logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2021
7m 57s

ELI5 Aluminum Foil - should I use the sh...

ELI5 Explain Like I'm Five Podcast
About this episode

What's the difference between the shiny and dull side of aluminum foil? Are you supposed to cook with one side rather than the other? Why is it called tin foil if it's made of aluminum? Why does tinfoil affect teeth nerves so much? Why is it alumiNUM in the US and aliuminIUM in the UK?

 

... We explain like i'm five!

 

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: genoooooo, rataridicta, originfoomanchu, bigmax, randomly_redditing, torakmclaren & odd_sonder

To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Join us on Twitter:

https://www.twitter.com/eli5ThePodcast/

or send us an e-mail:

ELI5ThePodcast@gmail.com

Up next
Jan 2022
ELI5 Artificial Sweeteners - good for weight loss or bad for you?
Why was VitaminWater sued over the 33g of sugar in each bottle? How do our bodies work with artificial sweeteners? Why do diet sodas taste different to regular ones? Are artificial sweeteners a good way to lose weight? Do they cause cancer? Why nutrition labels for TicTacs list z ... Show More
9m 19s
Dec 2021
ELI5 Money Laundering - what, why and how?
What is money laundering? Why can’t a criminal just spend good old fashioned cash? What are some of the ways used by criminals to launder money? Besides casinos, why are laundromats often mentioned? Why are countries like Panama and Cyprus ideal for laundering money? ... we expla ... Show More
8m 33s
Dec 2021
ELI5 Orange Juice - how is it economically viable?
It takes a dozen oranges to make a single glass of OJ, so how is it economically viable? Why does Tropicana taste different to Simply Orange if they are both 100% orange juice? Some people say orange juice is as unhealthy as soda - is this really true? Why does orange juice taste ... Show More
7m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2021
Unusual Ways Technology Affects You & The Strange Science of Sweat
You have probably noticed that aluminum foil has a shiny side and a dull side. Why? What’s the difference - and why do some recipes call for it to be either shiny side up or shiny side down? This episode begins with an explanation. https://culinarylore.com/food-science:aluminum-f ... Show More
51m 2s
Jul 2023
SYSK Choice: How Material Science Has Changed Your Life & The Joy of Sweat
Ever noticed that aluminum foil has a shiny side and a dull side? Why do you suppose that is? Maybe it is significant – after all some recipes call for it to be either shiny side up or shiny side down. But how much difference could it possibly make? Listen and find out. https://c ... Show More
51m 2s
Apr 2020
BrainStuff Classics: Why Can It Be Painful To Bite Aluminum Foil?
If you've ever gotten a painful shock from biting down on a piece of aluminum foil, it's becauce dental metal in your mouth formed a type of battery with the foil. Learn how it works in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodc ... Show More
3m 6s
Oct 2020
advice session #5
You’re asking and Emma is answering. Lots of questions this week on topics like eating and body image issues, navigating toxic content on TikTok, and what to do if your significant other keeps liking provocative photos on social media. Plus, when is it right to take that next ste ... Show More
1h 14m
Jun 2024
392: Kill The Part That Cringes
Should tiny characters really have high-pitched voices? Where do flies sleep? Is a seed a plant? When, why, and how were hard-shell tacos invented? Should I be concerned about nicotine in potatoes? Hank and John Green have answers! If you're in need of dubious advice, email us at ... Show More
44m 52s
Feb 2021
276: An Onomatopoetic Wifi Explainer
How does science work? Is it rude to turn off the lights while my dog eats? How does wifi work? Do I always dream and just can't remember sometimes? What do I do as an adult? Why do cans explode in the cold but not bottles? Is it okay to get into something good for the wrong reas ... Show More
44m 2s
Mar 2022
324: mOON NOT COLD?
Are there more wheels or doors? Why do we have individual teeth? Are there more teeth or more legs? mOON NOT COLD? What if my colors are different? How do I use a mouse? Why do firefighters have Dalmatians? Do astronauts ever eat normal food? How does moving water cast a shadow? ... Show More
51m 32s
Jan 2022
316: The Lovecraftian Squirrel Situation
Why do spoons flip reflections on one side? How do we know the Northern Hemisphere is on top? How famous is Hank on Tiktok? Why do guys have amazing eyelashes? What's the closest flammable planet? What does "matching funds" actually mean? Hank and John Green have answers!If you'r ... Show More
50m 20s
Oct 2024
399: God of Frogtok
Why do things happen “at” night but “during” the day? How do you heat food during a power outage? What is an organ? Does moonlight contain UV rays? What are the implications of AI song covers? What’s a better name than Milkdromeda? Hank and John Green have answers! If you're in n ... Show More
42m 43s