id": [ "d8475b2", "d8479n1", "d847a0l", "d847a1m", "d847dvx", "d847nrq", "d849b8u", "d849fie", "d849syj", "d84a4cs", "d84aszu", "d84bjv7", "d84bubu", "d84fhk5", "d84gds8", "d84gfk1", "d84gw8x", "d84gxjx", "d84hvct", "d84hw65", "d...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8z7NC5sgik" ], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=%23&ved=0ahUKEwib_qLR-6_PAhWC7oMKHYgoBkoQxa8BCBswAA&usg=AFQjCNF1sHlk2z9QIx28jtvfnGP_UlkifA" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], ...
294qmp
why can sports teams, sports channels on tv, or sporting news on the internet reveal the exact details of sports players' injuries if hipaa exists?
I thought there existed patient-doctor confidentiality? Why don't you see players suing journalists, teams, websites, newspapers, etc. over violations of HIPAA? Are they exempt for some reason?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/294qmp/eli5_why_can_sports_teams_sports_channels_on_tv/
{ "a_id": [ "ciheowi", "ciheue7", "cihguvi" ], "score": [ 23, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "HIPAA only restricts certain types of organizations from revealing health information (basically healthcare providers and insurers, plus their agents). The Hospital---without a release from the patien...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2132j4
the protective qualities of charcoal
Activated charcoal can be used to help those who have ingested harmful substances. Suits embedded with charcoal are used to protect against chemical/biological agents in the military. Putting charcoal under the soil of a potted plant can keep fungus and other undesirable pests from growing - so what is it about charcoa...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2132j4/eli5_the_protective_qualities_of_charcoal/
{ "a_id": [ "cg94u63" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It is extremely porous and has a large capacity for adsorption, meaning substances (often organic macromolecules in the situations you describe) can stick to its surface and be bound up. Its doesnt have as high a capacity as some other materials,...
[]
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[ [] ]
2n09me
what happens if you're traveling faster than the speed of sound in a jet and you try to talk?
Would be any different if you where traveling the same speed outside of the jet and tried to talk?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2n09me/eli5_what_happens_if_youre_traveling_faster_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cm95mlm" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Inside the jet? Nothing interesting. The air around you is not moving any more than it normally would. If you're outside the jet at supersonic speeds, you have bigger issues than hearing your own voice." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2i17i3
why is bronze never used in cook-ware?
I don't think I've ever even *heard* of bronze being used for things other than statues, weapons, and armor. Cookware, tools, and other more mundane objects always seem to be made of either copper or iron. Why? When bronze was invented why didn't people make tools and cookware out of it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i17i3/eli5_why_is_bronze_never_used_in_cookware/
{ "a_id": [ "ckxva6s" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Copper makes fine cookware, and the additional hardness offered by a bronze alloy isn't really needed for the application." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4p0bap
why are people who watch cartoons looked down upon for being childish?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4p0bap/eli5_why_are_people_who_watch_cartoons_looked/
{ "a_id": [ "d4gzarv", "d4gzexm", "d4h0hha", "d4h15x3", "d4h1lof" ], "score": [ 14, 3, 9, 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Historically, most cartoons were made for children. Not everyone knows that there are now many animated films made for adults, so they get confused and imagi...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1hqoio
why the japanese empire invaded small islands during ww2 and didn't have a larger mainland campaign
Watching The Pacific by HBO and wondering why the small islands were so important over larger islands or mainland accumulation.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1hqoio/eli5_why_the_japanese_empire_invaded_small/
{ "a_id": [ "cawxbez", "cawxf8u", "cawxzws", "cax571i", "cax7of7", "caxdag4" ], "score": [ 17, 10, 4, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "You only hear about the island battles because that is were they fought Americans, and thus the only part of WW2 that is \"important\"...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/US_landings.jpg", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_cult#Pacific_cults_of_World_War_II" ], [], [], [], [] ]
3rty6v
why don't more cell carriers enable wifi calling and texting?
