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7yifzx
what creates the “zooming out” effect you see when you shut off a tv or computer?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7yifzx/eli5_what_creates_the_zooming_out_effect_you_see/
{ "a_id": [ "dugsqc5", "duhbws3", "duhcy4g" ], "score": [ 133, 8, 6 ], "text": [ "If you mean on really old CRT screens, the whole picture was drawn by a single point flying across the screen very fast, horizontally, then stepping down a vertical level and repeating. When you turn ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4zc3x1
how can some metal objects be bent and still return to their original forms? (nailclippers, springs)
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4zc3x1/eli5how_can_some_metal_objects_be_bent_and_still/
{ "a_id": [ "d6ull40" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Every material can substain a certain force and return in their original form, it's called elastic deformation. If a force stronger is applied the deformation becomes irreversible and is called plastic deformation.\n\nThe reason why differs from ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5jpeo3
how do click-bait ads make anyone money?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5jpeo3/eli5_how_do_clickbait_ads_make_anyone_money/
{ "a_id": [ "dbhyakw" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I believe its one of 3 methods:\n1) the click bate is advertising a product and some people buy the product\n2)it leads to a site that encourages you to revisit because you find it fun. Then the site itself is filled with even more adds which pro...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
d41ct5
why can't landers/rovers be landed or operated on the moon the same way drones are operated on earth?
In light of the recent Chandrayaan landing failure on moon's surface, I am curious why the landers and rovers can't be operated remotely by Earth based pilots similar to how Predator drones are flown in middle East by pilots in the US? Can't communications to the lunar done be mediated through a moon orbiting satellite...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/d41ct5/eli5_why_cant_landersrovers_be_landed_or_operated/
{ "a_id": [ "f06meg5", "f06mei5", "f06mksu" ], "score": [ 12, 4, 6 ], "text": [ "\nA 1 second delay means any feedback you control is 2 seconds behind. Try driving a RC car around a track with 2 second delay. Its going to be really hard.", "Radio waves are limited to the speed...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxuwPRY8kEo" ] ]
5aday1
when we say time is the fourth dimension, can we show it on a coordinate axis? will it just have a positive axis?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5aday1/eli5when_we_say_time_is_the_fourth_dimension_can/
{ "a_id": [ "d9fkbv0", "d9fkdan" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes, time could be shown on a coordinate axis. In fact, it often is. Any time you have a graph of distance over time, velocity over time, or anything over time, time (almost always the independent variable) is the X-axis.\n\...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3veg4j
what causes the brain to spaz out and let me chew my tongue/cheek/lip while i'm eating food, even though i'm real good at it after so long?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3veg4j/eli5_what_causes_the_brain_to_spaz_out_and_let_me/
{ "a_id": [ "cxmts6m", "cxmu72g", "cxmvv8w", "cxn39ya", "cxn4nhl", "cxnp162" ], "score": [ 21, 117, 4, 2, 19, 2 ], "text": [ "Oh, ya? Well, I choke on my food (and drink!), walk into walls, miss the chair when I sit down and walk off the edge of the sidewa...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2hpbet
how smartphone cameras are made. they have "large 1.5-micron pixels"? how do they place so many in a small area? how are they wired?
I can't fathom how they get so many pixel sensors in one small area and wire them up to work. Crazy! I can't find anything online explaining in detail how they are made.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2hpbet/eli5how_smartphone_cameras_are_made_they_have/
{ "a_id": [ "ckuswi1", "ckut7g6" ], "score": [ 5, 3 ], "text": [ "1.5 microns is actually pretty large these days. Computer chips have features as small as around 14nanometers (1000 nanometers to a micron). You make these circuits using very specialized processing techniques, but basically...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photolithography" ], [ "http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=ccd&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=ccd&sc=0-0&sp=-1&sk=" ] ]
3qiksq
are diagnoses such as depression and anxiety only made in the 'first world'?
e.g. can you be 'depressed' in the 'third world'?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qiksq/eli5_are_diagnoses_such_as_depression_and_anxiety/
{ "a_id": [ "cwfiaco", "cwfifxp", "cwfm65s" ], "score": [ 2, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Why wouldn't you? Illnesses aren't bound by borders or where political alliances were formed. People all have the same chemicals that can be altered ", "I've given this a lot of thought... I have se...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
bex8kj
how does one juice a prune? if prunes are just dehydrated plums, shouldn't prune juice just be plum juice?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bex8kj/eli5_how_does_one_juice_a_prune_if_prunes_are/
{ "a_id": [ "el96utq", "el9ij87", "el9iol5", "el9k375" ], "score": [ 521, 17, 3, 7 ], "text": [ "Prunes and plums are the same fruit; the former is a dried version of the latter (like you say). The plums used for drying are called \"prunes\" (pre-dehydrating) because their ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
6ymkoh
why do people still inhabit areas which are susceptible to high-impact tropical storms, and other weather disasters?
I'm in my 30s now, but ever since I was a kid, terms like "tornado alley" and "hurricane season" have been really confusing. Why do people live in these places? In the age of scientific understanding, where everyone is atheists, it's not like we can collectively write these off as a "random act of God!" A quick go...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ymkoh/eli5_why_do_people_still_inhabit_areas_which_are/
{ "a_id": [ "dmohep8", "dmohoih", "dmohr3b", "dmoi4o4", "dmoj45b", "dmoj5fa", "dmok2ie", "dmpam0i" ], "score": [ 3, 10, 6, 4, 4, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "A reason is probably not enough money to move somewhere else, so you're stuck in that place...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
3qhcqp
how is cisa not a violation of fourth amendment rights?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qhcqp/eli5_how_is_cisa_not_a_violation_of_fourth/
{ "a_id": [ "cwf6bxz", "cwfgidp" ], "score": [ 168, 2 ], "text": [ "Lawyer here!\n\nThe short answer is that the fourth amendment does not protect information given to a third-party. Even if that information is given to a business in the course of using their services, and even where you *...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1k0qck
why do small animals have higher metabolisms than larger ones? semi-related - why do small animals have shorter lifespans than larger ones?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1k0qck/eli5_why_do_small_animals_have_higher_metabolisms/
{ "a_id": [ "cbk6kv5" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "it is to do with the surface ratio of their bodies. \n\na little mouse doesnt have much meat on its bones, so its little body has to work quick to stay warm. he also cant keep much fat stored so he has to eat and eat and be on the go\n\na big fat...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2115di
how does my dog constantly shed endless amounts of hair without ever going bald?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2115di/eli5_how_does_my_dog_constantly_shed_endless/
{ "a_id": [ "cg8mado" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It grows back as fast as it sheds." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6t5xyc
what happens to your tongue and/or tastebuds after eating a sichuan peppercorn?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6t5xyc/eli5_what_happens_to_your_tongue_andor_tastebuds/
{ "a_id": [ "dlixzon" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Pepper corn contains a substance named piperine, which both simulates your tastebuds, (I,e, your body samples it, and says \"this tastes peppery\"), but it also simulates the pain receptors in your mouth, in the same way that capsaicin does. (Ie ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
30to84
my wife and i have type o blood, my kid has a. how is this possible?
