The term effect has a multitude of meanings depending on the field in which it is used, although the one used most frequently is that which defines it as that result that is obtained as a result of a cause.
In the world of sports, the effect is a rotating movement that is imprinted on an object when it is thrown or hit, so that it ends up deviating from what would become its expected trajectory. Among those sports practices where the use of the effects is generalized, we would find tennis, golf, table tennis, soccer or billiards.
On the other hand, the word effect is also used to denote an impression made on a person's feelings or mood.
The butterfly Effect
When a small change can generate enormous consequences, it is said that we are dealing with a butterfly effect. The reason why it is known in this way is due to an idea popularized by the meteorologist and mathematician Edward Lorenz, who exemplified one of his theories by means of an ancient Chinese proverb that said that the flapping of a butterfly can be felt in the other end of the world.
In his studies, Lorenz suggested that the slightest variation in the initial conditions of a certain system can make it evolve in totally different ways. Lorenz observed how small details (for example, using three instead of six decimal places) ended up causing large differences in the predictions of a model.
The greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect is known as the phenomenon by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere retain part of the energy caused by solar radiation. Among its main effects are the melting of the polar ice caps, thus causing a rise in sea level; the alteration of the rainy seasons, which directly affects agriculture; increased desertification; and changes in the seasons, affecting the migratory habits of birds or the reproductive processes of living beings.
Contrary to what many people believe, the greenhouse effect is not directly caused by man, but is a natural phenomenon. The action of man that causes is an increase in the concentration of certain gases such as carbon dioxide, which leads to the intensification of the greenhouse effect.
Photos: iStock - Waltraud Ingerl / lvcandy