It would save some load off of their cell towers. It's definitely possible because I know US T-Mobile did it
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3rty6v/eli5_why_dont_more_cell_carriers_enable_wifi/
{ "a_id": [ "cwraseo", "cwrlon0" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't want to spend money that will make their telecoms towers obsolete. They'd still have to maintain them, but then having WiFi calling as well is just move investment for little benefit. What they gain in WiFi callin...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
77h5k0
why doesnt food caught in your teeth for days make you sick from bacteria?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/77h5k0/eli5why_doesnt_food_caught_in_your_teeth_for_days/
{ "a_id": [ "dolt0v3", "dolvb0c" ], "score": [ 10, 5 ], "text": [ "It can, especially people with heart disease. Son who had heart surgery has to take penicillin before going to the dentist every time.", "There are a lot of bacteria in the mouth that are commonly referred to as the HA...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
fabhkn
if the different human races only interbreed with themselves, is it possible to make new species of humans?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/fabhkn/eli5_if_the_different_human_races_only_interbreed/
{ "a_id": [ "fiwy1tx", "fix16co", "fix1750" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "No, for the simple reason we are one species. What you might get is evolution and eventual speciation due to gene mutation, but that's as likely to happen in any sub-population.", "Theoretically ye...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
lp7xe
why the fuck does my printer never do what i want it to? why doesn't my computer communicate with my printer as well as my other external devices?
Eg: _URL_0_
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/lp7xe/eli5_why_the_fuck_does_my_printer_never_do_what_i/
{ "a_id": [ "c2uhpyv", "c2uirda", "c2uisy8", "c2uj0o3", "c2uj29h", "c2uj4wj", "c2uj88g", "c2ujkm1", "c2ujlft", "c2ujmag", "c2ujmh4", "c2uk72c", "c2ukhco", "c2ulag5", "c2ulwtq", "c2ulyqf", "c2um95v", "c2uhpyv", "c2uirda", "c2uisy8", "c...
[]
[ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQGtucrJ8hM" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5DCwN28y8o" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/printers" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5DCwN28y8o" ], [ "h...
3nr213
how the weather in california just flipped flop from scorching heat last week to cool? and why are so many people getting sick by this?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nr213/eli5_how_the_weather_in_california_just_flipped/
{ "a_id": [ "cvqj5ss" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Weather dynamics, a heat front or cold front (generally high pressure low pressure areas) flow. In some days the air (generally from the south) is pushed up higher, making more warm air in the area, if the low pressure front (colder area) is more...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3an3h5
does a popcorn kernel have the same nutrients as a piece of popcorn?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3an3h5/eli5_does_a_popcorn_kernel_have_the_same/
{ "a_id": [ "cse535z", "cse56p9" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "I was watching an episode of Good Eats on Netflix last night, and based on the way they spoke about it, I think the answer would be yes. They were explaining how popping came about because it was the only way they could acce...
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[]
[ [], [] ]
2580cm
what would happen if i ate nothing but nuts?
I know when I eat nuts, I shit a lot of the undigested pieces right out and I like it a lot. So what would happen if I ate nothing but nuts and water forever? Would I literally shit nuts? How long could one live on such a diet?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2580cm/eli5_what_would_happen_if_i_ate_nothing_but_nuts/
{ "a_id": [ "chekqdp", "chel7uq", "chelfij" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You wouldn't live very well. The body needs a balanced diet. You'd have very little to no calcium, protein, iron or some required vitamins. You wouldn't die in a week or anything but your health would g...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
6q8bpr
how if most insects die during winter, how can their populations not be hurt when spring comes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6q8bpr/eli5_how_if_most_insects_die_during_winter_how/
{ "a_id": [ "dkvcoz6" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "insects reproduce in huge amounts. one female usually capable of laying hundreds of eggs. when one of those eggs produces a female and it matures, it can do the same thing. so their populations start small, but after hitting a certain point they ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2e0886
why have asian-americans flourished, while african-americans remain under-educated & impoverished? both were slaves here at one point, and both were heavily discriminated against throughout us history.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2e0886/eli5_why_have_asianamericans_flourished_while/
{ "a_id": [ "cjusime", "cjusjk8", "cjuslfi", "cjuslwm", "cjuss8y", "cjusszf", "cjuszr4", "cjut6xw", "cjute7m", "cjutlx2", "cjutnas", "cjutnvi", "cjutqlu", "cjutqxl", "cjutt1d", "cjutxt8", "cjutza6", "cjuu3kp", "cjuu6ds", "cjuuf24", "c...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyYG81MN8jE" ], [], [], [], [ "http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/therootdc/post/rethinking-the-achievement-gap-lessons-from-the-african-diaspora/2012/09/04/eebc5214-f362-11e1-a612-3cfc842a6d89_bl...