All tested, documented with the state, hospitals etc. Is he the chosen one? Did he mutate? Is the end near? Seriously though: he had jaundice at birth because of this (said the hospital). It's gone now. [Edit: re: Not the father Maury! not scientific yet buuuuut...](_URL_2_) Edit 2: Marking as explained since the ex...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/30to84/eli5_my_wife_and_i_have_type_o_blood_my_kid_has_a/
{ "a_id": [ "crhqgqw", "cpvoe1q", "cpvof7s", "cpvoqf5", "cpvotri", "cpvowm2", "cpvoxw7", "cpvv8rg", "cpvwbx2", "cpvwsg3", "cpvy2lb", "cpw0ay5", "cpw2kgm", "cpw3te3", "cpw6fgl", "cpw8dfc", "cpw8lmg", "cpw9zr8", "cpwbey3", "cpwcxp4", "c...
[]
[ "http://imgur.com/DqPYle9", "http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005Y34OKA", "http://i.imgur.com/0awVQ88.jpg" ]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hh_blood_group" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
bm4m1h
what are the differences between edible and inedible oils?
I tried searching this up online, but I couldn't find any definitive answers All of us know that some oils are edible and others aren't, but why exactly? Why isn't petroleum edible, after it's refined and all? Is there a difference in chemical structure between, for example, an edible saturated oil and an inedible sat...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bm4m1h/eli5_what_are_the_differences_between_edible_and/
{ "a_id": [ "emtonzv", "emtpcfm", "emtq0s7" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Oil is a broad class of chemicals with the property that they like other oils but dislike water. The answer is pretty much the same for any broad class of chemicals: some of them the body is able to uti...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatty_acid", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycerol" ] ]
2ph6xm
what is happening to russia's economy? is this due, in part, to sanctions imposed by the west and/how will it effect the situation in the ukraine?
Has Russia's economy being going south for a while or has the economic sanctions place upon Russia earlier this year finally starting to bite? With Russia entering recession, how will this effect it's already strained relations with the EU and the US?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2ph6xm/eli5_what_is_happening_to_russias_economy_is_this/
{ "a_id": [ "cmwm5dn", "cmwmeim" ], "score": [ 3, 20 ], "text": [ "And also, how is the price of oil tying in?", "Saudi Arabia has drastically lowered the cost of their oil. By doing so, they are putting \"the squeeze\" on Russia, and other major oil producers to either do the same, o...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
273y3z
how many terms can an ex-vp stand for if they are elevated to presidency?
I'm from the UK, so I'm sketchy on the details, here. Please feel free to put me straight on US constitutional matters ;) I'm aware that in the US, a president can only be reelected once. They stand for office as president, get elected, stand for reelection and get elected again, then you're out. Game over, thanks for...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/273y3z/eli5_how_many_terms_can_an_exvp_stand_for_if_they/
{ "a_id": [ "chx5bti", "chx5cl7" ], "score": [ 6, 5 ], "text": [ "If you serve more then half the term, it counts.\n\nIf you serve < 2 years, you can have your own two full terms.", "Text from our constitutions 22nd amendment\n\n > No person shall be elected to the office of the Pres...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1ve8ew
i get that the sky is blue because it scatters blue light, but what does "scattering" mean?
Can someone give me an explanation to this?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1ve8ew/eli5_i_get_that_the_sky_is_blue_because_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cerewcn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Scattering in an optical sense is the phenomenon of a ray of light 'hitting' or interacting with something of either roughly the same size or much smaller than the size of the wavelength, then bouncing off in either a predictable or unpredictable...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4vxrk2
what's the difference between an ordinary class and an interface in java?
After reading so many descriptions, I'm still not able to grasp what the Interface is when compared to a class in Java. Thanks, all!
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vxrk2/eli5whats_the_difference_between_an_ordinary/
{ "a_id": [ "d62aq3r", "d62wo0j" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "An interface defines what kind of methods an object supports, but it doesn't define their implementations. On the contrary, a class defines the methods as well as their implementations (unless the class is abstract, which is...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1knsur
mardi gras and the culture around it
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1knsur/eli5_mardi_gras_and_the_culture_around_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cbqv0wn", "cbqxegn" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "I grew up in Covington, La. (Northshore) The biggest misconception I have found over the years of living many different places, is that most people think that all Mardi Gras is \"slutty girls flashing for beads.\" Yes that...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.nola.com/mardigras/index.ssf/2013/01/mardi_gras_faq_answers_to_the.html#incart_river" ], [] ]
b206mb
how is an american 18 year old student, fresh out of high school, even remotely allowed to start taking on $5,000+ in debt every year for the purpose of higher education?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b206mb/eli5_how_is_an_american_18_year_old_student_fresh/
{ "a_id": [ "eipcrkf", "eipdbb9", "eipdgxt", "eipdnhq", "eipdsx9" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Because average wage with a highschool diploma was 26,780 in 2018, it was 59,124 for people with a master's. 10 years after entering the market the average h...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
cd9lai
what does a large snake do after it eats something very large, like a kangaroo or alligator?
I was looking at pictures of stuff like this and thought what does the snake do after it’s eaten it? Is it just stuck there until it digests the animal? How long does it take to digest to where they aren’t super bloated?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cd9lai/eli5_what_does_a_large_snake_do_after_it_eats/
{ "a_id": [ "etsimtn", "etsyizs" ], "score": [ 7, 3 ], "text": [ "Snakes can still move with large meals in their stomach and will usually seek out a nice quiet place where the can lay in peace and digest. Because it does slow them down, they will want to avoid predators or a lot of moveme...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5zsicn
if the big bang caused everything to expand from a central point outward, why are some galaxies moving towards one another, wouldn't everything everywhere be moving apart?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5zsicn/eli5_if_the_big_bang_caused_everything_to_expand/
{ "a_id": [ "df0njuy", "df0ol70", "df0ps8m", "df0qsxj" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 3, 6 ], "text": [ "I'm totally not a physics guru so this will definitely be on a 5 yr old level but I think it has something to do with the fact that after the initial bang and outward movement ther...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rENyyRwxpHo", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shapley_Supercluster" ] ]
62wj5s
why do horseradish and hot mustards have a different kind of "spicy" than hot peppers?
