When considering the problem in four-dimensional space, what is the total final mass of one gram of salt dissolved in one gram of water?
Isn’t this just a simple math problem of 1 + 1 equals 2?
However, the reality is not that straightforward. A seemingly simple question hides a colossal mystery, potentially related to one of the most fundamental enigmas of the universe, connected to a core theory proposed by Einstein: mass is energy.
This will also explain why one gram of salt dissolved in one gram of water does not result in a total weight of 2 grams.
To analyze this simple issue, we must introduce some concepts: the law of conservation of mass (which states that when any substance in the universe reacts, the total mass before the reaction equals the total mass after the reaction). If there is a decrease in total weight, it means something is escaping in an invisible manner. Conversely, if there is an increase in total weight, it means something is absorbing something else.
When one gram of salt dissolves in one gram of water, two scenarios can occur:
- 1. An amount of salt + an amount of water = 2 amounts of saltwater
- 2. One catty (an ancient unit of mass) of salt + one catty of water = n catties of saltwater + △ E (where △ E is the change in energy or the change in matter)
If the first equation is established, the conditions must be met are quite stringent, and it must be obtained 2 catties of saltwater in a closed and insulated environment. The phenomenon in the second equation typically only occurs in experiments.
Coupled with the mass increase effect in Einstein’s special relativity, when molecules move vigorously, the greater the kinetic energy of the molecule, the larger its relativistic mass. The stronger the molecular movement, the greater the kinetic energy and relativistic mass, which will also lead to higher temperatures. In other words, Einstein’s special relativity emphasizes that the nature of mass and energy is the same.
Since the essence of mass and energy is the same, when various interference phenomena occur during the process of dissolving salt in water, the total final mass will not equal 2 grams. For example, if the room temperature changes by 1°C, the temperature change will also affect the mass.
Of course, in real life, we do not concern ourselves with these advanced laws and similar nuances; we simply assume that the result is Equation 1. However, scientists are nitpicking (describing the act of paying too much attention to unimportant details), and any subtle influences can affect the accuracy of experiments, leading to the statement that from a simple question about one gram of salt dissolved in one gram of water, it can also lead to the most fundamental mystery of the universe.
The simple question of whether 1 + 1 equals 2 can be explained through Einstein’s mass-energy equation E = mc^2.