7jwfwi
how are cuttlefish so good at camouflage?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7jwfwi/eli5_how_are_cuttlefish_so_good_at_camouflage/
{ "a_id": [ "dr9pj0y" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Cuttlefish have special cells in their skin that contain little sacs of dark pigments. They can squeeze these sacs down very small, so you can't see them and the cuttlefish appears white, or they can spread these sacs out flat, so the cuttlefish...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
11pspt
the concept of having multiple massive non-profits gunning for the same cause. what do they have against consolidating all their resources and possibly doing more together than they ever could separately?
The best known example I can think of is the Susan G Komen for the cure and AVON Breast Cancer foundations, who actually went to court against each other for the slogan "for the cure". _URL_0_ and _URL_1_ are another two I can think of. And there are plenty more. Even local non-profits. Do we really need a dozen dif...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11pspt/eli5_the_concept_of_having_multiple_massive/
{ "a_id": [ "c6ojlvc", "c6okeeq", "c6okhdl", "c6okscj", "c6ol7ln", "c6orlag", "c6ow5bn" ], "score": [ 8, 12, 2, 3, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of the time there is disagreement about exactly how to best serve the community. For example, some non-prof...
[]
[ "Water.org", "waterislife.com" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2ygvf5
how can people be put under anesthesia for emergency surgery but for general surgery they say you will aspirate and die if you eat anything 24 hours prior to being put under?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ygvf5/eli5_how_can_people_be_put_under_anesthesia_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cp9dhxh", "cp9difa", "cp9dl6c", "cp9dt4m", "cp9gcqo", "cp9l9k4", "cp9sgv7", "cp9zjwp" ], "score": [ 454, 2, 27, 5, 9, 2, 9, 6 ], "text": [ "Aspiration is relatively rare, but given the damage it can cause, and that the only downs...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
65w4qj
why are male beauty pageants significantly less famous than women's such as miss universe?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/65w4qj/eli5_why_are_male_beauty_pageants_significantly/
{ "a_id": [ "dgdlyyx", "dgdlzwk", "dgdq6sy" ], "score": [ 2, 5, 3 ], "text": [ "Warning: possible bro-science. Due to testosterone, men are more attracted to visuals. Women are attracted to emotions. Pageants are primarily a visual display, and men rather prefer to see women.", ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5lkk0z
why do we need to tightly regulate blood ph. what are the physiological consequences of a low/high hydrogen ion concentration?
Is it merely osmolality change that causes the adverse consequences? And what are the adverse consequences?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5lkk0z/eli5_why_do_we_need_to_tightly_regulate_blood_ph/
{ "a_id": [ "dbwnuko" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "pH is tightly regulated due to its effect on denaturing proteins..... It's consequences are broad ranging from affecting the haem oxygen dissociation curve, the carriage of co2, the generation of super oxides in neutrophils etc.\n\nThe exact rela...
[]
[]
[ [ "www.derangedphysiology.com" ] ]
3ef042
how did this guy only get convicted on 9 of 11 charges when they found all the bodies in his house?
I was reading this article( _URL_0_) from TIL and was curious how he didn't get convicted of all 11.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ef042/eli5_how_did_this_guy_only_get_convicted_on_9_of/
{ "a_id": [ "ctebb05" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "he was convicted of 82 of the 84 total counts against him. he was convicted of all 11 counts of murder." ] }
[]
[ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Sowell" ]
[ [] ]
2i7gh3
why is an ipad cheaper than an iphone?