It's like... Theres not two different kinds of "sweet" or "sour", but there's a very distinct difference between the two types of "spicy". Horseradish and hot mustards are definitely what I call "spicy", but the reaction occurs mainly in my nose rather than my tongue, while peppers taste spicy on my tongue. Why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/62wj5s/eli5_why_do_horseradish_and_hot_mustards_have_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dfpm076" ], "score": [ 17 ], "text": [ "It's a different chemical ([allyl isothiocyanate](_URL_0_)) in horseradish, mustard, and wasabi that causes the \"hot\" sensation than the chemical in peppers ([capsaicin](_URL_1_)).\n\nBeing two unrelated chemicals, they each act differently up...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allyl_isothiocyanate", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsaicin" ] ]
76k8n8
how do sports announcers know how to pronounce all the players' names? whose job is it to tell them?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/76k8n8/eli5_how_do_sports_announcers_know_how_to/
{ "a_id": [ "doem1bu", "doembwf", "doenib9", "doenlty", "doentbp", "doenx5f", "doeol0f", "doep2qh", "doepg6m", "doepikr", "doeq09o", "doeq3ib", "doeqbpq", "doeqeff", "doeqldy", "doeqluu", "doeqnv3", "doer6c3", "does6d4", "doesk1k", "d...
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[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://i.reddituploads.com/7c1072e389a94011814376510ce6701b?fit=max&amp;h=1536&amp;w=1536&amp;s=746490ff4e619b2fcc965dfc66b8c95b" ], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.bbc.co.uk/informationandarchives/archivenews/2013/bbc_pronunciation" ...
j45b8
how so many people died under mao zedong
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/j45b8/eli5_how_so_many_people_died_under_mao_zedong/
{ "a_id": [ "c28zfxt" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Famine - Mao practically got rid of sparrows from China. Sounds like a great idea, except for the fact that the sparrows were the main predator to the locust. Also, Mao diverted many of China's Farmers to Steel production, and instituted some pol...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2y8opp
what exactly is the purpose of fruit bottom yogurt?
Maybe it's because I'm lazy, but I've never seen the reasoning behind having to stir the fruit into the yogurt yourself. Plus, it's next to impossible to actually get it fully mixed
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2y8opp/eli5_what_exactly_is_the_purpose_of_fruit_bottom/
{ "a_id": [ "cp78qww", "cp797ok" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a gimmick. The company can save money by making you mix your own yogurt. Nice try yogurt companies! ", "I would eat a portion of the yogurt before mixing the fruit bottom, this way the yogurt left was super-concen...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
cwqmmg
do the mentally ill ever hear beneficial voices?
The cliche is mentally ill people hear voices demanding they kill their mother or run naked down the street. Do mentally ill people ever hear helpful or encouraging voices?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cwqmmg/eli5_do_the_mentally_ill_ever_hear_beneficial/
{ "a_id": [ "eydwlzd", "eydx9dp", "eydx9tt", "eyf29b2", "eygmswh" ], "score": [ 6, 5, 12, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Depends what you mean by beneficial.\nNot that I condone it but maybe the voice is telling them to kill their mother as their mother abused them. \nCould tak...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "https://news.stanford.edu/2014/07/16/voices-culture-luhrmann-071614/" ], [], [] ]
1vbuhl
how do camouflaged animals know what they blend in to? ex. how does a stick bug know to perch on a tree limb?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1vbuhl/eli5_how_do_camouflaged_animals_know_what_they/
{ "a_id": [ "ceqpwqy", "ceqpzyl" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "They don't know that they blend in. It's evolution at it's finest. It's simply favorable mutations that occur that help that animal survive which it them passes onto its' offspring. We can actually see it happen in certain a...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/pocket-mouse-evolution" ], [] ]
99exzu
in terms of computing technology such as servers and "the cloud", what happens when you play online video game which connects to other players?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/99exzu/eli5_in_terms_of_computing_technology_such_as/
{ "a_id": [ "e4n339s", "e4nbtsf" ], "score": [ 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Video games are just a bunch of equations being run by computers. That doesn't change whether the game is on your console or in the cloud. If you're playing a console game, some of that processing is being done on your conso...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3lpjc9
why are the protesters of "black lives matter" not being arrested for blocking traffic?
I understand it is perfectly legal to stage a peaceful protest on just about anything you want, but many of these "Black Lives Matter" protests are taking place on public highways, light rails, or they are specifically trying to block community event entrances. How is this legal?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3lpjc9/eli5_why_are_the_protesters_of_black_lives_matter/
{ "a_id": [ "cv86l9x" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Because the police don't want otherwise-nonviolent protests to deteriorate into open rioting... *again*.\n\nYes, the police *could* round people up on a number of charges, but that would only aggravate the situation. And on a more practical lev...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
8i10ie
why didn't humans domesticate foxes when we were also domesticating wolves?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8i10ie/eli5_why_didnt_humans_domesticate_foxes_when_we/
{ "a_id": [ "dyo2hgn" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "we *are* working on it:\n_URL_0_\n\ni don't think there's an explanation because dogs have been following us around for over 14,000 years. for whatever reason foxes took care of themselves in that time (maybe they read Ayn Rand or something.)\n\n...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domesticated_red_fox" ] ]
325jj3
why does it sound weird when you crack a knuckle under water?
