Dominoes are a popular game, but they also provide a fascinating demonstration of the power of gravity and the conversion of energy from one form to another. A domino is a flat tile with a pattern of spots, called pips, on its face. It is typically made of a material such as bone or ivory, a dark hardwood like ebony, or plastic, though other materials are sometimes used. The pips are either inlaid or painted on the domino, creating a unique design. The most common type of domino is the double-six set, with 28 tiles. Larger sets, including a double-nine set with 55 tiles, are often used for games requiring a longer domino chain.
The most important factor in the creation of a chain reaction with dominoes is the initial placement of the first domino. Physicist Stephen Morris, who studies the behavior of particles, says that when a domino is stood upright, it “lifts against the pull of gravity, storing some potential energy.” When the domino falls, much of this energy transforms into kinetic energy, or energy of motion. Some of this energy is transferred to the next domino, giving it a push that causes it to fall as well. This energy continues to transfer from domino to domino, creating a chain reaction that builds until the last domino topples.
Similarly, a novelist’s plotting process can be compared to the creation of a domino effect. Whether the writer is a pantser who doesn’t plan ahead or a plotter who uses a tool like Scrivener to create a detailed outline, it all comes down to the same thing: What happens next? The more thought and effort that goes into the initial setup of a story, the more powerful the outcome.
The history of the game of domino is quite varied. The earliest records show that it was played in Europe in the mid-18th century, but the exact rules are unclear. It may have been invented in Italy or France, and it was later introduced to England by French prisoners. Most commonly, dominoes are used for positional games in which each player places a domino edge to edge against another, so that adjacent faces are either identical or form some specified total.
A number of natural materials are used to make dominoes, including stone (such as marble, granite, or soapstone); other woods such as hickory; metals; ceramic clay; and even glass or crystal. Generally, these materials offer a more traditional look and feel, and are often a bit heavier than polymer dominoes. In addition, they often cost significantly more. However, there are advantages to using natural materials in dominoes. Their weight can help ensure that pieces remain in place, and their natural textures can enhance the visual appeal of a domino game. In addition, some players enjoy the feel and smell of these materials. They also have the advantage of being less likely to scratch or damage a domino table surface than polymer.