Domino effect

Domino effect refers to a chain reaction that occurs when a small change causes a similar change nearby, which then causes another similar change, and so on in linear sequence. 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).

Overview

The domino effect is a chain reaction that occurs when a small change causes a similar change nearby, which then causes another similar change, and so on in linear sequence. 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).

History

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 unlikely (the one domino left standing).

In Medicine

In the field of medicine, the domino effect refers to the cumulative effect produced when one event sets off a chain of similar events. For example, the domino effect of the overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of superbugs.

In Physics

In physics, the domino effect is a chain reaction that occurs when a small change causes a similar change nearby, which then will cause another similar change, and so on. The domino effect in physics has been used as a metaphor in varied contexts, such as in explaining the causes of an earthquake or the spread of forest fires.

In Sociology

In sociology, the domino effect can be seen in the spread of fashion trends or the adoption of new technologies. It is also used to describe the cascading effect of social changes.

See Also

• Chain reaction
• Causality
• Butterfly effect

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