From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The term tipping point describes a point at which a slow gradual change becomes irreversible and then proceeds with gathering pace. It is derived from the metaphor of a rigid solid object being tilted to a point where it begins to topple.
It can particularly refer to:
[edit] In science
- Tipping point (sociology), a term in sociology referring to the moment when something previously unique becomes common
- Tipping point (climatology), a point in the evolution of the earth's climate leading to irreversible change.
- In engineering the tipping point is the maximum stable slope a bulk granular material (such as sand) can assume before it slips down the slope.
[edit] In the arts and media
- The Tipping Point (book), a book by Malcolm Gladwell expanding on the sociological term
- The Tipping Point (album), a musical album by Philadelphia-based hip hop group The Roots
- The Tipping Point (band), a band from Greeley, Colorado
- Tipping Point (arts), a UK-based organisation facilitating conversations between artists and scientitst on the role of the arts in climate change.
[edit] In business
- TippingPoint, a computer security provider and a division of 3Com