ELI5: Why does it sound weird when you crack a knuckle (or some thing like that) under water?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/325jj3/eli5_why_does_it_sound_weird_when_you_crack_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cq831gj" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "sound travels as waves through a medium like air. If you're under water, the sound still travels but its much more difficult for it to move through water than air because of how much more dense water is, changing the sound.\n\nSimilarly in space,...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4dkl6z
what does the numbers in your eye prescription mean? how do optometrists determine your prescription? what does it their equipment test/find for?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4dkl6z/eli5_what_does_the_numbers_in_your_eye/
{ "a_id": [ "d1rv06k", "d1s5rmg" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Having 20/20 vision means you can see at twenty feet what a normal person could see at that distance. Having 20/40 means at twenty feet you could see what a normal person could see at 40 feet. ", "Here's the technical de...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
boaj5c
how do major data centers generate enough heat to take up 3-4% of the worlds energy in cooling costs?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/boaj5c/eli5_how_do_major_data_centers_generate_enough/
{ "a_id": [ "enduth0" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Computers are very good at turning electricity into heat. In a data center, there's generally no way to exhaust hot air and replace it with cool air, so you need to have some sort of cooling plant/air conditioning. Computers get very pissed off...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dtq280
how do bluetooth speakers know what sound to produce and how do they actually produce the sound?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dtq280/eli5_how_do_bluetooth_speakers_know_what_sound_to/
{ "a_id": [ "f6y48bk", "f6y4bg6" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Principally, there should be no difference between a direct electrical signal from plugged-in speakers and wireless, Bluetooth ones. The information is just sent via an electromagnetic wave to a receiver, which just acts as ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
4w8728
what happens if you point a laser or flashlight at an overhead flying plane?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4w8728/eli5_what_happens_if_you_point_a_laser_or/
{ "a_id": [ "d64tsoe", "d64tu9m", "d64twj1", "d64twmj", "d64tx5t", "d64xmhv" ], "score": [ 13, 4, 8, 2, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "The laser can enter the cockpit windows, reflect around, and potentially damage/blind/disorient the pilots. Green and blue lasers are p...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymFhtmPxu-k", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI7Qq1mYQlI" ], [], [] ]
2fggpc
how can some people be allergic to cats but not dogs?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2fggpc/eli5_how_can_some_people_be_allergic_to_cats_but/
{ "a_id": [ "ck8z2am", "ck8z6i0", "ck93p46", "ck99ju8" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 15, 3 ], "text": [ "The allergens in cat dander and dog dander are different. They're not allergic to pet hair, they're allergic to the chemicals the animals produce.\n\nLike how someone can be alle...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
34spgm
why do some household chemicals suggest to drink water if the product is accidentally swallowed?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34spgm/eli5_why_do_some_household_chemicals_suggest_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cqxq5yi", "cqxq5z3", "cqxqmuz", "cqxqnxz" ], "score": [ 6, 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "It dilutes the chemical in your stomach making it (hopefully) less toxic. That way you get sick and go to the hospital instead of dying.", "Basically, you're spreading the mole...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
49nqxv
why does japan's economy need to grow
For about the last twenty years you can reliably expect some publication to highlight Japan's economic stagnation from some wonky publication. Every single one takes a priori that this is a bad thing, but Japan has a rapidly shrinking and aging population, nearly flat inflation rates, and from what I can tell, a prett...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/49nqxv/eli5_why_does_japans_economy_need_to_grow/
{ "a_id": [ "d0t9xnh", "d0tal20", "d0tqzhy", "d0tr8ob" ], "score": [ 10, 6, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "It all comes down to consumption. Japan has the third largest GPD in the world, and - if I recall - it has one of the top 5 biggest buying powers in the world. Globalization relie...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquidity_trap" ], [], [] ]
aggw47
electric car pollution
ELI5: If electric cars are being touted for their low pollution levels aren’t we trading the cars pollution for the electric generating power plants pollution? This doesn’t seem like a benefit, why will going all electric benefit the environment? Edit: Thanks for the replies and explanations
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aggw47/eli5_electric_car_pollution/
{ "a_id": [ "ee658ro", "ee65hc8", "ee65lvi", "ee69jdo", "ee7zxun" ], "score": [ 5, 8, 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A massive centralized electric generator is *waaaaaaaaaaaay* more efficient and clean than having a bunch of individual gas powered engines, even if that plan...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
1kgg1g
why do praying mantises eat the male when done mating?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kgg1g/eli5_why_do_praying_mantises_eat_the_male_when/
{ "a_id": [ "cboo524", "cbooe7h", "cbotusm", "cbowi60", "cboxawq" ], "score": [ 23, 10, 5, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Having served his only purpose he is going to die anyway. The extra protein he provides gives his offspring a greater chance to survive.\n\nDid you know tha...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2010939_2010938_2010932,00.html" ], [], [] ]
b8armb
if boiling something for a few minutes is effective at disinfecting it, why can’t we safely eat spoiled meat, as long as it’s cooked at high temperatures?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b8armb/eli5_if_boiling_something_for_a_few_minutes_is/
{ "a_id": [ "ejwqjfv", "ejwr0pp", "ejwr7v7", "ejx3fuv" ], "score": [ 3, 23, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Most often that's still safe, but *sometimes* the bacteria that grew in the mean can leave behind toxic waste products.\n", "You can kill the bugs but you don't necessarily de...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
19tgs9
i understand that the earth is spinning on an axis at great speeds. if that's the case, why do the stars and the moon not appear as if they're whizzing past us as we spin?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/19tgs9/i_understand_that_the_earth_is_spinning_on_an/
{ "a_id": [ "c8r590z", "c8r5c8r", "c8r5pox", "c8r8su4" ], "score": [ 9, 5, 11, 5 ], "text": [ "Well imagine you are riding in a tiny car. The ground goes by fast because its closer.\n\nNow imagine flying in an airplane. The clouds would move faster but the things on the gro...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth%27s_rotation#Angular_speed", "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/Rotation_of_earth.jpg" ], [], [] ]
xrwol
why is the camera on the mars rover so low quality?
Not to downgrade how impressive "curiosity" is, but why can't we get hi-res, color images or video?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/xrwol/eli5_why_is_the_camera_on_the_mars_rover_so_low/
{ "a_id": [ "c5p1b0c", "c5p67a9", "c5p8nah" ], "score": [ 38, 6, 2 ], "text": [ "We can, just not yet. These cameras are the initial landing cameras to make sure it survived the landing. Later this week, the fancy dancey cameras will spring up and give us lovely, awesome (like, lit...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
4xdm0c
how is music so incredibly innate?
Perhaps because it's been in our lives for so long?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xdm0c/eli5_how_is_music_so_incredibly_innate/
{ "a_id": [ "d6ekcxf" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "Music is fundamentally just patterns. The human brain is the most effective pattern recognising machine that has ever existed (to the point of being too good at it). " ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
9ui7ku
how does gravity work? like, why does the center of our planet pull everything towards itself?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9ui7ku/eli5_how_does_gravity_work_like_why_does_the/
{ "a_id": [ "e94g0vp", "e94g89t", "e94hagx", "e94nn6d" ], "score": [ 5, 7, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Imagine space like an elastic stretched out, and a planet like a football on it. The football is big, so it stretches the elastic and small things fall down towards it. If somethin...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
21m227
how exactly does minecraft generate worlds from random words and numbers, and how do they stay the same (seed) forever?
ELI5 please
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21m227/eli5_how_exactly_does_minecraft_generate_worlds/
{ "a_id": [ "cgecohm" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "There are programs called Random Number Generators. This is a misnomer: they don't generate random numbers, they generate pseudo-random numbers. They do this by performing complex mathematical operations on what is referred to as a 'seed value'. ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
6kelzx
"remastering" a movie?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6kelzx/eli5_remastering_a_movie/
{ "a_id": [ "djlgfme", "djlgixj" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Most movies in existence were shot on film and the \"master\" is still film in an archive. From there, over time, it gets transferred to various media for re-use, such as analogue video tape for TV, then digital for DVD etc....
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
1jkv03
what is the biological process behind us feeling phsycially sick when we receive bad news/ are sad.
