Nature
Exploring "Why" questions about Nature
487 articles
Why can’t we just drop trash in a volcano instead of dumping it in the ocean or landfills?
This is a variation on why don't we burn it, and the answer is that we don't want the materials in garbage to be burned and released into the atmosphere
Why does the rumble of thunder last so much longer than the actual lightning strike that causes it?
It's got to do with the way the lightning bolt is oriented compared to you. For all intents and purposes a lightning bolt happens in a single instant. And the shockwave, aka the thunder.
Why did I just pay $250 for a passport with a 3-week turnaround, when a driver’s license is $25 and take 30 minutes?
A driver's license is a state-issued document accepted by state governments certifying your identity and ability to drive. A passport is a federally-issued document accepted by international governmen
Why do basic Explorer file UI operations seem to take a long time in Windows?
What you are describing are Read/Write operations, which are mainly related to your hard drive. I assume you are using a HDD. Upgrading to a a SDD will improve the speed of such tasks.
Why do some wind turbines not spin, even if there’s enough wind to turn the blades?
Typically those turbines are out of commission due to routine maintenance or a failure. As far as selling electricity, there is a little bit of that, but not much; typically demand is more or less con
Why does everyone believe everything Snowden leaks as truth?
When Snowden started releasing information, the US government got very upset. You know how sometimes you get upset, even though you don't mean to? Usually it's because there is some truth there.
Why is it that in many states, an accident that occurs while turning left is automatically the fault of the driver turning left?
The person turning left is the only one with enough information to determine whether a left turn is safe. At a 4 way stop, there are potential collisions from the right, the front (oncoming) and the l
Why do we have an almost irresistable urge to place our hands on our hips when we are extremely winded?
The actual urge is to sit down, elbows on thighs and bent forward. It's called tripoding and assists with respiration by decreasing effort by providing a mechanical advantage. Hands on hips achieve a
Why does wood rot and go bad if left out in the water too long, but trees that grow in lakes can survive their entire life.
The simplest answer is that the trees are alive, and pieces of wood are pieces of dead trees. A tree has an entire internal system that regulates water and nutrients, and gets rid of excesses and wast
Why can’t flies get out of open windows as soon as you open them?
Imagine being in a very large room, and you can only see a small part of the room at any time. Someone makes a small opening (door, window) in one part of the room. You can't leave immediately since y