I mean, it's basically just a huge iPhone with the only exception that you can't call, but that's no problem seeing as you can have a $20 phone for calling and a $470 iPad, and **STILL** be cheaper off than buying an $1000 iPhone. So why is this? edit: Well, in my country the most expensive iPhone without a contract ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2i7gh3/eli5_why_is_an_ipad_cheaper_than_an_iphone/
{ "a_id": [ "ckzk61m", "ckzk9ld", "ckzmy1f", "ckzo6qi" ], "score": [ 17, 6, 13, 2 ], "text": [ "the smaller and lighter hardware in the phones is more expensive. battery is a good example", "Because the iphone price is set as an incentive to get a contract/subsidized pr...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
3f76wf
what does nicotine do to your body to make you feel the way it does
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3f76wf/eli5_what_does_nicotine_do_to_your_body_to_make/
{ "a_id": [ "ctlxvvg", "ctlyf4w" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "So nerves in your body are activates by chemicals binding to certain proteins called \"receptors\". There is an entire class of receptors called \"nicotinic\" receptors, named so because nicotine binds to these receptors. Th...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
453p2r
why do lots of places only accept a passport or a driving license as identification when some adults don't have either?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/453p2r/eli5_why_do_lots_of_places_only_accept_a_passport/
{ "a_id": [ "czuxagl", "czuxctl", "czuxcz3", "czuxee1", "czuxgbp", "czuy42j", "czuy61g", "czuzu5j", "czv00of", "czverh1" ], "score": [ 6, 4, 2, 3, 27, 4, 13, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Typically places will accept a state issued ph...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3tdxfa
is it bad for me if i crack my neck by snapping it backwards?
For example i look at the ceiling quickly and push my chin up. This causes a large popping noise and relieves a lot of tension. Is this harmful or more harmful than a side to side neck crack?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tdxfa/eli5_is_it_bad_for_me_if_i_crack_my_neck_by/
{ "a_id": [ "cx5lvhl", "cx5pzkb" ], "score": [ 8, 3 ], "text": [ "Any kind of fast, jerking/wrenching motion has the potential to cause pain and/or damage. Slow neck rotations are far safer. ", "I crack my neck all the time. The popping sound you hear is from gas escaping the space. Yo...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
a2nv3n
why don’t animals break bones as easily as humans
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a2nv3n/eli5_why_dont_animals_break_bones_as_easily_as/
{ "a_id": [ "eazsuqb", "eazt9s6", "eaztamd", "eaztdrb" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 16, 6 ], "text": [ "Animals still break bones \"easily\". I'm a hunter and pretty often have to put down a deer with a badly broken leg\n", "Animals rarely get into car crashes.\n\nBeing serious...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
91g27l
why does vinegar + aluminum foil clean stainless steel?
A short while ago I bought my first stainless steel pan and managed to burn it on my first use. I let it sit with water and dish soap, scrubbed it, boiled water and vinegar in it, added vinegar and baking soda, scrubbed it some more.. nothing worked. While the burnt bits were removed, the pan was still stained with som...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/91g27l/eli5_why_does_vinegar_aluminum_foil_clean/
{ "a_id": [ "e2xucsb", "e2xy7ys", "e2xz7c3", "e2y1g5b", "e2y24jz", "e2y3lic", "e2y3s5l", "e2y50qd", "e2y9c9m", "e2ybfuk", "e2ydmdy", "e2yfxqw", "e2ytkcm", "e2z9rik", "e30bikf" ], "score": [ 1675, 23, 48, 12, 8, 2, 2066, 2,...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scratch_hardness" ], [], [], [], [] ]
8y3e1x
why cant our brains correct/adapt to poor eyesight without the use of glasses?
From reading an earlier post about the upside down goggles, which take X long to readjust to seeing "properly" again, would it be possible to regain good eyesight given enough time without glasses?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8y3e1x/eli5_why_cant_our_brains_correctadapt_to_poor/
{ "a_id": [ "e27tg49", "e27tk2d", "e27tk3q", "e288ij1", "e28mte3" ], "score": [ 15, 6, 3, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Your brain can't process unfocused images that it receives into focused images, it can only interpret them. So your brain won't adjust to poor eyesight by fi...