We've all received some sort of terrible news that has made us feel physically ill- tightening of chest, light headedness, nausea. I'm just curious as to what our bodies go through when we are sad or shocked that causes these feelings.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1jkv03/eli5_what_is_the_biological_process_behind_us/
{ "a_id": [ "cbfnxpg" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "You just received some bad news? Well, that sucks. You're sad or nervous or angry, but meanwhile your body will do its best to prepare for something bad.\n\nYour brain sends signals through your nervous system to your adrenal gland, which sits ju...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3swrs3
with humans being a 3-dimensional creature, do we perceive the world in a 3d or 2d perspective?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3swrs3/eli5_with_humans_being_a_3dimensional_creature_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cx10tj1" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "We feel everything in 3D, our eyes both see 2D images and the brain puts that together to create a 3D image. We smell and hear in 3D. We technically live in a world with more than 3 dimensions, for instance time. However we have very limited cont...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
dfo01b
what the blizzard hate is all about
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/dfo01b/eli5_what_the_blizzard_hate_is_all_about/
{ "a_id": [ "f34pu8o", "f34q3sr" ], "score": [ 5, 5 ], "text": [ "There was a high level hearthstone(video game) tournament after which the winning player stated his support for the Hong Kong protestors on live stream. Blizzard then banned the player from tournaments for a year, revoked al...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
3b9fif
how does a toddler "know" it's being cute?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3b9fif/eli5_how_does_a_toddler_know_its_being_cute/
{ "a_id": [ "csk3quo", "csk3xh7" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It learns that it's being cute because it gets a lot of attention for the behavior. So it will try out different variations of the behavior to garner more attention. It doesn't necessarily know it's being cute *per se*, just...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
6bbinh
why are there poor areas in cities? and why are they usually in a certain part of the city?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6bbinh/eli5_why_are_there_poor_areas_in_cities_and_why/
{ "a_id": [ "dhl9lbk", "dhlojv1" ], "score": [ 18, 2 ], "text": [ "It's a little easier to explain why richer people flock to certain parts of a city first. Some areas are attractive to wealthier people because they have nice views, they're quiet, have parks nearby, high end grocery stores...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
5cka8b
india's new currency crisis.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5cka8b/eli5_indias_new_currency_crisis/
{ "a_id": [ "d9x4dmg" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "India has scrapped the 500 & 1,000 note rupee. They were the largest bank notes in circulation. They did it with no warning. The reasons, they wanted to crack down on corruption, counterfeiting, money laundering, and tax evasion.\n\nThose bank ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
634yaw
why does it feel good to put your feet up?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/634yaw/eli5_why_does_it_feel_good_to_put_your_feet_up/
{ "a_id": [ "dfrj3lk", "dfru0xt" ], "score": [ 108, 8 ], "text": [ "There's a few reasons. \n1: It removes/Moves pressure from the bottom of your feet, where there's pressure 99 percent of the time. Even when youre sitting. \n\n2: it helps keep your legs elevated above your heart which is ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
60vxbz
why are people in the united states socialized to believe that math is unreasonably difficult?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/60vxbz/eli5_why_are_people_in_the_united_states/
{ "a_id": [ "df9ourf" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "It is not really a result of socialization. The opinion that math is hard is from personal experience in our advanced math classes. When students struggle to understand a subject or out right fail to understand it they deem it as being difficult....
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1sutni
can someone explain to me why exactly we smell? like i know our noses do the work and tell our brains, but why do objects have smells and what gives them smells?
I smelled some steak and mashed potatoes, and thought, why am I smelling these different things?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1sutni/eli5_can_someone_explain_to_me_why_exactly_we/
{ "a_id": [ "ce1gwkm" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Your nose works kinda like your tongue, molecules hit the receptors and they produce a signal based on how the molecule \"feels like\".\n\nCompletely solid materials, like glass and most metals don't smell because they don't release anything for ...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
b8h0ny
how do colds and flus strike with similar symptoms in geographically differing locations?
So i understand that humans move around a lot, but in the UK at least we have a strong history of "oh yeah, thats doing the rounds" for colds and minor illnesses. Is this a real epidemiological thing? If so is caused by humans moving around? & #x200B; What im basically tryna get to is, are our colds from space du...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b8h0ny/eli5_how_do_colds_and_flus_strike_with_similar/
{ "a_id": [ "ejxrf25" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Flu works in a wave that starts from East Asia and works its way into Europe during the \"flu season\". It infects people in one town, then the next, then the next as people and animals move around. That is how it was explained to me." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5a0qqe
why do our bodies require such variety of vitamins and minerals when we (as a species) have never had sufficient resources until recently?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5a0qqe/eli5_why_do_our_bodies_require_such_variety_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d9cs8sz", "d9ctea7", "d9cu2bs", "d9cu7kf", "d9cuf54", "d9d30ng", "d9d8rw3", "d9daqgu" ], "score": [ 46, 3, 6, 12, 4, 6, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "A lot of humans **did** die off. Before the advent of stable agriculture and farming, huma...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
moii7
images taken from space
I love looking at the pictures we capture from space (r/spaceporn is a great sub-reddit!), I just don't really understand how they are taken. Are the colors in the photographs the "actual" colors of the astronomical events, or are they super-imposed? I have a bunch of questions, but don't want to sound like an idiot, s...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/moii7/eli5_images_taken_from_space/
{ "a_id": [ "c32ku25", "c32l3hq", "c32lrxw", "c32ku25", "c32l3hq", "c32lrxw" ], "score": [ 20, 10, 2, 20, 10, 2 ], "text": [ "Space is dark and boring as clouds of gas and dust block most of the light we could otherwise see. We have to use technology like x...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "Hubblesite.org", "http://hubblesite.org/gallery/behind_the_pictures/meaning_of_color/" ], [], [], [ "Hubblesite.org", "http://hubblesite.org/gallery/behind_the_pictures/meaning_of_color/" ] ]
3311rb
do secret services actually do cool movie things or it's just office work and/or normal police operations?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3311rb/eli5_do_secret_services_actually_do_cool_movie/
{ "a_id": [ "cqghov9", "cqghp13", "cqglp9p", "cqgn3wg" ], "score": [ 3, 30, 8, 2 ], "text": [ "Well, there might be a little bit of the cool movie things in operations. But if you are looking for a parallel for what they do, it's not police.\n\nIt's a news department.\n\nAn...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
1i7eyc
how can the cleveland kidnapper be facing 977 charges?
News link: _URL_0_ How can he be facing all those charges? Did he kidnap 512 people?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1i7eyc/eli5_how_can_the_cleveland_kidnapper_be_facing/
{ "a_id": [ "cb1pv2u", "cb1sg29", "cb1tdmx", "cb1unyo" ], "score": [ 12, 3, 3, 8 ], "text": [ "Hes facing charges of rape, kidnapping and murder. My assumption is each rape is charged seperately.", "I asked a similar question over at /r/ask. Got a good explanation [her...
