Science
Exploring "Why" questions about Science
484 articles
Why are gas prices so high even though the US is producing the most it has in over two decades?
That's a loaded question, but on an ELI5 level: Higher domestic production is just one small piece of the supply and demand curves that dictate gas pricing. Other factors, particularly supply of impor
why do collegiate athletes from military schools (Army, Navy, Air Force) need permission to play in pro sports?
When a person is accepted into a service academy, they don't pay any tuition but they make a commitment to serve a certain term of years in their chosen military branch after graduation. If that playe
Why do your emotions come in ‘waves’ after something very emotional occurs?
most emotions come from chemicals in the brain such as dopamine, oxytocin, adrenalin, serotonin, etc. When your brain starts to release these chemicals, it doesn't happen all at once. It begins to sec
Why doesn’t the surface of a pool of paint dry or crust up?
The solvent has to 'migrate' through the paint to escape into the air. The surface can't dry til the solvent is practically all gone. (Once it's mostly dry, the migration slows and the inside does tak
Why do girls generally find it harder to achieve an orgasm despite having way more nerve ending than men in their privates?
Female orgasms aren't necessary for reproduction. The man has to ejaculate sperm through an orgasm. The women doesn't have to ejaculate anything.
Why do electric utility companies (in the US) subsidize the cost of LED light bulbs?
Because many of these utilities are not run for profit as they are city government utilities. They want people to use less electricity.
Why does it matter that the NSA has access to private information?
What would you say if your neighbour was recording your calls and saving your emails? How about if it was a complete stranger? When you asked them why, they'd say 'to make sure you aren't a terrorist'
Why 8 fl. oz. of water, frozen does not weigh equal 8 fl. oz. of liquid water (minus weigh of container)
If you take 8 fluid ounces of water and weigh it, it should be 0.52 pounds. If you freeze that 8 fluid ounces of water and weigh it again, it should be 0.52 pounds. The *volume* will change because at
Why do you sweat sometimes even if you feel really cold?
You sweat to release the heat building in your core. You feel cold because on the surface you are but inside your body is still heating up and needs to release that heat through your pores.
Why do modern lightbulbs seem to only last for eight or so years but the first lightbulb ever made still runs today?
It's not the first bulb ever made that still runs today. Early light bulbs used to last only a few hours before burning out. A specific light bulb, with low energy consumption and a thick carbon-based