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[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton%E2%80%93Babinski_syndrome" ], [] ]
2fynga
what would happen if you were going the same exact speed as a shock wave from a large explosion would you hear the explosion the whole time while traveling with the wave?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fynga/eli5_what_would_happen_if_you_were_going_the_same/
{ "a_id": [ "ckdz0fo" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "No, because noise is changes in pressure. If you were going exactly the same speed as the wave, you'd be in a consistent high- or low-pressure area." ] }
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2gxz1h
what gives art its value?
Whats stopping me from painting a blue square and selling it for thousands? obviously i'd get zilch but proper artists can get away with it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2gxz1h/eli5_what_gives_art_its_value/
{ "a_id": [ "cknj0ze", "cknjbza", "cknjcao", "cknowte" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 19, 3 ], "text": [ "Quality, story associated with the work, notoriety of the work and the artist. Hitlers art was worthless, so he killed a couple people and tried taking over the world and boom his...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
d1wxny
why are mouthguards for top teeth not bottom?
Why do they make mouthguards for teeth and especially nighttime grinding guards only for top teeth? Why not bottom teeth instead?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d1wxny/eli5_why_are_mouthguards_for_top_teeth_not_bottom/
{ "a_id": [ "ezru974" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In terms of mouthguards for sport it's because the top teeth are in most people in front of the bottom teeth, so they're the ones likely to be hit." ] }
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6igqi2
why do people in war zones, poor areas, extreme oppressing countries do make babies knowing there is no healthy future for their families?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6igqi2/eli5_why_do_people_in_war_zones_poor_areas/
{ "a_id": [ "dj634wr", "dj63641", "dj63slk", "dj6a1hg" ], "score": [ 3, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Religious beliefs, lack of access to birth control, replenishment of population being killed, hope that conflict will end soon. In many cultures, children are critically important ...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
3p2xkx
why does steve jobs get so much more love than bill gates?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3p2xkx/eli5why_does_steve_jobs_get_so_much_more_love/
{ "a_id": [ "cw2pfae", "cw2pome" ], "score": [ 11, 15 ], "text": [ "Because he's dead...\n\nNot many hailed Jobs as \"God\" while he was alive. Only after his death were there Movies, Books, and countless other things written/said about him.\n\nI'm sure when Bill Gates passes away, a movie...
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[ [], [] ]
cmbsio
why do medicines that are supposed to be taken every x hours not effective if it is taken too early or too late?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cmbsio/eli5_why_do_medicines_that_are_supposed_to_be/
{ "a_id": [ "ew16cgs", "ew16ftx", "ew16sr1", "ew2lbnz" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "If you take them too early you still have the earlier dose in higher concentration in your system and can potentially reach an overdose level for the drug (particularly if you are ...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
epucg8
why do cars look so much bigger from the inside?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/epucg8/eli5_why_do_cars_look_so_much_bigger_from_the/
{ "a_id": [ "felud1e" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The farther away things are, the smaller they appear. The car is around you, so it appears much bigger than the road, which is farther away. It isn't a huge difference, but enough to mess with your perspective." ] }
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28kfmp
why can i go a whole weekend day barely eating, but on any given workday (i sit at a desk) i have extreme cravings to snack all day?
I can wake up around 9am on a weekend, not eat until 2pm, then barely get hungry again until 8ish. When I get to work Mon-Fri I want to chow down nearly all day long and often can't resist the urge. Is it a chemical in my brain trying to comfort myself with endorphins because work sucks?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/28kfmp/eli5why_can_i_go_a_whole_weekend_day_barely/
{ "a_id": [ "cibr1lv", "cibr4us", "cibrx73", "cibtjr9", "cibtu7o", "cibudco", "cibv2or" ], "score": [ 38, 9, 3, 2, 3, 6, 3 ], "text": [ "While at work I interpret most feelings as hungry. Bored? Have a banana. Stumped? Crackers. Cold? Ooh, is that ca...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24y0pb/eli5_if_i_dont_eat_breakfast_i_dont_even_get/chbsagz", "http://www.livestrong.com/article/520183-glucose-homeostasis-the-liver/" ], [ "http://www.livestrong.com/article/510463-how-body-mistakes-hunger-for-thirst/" ...
