The domino effect is a simple chain reaction that occurs when a small change causes a similar change nearby, which then will cause another similar change, and so on in linear sequence, by analogy to a falling row of dominoes standing on end. The domino effect also relates to a chain of events.
Domino theory, in American foreign policy, referring to the spread of communism
Demonstrations of the effect
The classic demonstration involves setting up a chain of dominoes, and toppling the first domino. In theory, however long the chain the dominoes will still fall. This is because the energy required to topple each domino, is less than the energy transferred by each impact, so the chain is self-sustaining.
There are many demonstrations of the effect involving more complex systems. Currently popular is the The Diet Coke and Mentos film on YouTube, where a chain of Diet Coke and Mentos eruptions is demonstrated. Although apparently complex and lacking the purity of a simple chain, this involves a simple physical linkage whereby each eruption triggers the next.
The Domino Effect, episode of the TV show Lockie Leonard
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