[]
[ "http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/12/19440862-ariel-castro-now-faces-977-count-indictment-prosecutors-announce?lite" ]
[ [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/answers/comments/1i6h0b/in_court_how_do_they_calculate_counts_of_rape/" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/AskSocialScience/comments/1g6z8i/how_is_ariel_castro_charged_with_177_counts_of/" ], [] ]
m4nbo
depreciation
Calculation is not a problem, and I understand how assets would have their value reduced over time, but I still have a problem grasping the whole concept.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/m4nbo/eli5_depreciation/
{ "a_id": [ "c2y21pb", "c2y3583", "c2y21pb", "c2y3583" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "What exactly are you having trouble grasping and ill see if I can help. Just need a guideline.", "Let's say you want to calculate the depreciation of your newly build computer....
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
btna08
how does 5g wireless technology work?
I keep hearing about 5G and I want to know how it works.I searched on this forum and only got answers talking about the benefits 5G will supposedly have, not the technology. 1G is basically a walkie-talkie. Inefficient use of frequency. 2G is the digitization of the spectrum that used it much more efficiently. You ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/btna08/eli5_how_does_5g_wireless_technology_work/
{ "a_id": [ "ep1i3db" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "You can find a complete outline of the most up to date 5G standards published by [3GPP](_URL_0_). DR 21.915 provides a summary of each Release, The current standard, 1.1.0 can be found in release 15: \n\nThe 5G requirements have been defined in t...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.3gpp.org/specifications" ] ]
16lvw0
shannon entropy (information entropy)
I was always interested in informational entropy. I've taken physics and I learned about the entropy (S). I "understand" the implication, consequences, and limitation entropy poses on real world apparatus (Q = E+W, but entropy is going to fuck things up, so you can't get same amount of Work with all the heat a...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16lvw0/shannon_entropy_information_entropy/
{ "a_id": [ "c7x8ag7", "c7x8gvd", "c7x8r8d", "c7xay5f" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3, 3 ], "text": [ "Here the intuitive definition of entropy (measure of disorder) helps to better understand the problem. \n\nThe term Shannon entropy, is mostly used when talking about compression. ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://xkcd.com/936/" ], [] ]
3c90tf
when you press hard on your skin and it leaves a white imprint for about a second, what is going on?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3c90tf/eli5_when_you_press_hard_on_your_skin_and_it/
{ "a_id": [ "cstcef5", "cstckcr" ], "score": [ 5, 7 ], "text": [ "You're squeezing the blood out when you push on it and it takes a second for your cappilaries to refill. During that time there's nothing but your skin color showing.", "It's called 'Blanching'. As a nurse I use this a ...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
7xu2fw
why do your earphones make noise when you walk through thief detectors at the doors of libraries?
Edit: I am not stealing headphones. I walk in and out of the library regularly while listening to music.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7xu2fw/eli5_why_do_your_earphones_make_noise_when_you/
{ "a_id": [ "dub5e37", "dub9lb3", "dublntf" ], "score": [ 141, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "Those detectors use magnetic sensors to detect specialized tags placed on or in big-ticket items. If you've ever seen one of those stickers with a big metallic spiral on the back, that's one design fo...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
eeo0sv
how do this gold and silver rescue blankets keep people warm although they are so thin?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/eeo0sv/eli5_how_do_this_gold_and_silver_rescue_blankets/
{ "a_id": [ "fbv21qd", "fbv3qmf", "fbv6ffs", "fbv7imn", "fbvtkqi" ], "score": [ 16, 3, 7, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There's something about infrared reflexion.... The body heat you generate, reflect on the blanket so your body doesn't lose any heat. NASA developed the prod...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
33s21k
is the ratio of the diameter of an atomic nucleus to an electron about the same as sun to one of our planets? also, which is more dense: atom or solar system?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/33s21k/eli5is_the_ratio_of_the_diameter_of_an_atomic/
{ "a_id": [ "cqnv6g5" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Let's take hydrogen. Bohr radius is 5.3x10^-11 m, that's kinda where the electron is. Proton radius is 9x10^-16 m. 60,000x larger. \r\r\rSolar system. Sun's radius is 7x10^8 m. Earth's radius is 1.5x10^11 m. 214x. \r\r\rWe could also take a pla...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
2rzfv2
if germs are the biggest killers in hospitals, then why don't they have security checkpoints at the entrances and key areas where people have to disinfect their hands and stand under uv lights for a few seconds?
It seems like the costs of installing UV lights everywhere and inconveniences of having to go through checkpoints (except for in emergencies) would be justified.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2rzfv2/eli5_if_germs_are_the_biggest_killers_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cnkotml" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Germs are the biggest killers in hospitals because hospitals are clean. The disinfectants can't kill all germs and the ones that survive are ones that have grown resistant to the cleaning so when they infect someone antibiotics won't work well. "...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
23dr7r
is the common gay "lisp" something one is born with or is it acquired over time? is it natural or forced?
This came to mind as I watched last night's episode of Portlandia. The sketch with Nick Swardson as the gay brother got me thinking about this. Please answer seriously.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/23dr7r/eli5_is_the_common_gay_lisp_something_one_is_born/
{ "a_id": [ "cgvzz1k" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "While the answer is not certain, modern science considers it primarily genetic. In addition, the more feminine gay men will subconsciously adapt female speech patterns. Regardless, it is definitely not forced - the stereotype of the \"gay accent\...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
1m0szj
multi-core processors
most of the explanations i can find aren't dumbed down enough for me. i need something simple and to the point. i understand that processors are like the brains of computers, but i'm lost when it comes to cores and stuff like that, anything is helpful.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1m0szj/eli5_multicore_processors/
{ "a_id": [ "cc4onc9", "cc4onsx", "cc4oz2w" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 49 ], "text": [ "A single core processor, no matter how fast it is, can only process one \"thread\" of information at a time. Having multiple cores in a single processor allows one thread per core to be processed per ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
2vbwva
who is in charge of making trailers for movies?
The people who make trailers either show too much (Terminator 2 ruined the whole "who's there to kill John" thing) or show parts to make the movie seem like a comedy, then the next trailer for the same movie will make it look serious. Some trailers make the movie look great when it's a pile o' crap, and vice versa.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2vbwva/eli5_who_is_in_charge_of_making_trailers_for/
{ "a_id": [ "cog8xaj", "cog9j26" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "There are independent production companies that produce trailers and there are divisions within movie studios that produce trailers.\n\nThe studio that is in charge of distribution will work with their marketing departments...