7q2w4u
how can a choke hold knock you out in 5 seconds when most people can hold their breath for at least 30 seconds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7q2w4u/eli5_how_can_a_choke_hold_knock_you_out_in_5/
{ "a_id": [ "dslzdz0", "dslzekm" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "I’m sure there’s a more educated answer coming, but my understanding is being in a chokehold is also cutting off blood circulation, not just restricting oxygen.", "When you hold your breath you're still getting blood to ...
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[ [], [] ]
9cxfn5
how do pcs/consoles read disks/cds?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9cxfn5/eli5_how_do_pcsconsoles_read_diskscds/
{ "a_id": [ "e5dv7iq", "e5dycd7", "e5eoc1v" ], "score": [ 9, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The reflective surface of a cd is basically a clear flat coating over a series of seriously tiny bumps and divots. There's a tiny laser in the computer that shines on the disk, right through the clear p...
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[ [], [ "https://www.petervis.com/gallery/hard/Hard%20Drive%20Recovery/Hard%20Drive%20Recovery%20Platter%20Transplant/hard-disk-platter-exchanger-tool.jpg" ], [] ]
2edegl
how the windows .exe file works
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2edegl/eli5_how_the_windows_exe_file_works/
{ "a_id": [ "cjyeenn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "What are you asking exactly?\n\n.exe files are binary files, they contain instructions that can directly be understood by your CPU. When you click on one, windows load it into memory and then your CPU start executing each instructions one by one....
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3nifcg
how is it possible to withdraw money from any atm using any bank card?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nifcg/eli5_how_is_it_possible_to_withdraw_money_from/
{ "a_id": [ "cvod9j4", "cvodbkr" ], "score": [ 2, 3 ], "text": [ "The ATM sends every money request to its bank. If it's a card from that bank, it tells the ATM whether or not the transaction is approved. If the card is from another bank, it sends that request to the other bank for approva...
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[ [], [] ]
dugy8d
why can’t we stop a receding hairline?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dugy8d/eli5_why_cant_we_stop_a_receding_hairline/
{ "a_id": [ "f75whwc", "f75yye4", "f760ryx", "f765i35", "f766jci", "f768t9s", "f76obej", "f76smwi", "f76uckw", "f779l91", "f77aud4", "f77j9bf", "f77lt32", "f77mmq9", "f77v8io", "f78b6mn", "f78fbbf", "f78gimr", "f799jfx", "f7a99t2" ], ...
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[ [], [ "https://youtu.be/zxR5K8zqdEw" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.labiotech.eu/medical/cassiopea-baldness-hair-loss/" ], [], [], [], [], [ "https://pagesix.com/2018/07/25/its-highly-likely-elon-musk-spent-over-20k-on-hair-transplant-surg...
9m70iy
why do bugs fly into glasses of water where they immediately die?
With some regularity I'll come back to a glass of water that's been sitting out and find that there's a dead flying insect in it. Given that humans didn't invent standing pools of water, it seems like any bugs that *can't* fly out of water after landing in it would have evolved to *not* *fly into that water in the fir...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9m70iy/eli5_why_do_bugs_fly_into_glasses_of_water_where/
{ "a_id": [ "e7dhz8y" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Well, insects aren't that bright and rely almost exclusively on evolution for their survival as a species. A large majority of insects don't land in water because nature likely selected against those that did - the ones that fell in water and nev...
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1q20a9
how do music players and game systems pick thinks at random?
Surely this is a basic form of ai? How is music on shuffle pre programmed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1q20a9/eli5_how_do_music_players_and_game_systems_pick/
{ "a_id": [ "cd8d088", "cd8d5dh", "cd8d6jp", "cd8dczn" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "They pretty much are preprogrammed. _URL_0_", "Short answer: They don't. They choose in an order that is merely enough to trick a human brain into thinking it's random.", ...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_number_generation" ], [], [], [] ]
7p2hbd
why do old light gun video game accessories (like the nes zapper) not work on modern tvs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7p2hbd/eli5_why_do_old_light_gun_video_game_accessories/
{ "a_id": [ "dse07d3", "dsef4kj", "dsegq2d", "dseib7s" ], "score": [ 164, 39, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "CRTs would turn off the pixels and then light them up again each frame, lighting them up one by one in sequence. By timing when the light gun \"sees\" the pixel light up, it can...
