Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS

iStock

What Does That Little Chip On My Credit Card Do?

They're old news for Europeans.

What Was the Most Profitable Contractual Loophole in History?

An answer from our friends at Quora.

YouTube

What Are Subway Conductors Always Pointing At?

It may look silly, but they do it to keep us safe.

iStock

How High Can Runaway Helium Balloons Fly?

The maximum soaring height of that lost party favor depends on physics.

iStock

Could You Really Cry Someone a River?

Some enterprising students decided to find out.

iStock

What Is Light Pollution? (And How Can We Clean It Up?)

All night skies are not created equal.

What Is the Difference Between a King and an Emperor?

A regal answer from our friends at Quora.

iStock

How Do Dogs Drink Water?

It's loud and sometimes messy, but it gets the job done.

How Can Water On Earth Be Older Than the Solar System?

An answer from our friends at Quora.

iStock

Why Do We Eat Junk Food When We’re Bored?

Scientists say the discomfort of being bored drives us to seek out dopamine-stimulating sweet or fatty foods.

Getty Images

How Do Draft Picks Get Personalized Jerseys So Fast?

Do they print up jerseys for every possible scenario and send the extras to El Salvador?

iStock

Why Do I Make a Weird Face When I Apply Mascara?

The scientific reason behind those peculiar mouth contortions.

iStock

Why Do Toll-Free Numbers Start With 800?

1-800-WHAT-WHY?

iStock

How Did Saloons in the Old West Lock Their Doors at Night?

What stopped no-good varmints from crawling underneath the doors?

iStock

Why Is the Room Where Talent Waits Called the 'Green Room'?

iStock

Why Is Breathing More Difficult When We're Stressed?

It seems like the more we need air, the more we have to remind ourselves to get it.

iStock

Does Adding Salt to Water Make It Boil Sooner?

iStock

Why Are Taxes Due on April 18 This Year?

As Washington, D.C. residents already know, it's because of an important holiday.

Edward I // Wikimedia Commons

Where Does ‘Rigmarole’ Come From?

It dates back to the 13th century, and may have been a dirty court game.

istock

Where Did 'Kiss the Cook' Come From?

Would It Be Possible For Someone to Actually Become Batman?

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na...doubt it!

iStock

Why Does Hair on Moles Grow More Quickly?

Science is a little stumped by this one.

iStock.com/coramueller

Why Are Your Favorite Rain Boots Called 'Wellies'?

Much like sandwiches and afternoon tea, Wellingtons are a still-practical mainstay that we can thank the British aristocracy for.

istock

What's the Difference Between Caramel, Toffee, and Butterscotch?

Hint: The confectionaries are both made with melted sugar, but they use different ingredients.