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[ [], [] ]
316s34
since anti-inflammatory medication and ice suppress the body's natural reaction to injury, do these treatments impede the healing process?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/316s34/eli5_since_antiinflammatory_medication_and_ice/
{ "a_id": [ "cpyyzwe", "cpyzi76" ], "score": [ 26, 3 ], "text": [ "Yes, in most cases yes taking an anti-inflammatory will slow the healing process but let you continue on with your life pain free and mobile. There are a few cases where excessive swelling can lead to Compartment Syndrome,...
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[ [], [] ]
4gheow
why can the outer most orbit of an atom hold only a maximum of 8 electrons?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4gheow/eli5_why_can_the_outer_most_orbit_of_an_atom_hold/
{ "a_id": [ "d2hlkbb", "d2hmwf9", "d2i01ej", "d2i6dyd" ], "score": [ 6, 33, 14, 3 ], "text": [ "Each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons each. For the second row atoms like C, N and O the valence orbitals are one 2s and three 2p which gives a total of 8 valence electr...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
3re76n
why political correctness is viewed as evil on reddit.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I hold proven facts above just trying not to offend people, but I see people on here complaining about pc like it's racism or something. I'm also not the kind to get super upset about someone getting in trouble for just being a plain old racist/homophobe. So – is it all just 'freeze peach' ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3re76n/eli5_why_political_correctness_is_viewed_as_evil/
{ "a_id": [ "cwn8jww", "cwn9bto", "cwn9ftq", "cwna1gs", "cwnc9tf", "cwnebxt" ], "score": [ 11, 3, 7, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Basically, there are a lot of folks on Reddit for whom the idea of \"Don't be a dick to others\" is the worst possible thing ever. Or w...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/03/bahar-mustafa-charges-dropped-killallwhitemen-row" ] ]
3tw0o4
why are managers more often millionaires than doctors/dentists?
I have been trying to figure this data out from this chart but it doesn't make sense seeing doctors/dentists on average make the most out of any profession 27% are entrepreneurs 15% are corporate executives 7% are managers 6% are investors 6% are doctors and dentists doctors/dentists are the lowest on both lists ...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3tw0o4/eli5why_are_managers_more_often_millionaires_than/
{ "a_id": [ "cx9perp", "cx9ph5b" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "Because managing people effectively is one of the most sought-after, and rare, skill-sets in the job market. That makes a good manager worth a huge amount of money.", "If you're the world's best dentist, you only have so...
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[ "http://business.time.com/2012/11/27/5-career-paths-to-the-millionaires-club/", "http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/03/26/surprising-job-that-gets-many-americans-into-the-millionaire-clu/" ]
[ [], [] ]
kbm9v
critical theory
Specifically how it relates to Marxism. And what on Earth is post structuralism?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/kbm9v/eli5_critical_theory/
{ "a_id": [ "c2iyocz", "c2iyocz" ], "score": [ 4, 4 ], "text": [ "Critical theory is a collection of ideas on how to criticize parts of culture. We see all kinds of stuff everyday, but critical theory gives us ideas on how to understand how cultural stuff works--i.e., who creates it, who c...
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[]
[ [ "http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01348907f3ea970c-600wi" ], [ "http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01348907f3ea970c-600wi" ] ]
2mo4a2
four dimensional geometry
The idea of four dimensional geometry is perplexing to me. Is It a study of reality or purely theoretical thinking? If it is real then how do do we perecieve it?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2mo4a2/eli5_four_dimensional_geometry/
{ "a_id": [ "cm675if" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "I'll jump at any chance I have to post a [Carl Sagan video](_URL_0_)." ] }
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[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnURElCzGc0" ] ]
6ppx8g
why do some people wash chicken before cooking it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ppx8g/eli5_why_do_some_people_wash_chicken_before/
{ "a_id": [ "dkr8bni", "dkr9yu7" ], "score": [ 2, 5 ], "text": [ "To clean off potential surface contamination that could be on the bird, which they may not want to go into their cooking. That being said, many groups recommend against doing so, because of the risk of spreading the contamin...
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1rp7p7
are oligopolys operating in the us today?
If monopolies and Oligopolys are "illegal" by today's standards in order to prevent a small group of people to control a market... Why is it that we only have a handful of major cellphone service providers and a handful of cable companies who's prices are suspiciously similar?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1rp7p7/eli5_are_oligopolys_operating_in_the_us_today/
{ "a_id": [ "cdphuoh", "cdpk91z" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "Monopolies are not illegal. Using your monopoly to engage in various anti competitive practices is. (Price fixing, dumping, bundling, preferential pricing, etc. etc. The list goes on).\n\nOligopolies are not illegal. Chargin...
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[ [], [ "http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/11/26/bell-mobility-net-neutrality_n_4338654.html" ] ]
3m7e77
if someone goes to bed thinking they have something to do when they wake, why do they tend to not remember?
About to go to bed, I need to get stuff done when I wake up. Often I'll wake up and then completely forget these goals, why?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3m7e77/eli5_if_someone_goes_to_bed_thinking_they_have/
{ "a_id": [ "cvcshix" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "You should respect your memory for what it is, temporary storage. Even long term memories can become distorted. This is why eyewitness testimony ranks very low in terms of court evidence.\n\nI treat my memory like files on my computer: if it is ...
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a93wtb
why do countries want to avoid having a weak currency? how do they work on getting a stronger currency?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a93wtb/eli5_why_do_countries_want_to_avoid_having_a_weak/
{ "a_id": [ "ecg88z2", "ecg8fih", "ecg8ml2" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 4 ], "text": [ "They don’t, and shouldn’t worry about the relative values of currency. It doesn’t matter if my 100 blink-credits is worth 1USD or 1000USD, since I can split/unsplit it to any amount I wish (eg 1 blinko...
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[ [], [], [] ]
pz7kj
buttermilk. what is it? how to do/get it?
I'm going to bake cheescake-panncakes for my man. Never heard of buttermilk in Sweden before (American recipe) so..... what to do? didn't really get what google told me.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/pz7kj/eli5_buttermilk_what_is_it_how_to_doget_it/
{ "a_id": [ "c3te6yp", "c3te8ji", "c3teda7", "c3teehu" ], "score": [ 2, 8, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "[I have never done this before](_URL_0_), but it seems to have good reviews. Short of actually *making* buttermilk, if you can't buy it in the store this might be your best bet. ...
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[ [ "http://frugalliving.about.com/od/condimentsandspices/r/Buttermilk_Sub.htm" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buttermilk" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filmjölk" ] ]
3326eb
how is "a strong smell of marijuana" a valid excuse to search a vehicle?
