“Cutting-Edge Science and Our Future” Particle Physics Innovation: Redefining Our Common Sense Series - 2

For a long time, Newtonian mechanics and the law of conservation of mass have supported our common sense regarding matter.

In Newtonian mechanics, the idea that matter has a constant mass and that this mass does not change was considered common sense.

Under this law, the way objects move when subjected to force has been understood. The foundation of physics built by Newton has supported our everyday view of matter.

The Transformation of Common Sense Brought About by Particle Physics

However, since the beginning of the 20th century, the development of particle physics has significantly shaken our view of matter. As Einstein showed with the equation "E=mc²", it became clear that mass can be converted into energy and is not absolute.

With this understanding, a new common sense was born: the law of conservation of mass does not necessarily hold at the particle level.

Case Study: Particle Reactions and the Reinterpretation of the Law of Conservation of Mass

In the world of particles, phenomena where mass is converted into energy are frequently observed, such as "annihilation," where a positron and an electron collide and turn into light (energy), or the loss of mass due to the decay of atomic nuclei.

As a result, the common sense based on Newtonian mechanics that "mass is always constant and conserved" has been revised, and a new concept of "integrated conservation of energy and mass," where the total amount of energy and mass is conserved, has been formed.

The Intersection of Newtonian Mechanics and Modern Physics

Newtonian mechanics is still valid and is an important theory that supports our lives and technology, but through particle physics and the theory of relativity, the "common sense of classical physics" is being reinterpreted from a new perspective.

These developments show that what we take for granted in daily life appears in different forms under extreme conditions or from a microscopic perspective, and they teach us that physics has the power to question "common sense."

Conclusion: Common Sense and the Future of Science

The progress brought about by fields such as particle physics and the theory of relativity highlights the need to review and reinterpret the theories at the root of our understanding. Newtonian mechanics and the law of conservation of mass have long been taken for granted, but it has become clear that they do not necessarily hold true in extreme situations or in the world of particles. This discovery shows that physics has the power to redefine existing common sense and explore unknown realms.

Also, when viewed from the grand perspective of the universe, such integrated theories are essential for us to unravel the true nature of the universe.

Redefining current common sense and moving toward a more comprehensive understanding will be the key to solving the mysteries of the universe.

This scientific attitude teaches us that the "common sense" we hold is by no means fixed and can always change toward a deeper level of understanding.

With the progress of science, our worldview and view of matter will continue to change significantly. Looking toward the future, reviewing the "common sense" we believe in now and adopting new perspectives is the driving force for the next innovation.