Domino effect

Domino effect events
(Top) Dominoes are standing. (Bottom) Dominoes are in motion.

A domino effect or chain reaction is the cumulative effect produced when one event sets off a chain of similar events.[1] The term is best known as a mechanical effect, and is used as an analogy to a falling row of dominoes. It typically refers to a linked sequence of events where the time between successive events is relatively small. It can be used literally (an observed series of actual collisions) or metaphorically (causal linkages within systems such as global finance or politics). The term domino effect is used both to imply that an event is inevitable or highly likely (as it has already started to happen), and conversely to imply that an event is impossible or highly unlikely (the one domino left standing).

See also

Relevant physical theory:

Mathematical theory

Political theory

Social

Appearances in media

  • Domino Day – world record attempt for the highest number of toppling domino stones.

References

  1. ↑ "domino effect". The Free Dictionary. Farlex, Inc. Retrieved 29 September 2014.

Further reading

  • Impact Mechanics, W. J. Stronge, Cambridge University Press, 2004, ISBN 0-521-60289-0, ISBN 978-0-521-60289-1
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.