It's impossible to prove. It can easily be lied about. I just don't get it.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3326eb/eli5_how_is_a_strong_smell_of_marijuana_a_valid/
{ "a_id": [ "cqgsquv", "cqgswwi", "cqgv79s", "cqgyv0n" ], "score": [ 14, 17, 3, 5 ], "text": [ "Smell is just as valid a sense as sight. If they see something illegal in your backseat, that's just as valid a reason for probable cause as smelling marijuana.", "It's a val...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
bctw2e
how does stubhub make sure that the seller doesn’t just keep their original ticket and still use it, especially for mobile tickets?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bctw2e/eli5_how_does_stubhub_make_sure_that_the_seller/
{ "a_id": [ "ektebpg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "The code associated with the ticket refreshes every couple of minutes. Even if they took a screenshot of the ticket’s qr code, it wouldn’t be valid three minutes later." ] }
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2qmibe
how does higher oxygen content in the atmosphere lead to bigger insects
Saw an [article](_URL_0_) on giant dragonflies and it got me curious. Does that mean humans would be bigger if there was more oxygen?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2qmibe/eli5_how_does_higher_oxygen_content_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cn7i7s0" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Insects respirate through a series of tubes that are connected to the air. They don't breathe the way we do, and their blood doesn't carry oxygen to cells (mostly, there are some midges, for instance, that have hemoglobin). They have a bunch of ...
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[ "http://www.cracked.com/article_18445_7-thankfully-extinct-giant-versions-modern-animals.html/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=fanpage&amp;utm_campaign=new+article&amp;wa_ibsrc=fanpage" ]
[ [] ]
4burnj
why do officials test urine instead of blood for drugs in professional sports?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4burnj/eli5why_do_officials_test_urine_instead_of_blood/
{ "a_id": [ "d1clezg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "They actually do test blood under some conditions in sports. However, urine tests are very non-invasive, easy, and reliable. Blood testing is more reliable, but more invasive and people don't like that too much, and urine tests are good enough ...
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52yc9g
what is the scientific reasoning behind feeling peaceful during a near death experience?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/52yc9g/eli5what_is_the_scientific_reasoning_behind/
{ "a_id": [ "d7oppv0" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Full disclosure: I'm not an expert. However, from what I have learned there is a chemical in your brain which is released both at birth and death/during near death experiences. DMT - as I know it (there may be other, or more technical terms) - ca...
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6vdt86
if the human throat has two pipes, one for breathing and one for swallowing, why do we choke when something gets stuck in our throat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6vdt86/eli5_if_the_human_throat_has_two_pipes_one_for/
{ "a_id": [ "dlzg6up", "dlzgc0y", "dlzgfvp" ], "score": [ 3, 5, 2 ], "text": [ "You choke for one simple reason. I shall explain. We choke because the food gets stuck in your breathing pipe, which cuts off air.", "when you're swallowing normally, there's a flap that covers your...
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[ [], [], [] ]
5qnnix
if your accent has changed since you were a kid, why is it that after a few drinks you revert back to the old accent?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5qnnix/eli5_if_your_accent_has_changed_since_you_were_a/
{ "a_id": [ "dd0onqz", "dd0oxrn", "dd0rm9g", "dd0skwc", "dd0st74", "dd0uns1" ], "score": [ 36, 19, 17, 12, 8, 3 ], "text": [ "It takes effort (unconscious effort after some length of time) to maintain a different accent than your first; when you're drinking ...
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[ [ "http://bodyodd.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/07/18827543-hey-yall-why-yous-guys-accents-come-back-when-youre-drinking" ], [], [], [], [], [] ]
67oo0c
what was it about the russian winter that deliberated the german army and gave the russians the edge to push forward and make it through?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/67oo0c/eli5_what_was_it_about_the_russian_winter_that/
{ "a_id": [ "dgs0cpw" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "The German army were not prepared to fight a war in winter. When designing the equipment there are a lot of things to take into consideration. A uniform that is pleasant to use during summer might not offer a lot of warmth during the winter. Simi...
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aizlyq
what happens in the brain when someone experiences claustrophobia?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/aizlyq/eli5_what_happens_in_the_brain_when_someone/
{ "a_id": [ "eeru92r" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Fears are not easy to describe, although it is commonly a logical pathway. \n\nClaustraphobia is likely less about small spaces and more about lack of freedom or lack of escape routes. So when you are in a small space you could freak out by think...
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21w34r
if we don't actually touch anything and all we feel is the molecules pushing against each other, why do we get sticky after touching something like a lollipop
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/21w34r/eli5_if_we_dont_actually_touch_anything_and_all/
{ "a_id": [ "cgh1y90", "cgh57px" ], "score": [ 5, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the molecules from the lollipop are attracted to the molecules of our skin...", "The people who say that are splitting hairs. Yes, atoms are mostly empty space, so you're not really \"touching\" things in the int...
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8ic2rt
how does a hose work with an attachment? how does it not explode off? does the water pressure stop?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8ic2rt/eli5_how_does_a_hose_work_with_an_attachment_how/
{ "a_id": [ "dyqljqf", "dyqmej1", "dyqr1fv", "dyquddf" ], "score": [ 3, 4, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Because the attachment is either crimped or clamped onto the hose in such a way that it can withstand the pressure of the water. ", " > Does the water pressure stop?\n\nPressu...
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[ [], [], [], [] ]
48bo0l
how do people with birthdays on february 29th get their age calculated with things like drivers licenses and passports?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/48bo0l/eli5_how_do_people_with_birthdays_on_february/
{ "a_id": [ "d0ibwyd", "d0ibznt" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Just like everyone else. Just because the exact day of your birth doesn't appear that year doesn't mean you don't age that year. On non leap years, they legally turn a year older on March 1st.", "Your mileage may vary ba...
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5hzn20
how does a "secure" website connection actually work?
I understand that the data we exchange with the target server is encrypted, so that's what makes it secure against an ISP trying to spy on your info. BUT for either party to decrypt the data, they would need like the key or password to do so right? So this key/password needs to be transmitted between the two parties.....
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5hzn20/eli5_how_does_a_secure_website_connection/
{ "a_id": [ "db4747y", "db47tuu" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "This is a great question. The short answer is that no, unless there's a known bug or vulnerability, the ISP can't decrypt these messages.\n\nThe magic is called \"secure key exchange\", and it's basically a way for both the ...
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6ocnhg
why did the term/joke "ethiopian food" have to be specifically ethiopia, don't countries like sudan/zimbabwe have bigger starvation problems?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ocnhg/eli5_why_did_the_termjoke_ethiopian_food_have_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dkgcvng", "dkgcyci" ], "score": [ 7, 5 ], "text": [ "The 1983–85 famine in Ethiopia affected around eight million people, resulting in one million dead. There were a number of telethons, fund raisers, and news reports specifically about Ethiopia. Sally Struthers rammed the im...
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[ [], [] ]