atoms search for dance partners

An example of an anthropomorphic analogy* in popular science writing:

"Much as atoms go searching for one or multiple dance partners depending in their electronic need, different people may be searching for one partner to complete them, or for many friends to bond and connect with. This connective outreach, or atomic bonding potential, is referred to as their valency."

Dr Camilla Pang

Pang, C. (2020). Explaining Humans. What science can teach us about life, love and relationships. Viking.

(* An analogy is made between the behviours of atoms and people – but in doing so the atoms are treated as having human-like perception and intentions.)

Read about analogy in science

Read examples of scientific analogies

Many examples of science analogies are listed in 'Creative comparisons: Making science familiar through language. An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts'. Free Download.

Read about anthropomorphism

Read examples of anthropomorphism in science

Many examples of anthropomorphism are listed in 'Creative comparisons: Making science familiar through language. An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts'. Free Download.

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.