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2l785g
mormonism and christianity
so question: whats the difference between mormons and christians, like what do they believe in thats different and how is church different? How hard would it be to become mormon if i am a christian?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2l785g/eli5mormonism_and_christianity/
{ "a_id": [ "cls3us2", "cls3yrj" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Mormonism is based on Christianity, but it has an additional set of gospels that detail Jesus's adventures in the New World.\n\nThere are a variety of ritualistic and mythological differences between Mormons and more mainstr...
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[ [], [] ]
6hemap
why can somebody post a picture/video of anyone online without their consent but sometimes you are asked to sign a consent form?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6hemap/eli5_why_can_somebody_post_a_picturevideo_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dixoe8q" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "People can post anything online it doesnt mean it's all legal & law enforcement have devisions dedicated to incarcerate & prosecute those illegally posting content." ] }
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3i2ge6
why can some insects survive high radiation levels they wouldn't encounter on earth and others don't?
For instance take the clichéd cockroach. They can survive substantially higher levels of radiation such as that from a nuclear weapon. Surely in nature they would never encounter such high levels of radiation, outwith some stellar events. Furthermore why do only certain species have such a great tolerance to radiation...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3i2ge6/eli5_why_can_some_insects_survive_high_radiation/
{ "a_id": [ "cucpewh", "cucu6yd" ], "score": [ 11, 3 ], "text": [ "They do not have specific adaptations for surviving radiation, but they are pretty tough little bugs that can survive injuries, starvation, etc. Insect biology just handles radiation damage better than mammals and things, m...
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2ct23y
why does iran, india, and australia have 1/2 hour time zone increments?
Looking at a world map of time zones, it seems like the half hour timezone increment isn't needed. But they exist. Why?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ct23y/eli5_why_does_iran_india_and_australia_have_12/
{ "a_id": [ "cjiqa7k", "cjis623", "cjj0rw3", "cjjbqck" ], "score": [ 5, 9, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "This is because they chose to do so. The main reason is to keep in a more precise sync with the mean solar time.", "This isn't an explanation but newfoundland Canada also has a...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
bu042r
why is the dark side of the moon not black or shadow like as opposed to the transparent look it gives off during the day?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bu042r/eli5_why_is_the_dark_side_of_the_moon_not_black/
{ "a_id": [ "ep56hto", "ep56kte", "ep56xmh" ], "score": [ 22, 7, 3 ], "text": [ "It is, but the sky is closer to you than the Moon so when the sky is blue there's blue light coming from the direction of the Moon, which is more apparent when there isn't strong light coming off the M...
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[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetshine" ], [] ]
3k9abx
how does compulsory school works in usa? (details inside)
I heard that school is compulsory in US, can you tell me how would it work in following case? Let's say there is a 12 year old 'stubborn' kid who doesn't like to go to school. Even though his parents force him to go to school, he literally would sit in his house all day. Will the police daily come to house, ha...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3k9abx/eli5_how_does_compulsory_school_works_in_usa/
{ "a_id": [ "cuvp983", "cuvpz26" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Well in the case of an extremely problematic child it's a bit case-by-case, but something would be done, yes.\n\nThe legal obligation is more to force parents to force kids than to force kids. A parent refusing to provide ed...
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86v9bk
how do big supermarket chains decide on what needs to be ordered and put on the shelf?
I work at a very small grocery store stocking shelves. 3 times a week we get a very large delivery from the supplier's warehouse, that we then break down by aisle and put it out on the shelf. We only have 9 aisles in the entire store, so the day before we get our delivery the store owner walks up and down the aisles an...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/86v9bk/eli5_how_do_big_supermarket_chains_decide_on_what/
{ "a_id": [ "dw82eiv", "dw82fa9", "dw877a7" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Supply chain management. Their system knows how many of each item they order, what days they sell the most product, when items are running low, etc. ", "At least the larger stores I've worked at had...
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