A domino is a tile with a line in the middle to divide it visually into two squares, one of which is marked with an arrangement of spots, or pips, like the ones on a die. The other side of the domino is blank or identically patterned.
In a game, players in turn place dominoes edge to edge on top of each other until they can no longer do so. Each domino has a value based on the number of pips on its adjacent sides, ranging from six to none or blank. The value of each domino is known as its rank or weight, and a piece with more pips is “heavier” than a piece with fewer or no pips.
When the first domino falls, much of its potential energy — the amount of energy that would be required to push it past its tipping point — converts to kinetic energy, the energy of motion. Some of that energy is transmitted to the next domino, providing the push it needs to fall over. Then, energy travels from domino to domino, until the entire chain of tiles comes crashing down.
Dominoes are a great way to show kids how the law of gravity works. They also make a fun toy, especially when played with friends or family members. But when a child sets off a domino that ends up falling on its head, it can be a scary experience.
To avoid this type of accident, it is important to teach children that dominoes should not be pushed or tipped over. It’s also a good idea to supervise all domino play to ensure that the children are safe and are following the rules of the games.
In a business setting, a domino effect refers to a situation in which one event triggers a series of events that results in a dramatic change. For example, if someone in your organization is late for work, it can have a negative impact on the rest of the team, which can trickle down to other employees and customers.
If a company wants to create a domino effect, it must focus on the things that are most likely to influence the rest of the business and then identify how those influences can be leveraged to achieve the desired outcome. For example, a business may want to increase its customer base by offering delivery services or creating a loyalty program.
The word domino is believed to have originated from the Latin dominus, meaning master of the house. It was later shortened to domien, a diminutive of the Latin dominus, and then to the French and English domino. During the 18th Century, dominoes became popular in England through France (possibly via French prisoners of war), and eventually reached America. Currently, there are many different types of dominoes, and the possibilities for games using them are endless.