Domino is the name of a game, but it’s also a metaphor for an effect that can cascade from one behavior to the next. For example, when a student puts in the effort to improve their grades it can cause a chain reaction of better behavior that leads to even more success. Similarly, when a soccer team wins against their biggest rivals, it can set a tone for the rest of their season and potentially lead them to state playoffs.
Dominoes are small rectangular wood or plastic blocks, usually marked with a pattern of dots resembling dice. They are used to play a game in which players try to build long rows of dominoes without knocking them over.
There are many variations of the game, but the most basic involves blocking and scoring. To play, the pieces are arranged in a row, face down on a table, and then the players draw to see who will place their first piece. The player who plays the heaviest domino wins the round. If a player has no more dominoes to place, they can rap the table (or “knock”) and pass the turn to the other player.
The domino game is a popular activity for children, and many families have a set at home. It is also popular in schools, where it helps students develop strategic thinking, motor skills, and concentration.
Although the game is easy to learn, it takes skill to become a true domino master. In the beginning, a beginner will usually try to build simple squares or rows of dominoes. Later, they will move on to more difficult patterns such as hearts or diamonds.
A skilled domino artist can create stunning displays that are almost impossible to destroy. A video on YouTube shows a woman creating a domino artwork that looks like the surface of a planet. Her biggest creations can take several nail-biting minutes to fall, and she says that one physical phenomenon is key to her success: gravity.
When a domino is standing upright, it has potential energy (stored energy based on its position). As the domino falls, much of this energy is converted to kinetic energy, or energy of motion. This conversion is analogous to the transfer of energy from a nerve impulse to an action potential, which causes the neuron to fire.
In business, the term domino is often used to describe the effects of a change in one aspect of a business that can cause a shift in other aspects of the business. For example, a company may implement new technology to make it easier for customers to order pizzas, which can then trigger a change in the way employees communicate with each other, or how they train college recruits. These changes can have far-reaching consequences, just as a domino effect can lead to a positive or negative result.