Domino is a generic term for a type of gaming device, similar to playing cards or dice. A domino set is usually made from rectangular blocks, each with a matching end. Each of the ends may bear from one to six pips or dots. The sides of the block may also be a blank or identically patterned. The value of a domino depends on the number of pips or dots on each side.
The way that dominoes are arranged is a big part of the fun. Each tile has to be matched with another in such a way that the two matching sides are adjacent. A domino can be played square to a double, diagonally to a double, or cross-ways to a double. The shape of the chain that develops will change depending on the whims of the players and the limitations of the playing surface.
A domino effect can be a positive or negative thing. A positive domino effect can be seen when a small effort leads to an even bigger result, such as a successful campaign or product launch. On the other hand, a negative domino effect can be seen when something that starts off small causes an uncontrollable chain reaction with serious consequences.
For example, a person might have an argument with a friend and then that argument leads to an argument with a family member, which in turn leads to an argument with a co-worker, and so on. This domino effect can lead to a whole host of problems that can be hard to deal with.
Hevesh is a master at creating stunning domino art pieces. She spends hours arranging and testing each part of the design. She films the test pieces in slow motion so she can make precise corrections. Once the test pieces work, she builds the larger 3-D sections. She then adds flat arrangements and finally lines of dominoes connecting all the different parts.
When she knocks over one of her creations, she is releasing the potential energy that was stored in the domino. This energy is converted into friction, heat, and sound as the dominoes slide over each other. Hevesh is careful to nudge each domino just past its tipping point, but not so far that the force pushing it back down is greater than the force that caused it to fall in the first place.
Dominoes are often used for educational purposes to teach children about probability and statistics. In addition, they can be used for entertainment and to teach the basic principles of physics. They are also popular with hobbyists who create chains of dominoes that can be used for various types of games.