Let's start with a table. It's customary to use a table as an example for this exercise. Tables are an exceptionally convenient visual aide and, with the exception of being in a car, it is more likely than not that wherever you are there is a table nearby. And unless it's from IKEA, tables are generally thought of as objects that are very sturdy. Also very dense. They are made of wood, or metal. They can support impressive amounts of weight. You can sit on them, stand on them, sleep on them, or more commonly, you can eat dinner on them. A good table is also generally rather heavy.
We can all agree that a table is a very solid object.
So consider your table. We all know that all matter is made of atoms. And atoms are electrons spinning around a nucleus. Whether it is made of wood, metal, stone, plastic, glass or even bones, the table is comprised entirely of atoms.
We also know that atoms are 99% empty space (quantum mechanics aside). More properly stated, atoms are 1% mass 99% electron field. But the beauty of that is all it really means is atoms are 99% empty space that could at any given point in time potentially have an electron in it.
So therefore the table is 99% empty space. Which means that, by definition, the table is less there than it is. Only 1% of that table is actually mass. Only 1% of all matter is actually mass. The rest of it is gravity.
Remember, gravity is not just what makes apples fall out of trees, and the earth spin around the sun. Gravity is not just limited to the realm of planets and stars (and obviously black holes), gravity is what holds everything together.
Now touch an object close to you. Preferably something hard. Like your computer tower (if you have one) or a wall. Or, ya know, a table.
You are touching 99% empty space.
Now push against it. You meet resistance. What'3s resisting is you is 99% empty space.
What you are touching is nothing but an illusion created by gravity and electromagnetic force.
The empty space around you is filled with particles. And the objects around you are filled with empty space.
If you've ever taken a science class you should know all of this. Unless it was pre-1950.
I'm not telling you anything new. I'm just reminding you of what you already know.
Thank you for thinking with me. Good night.
Thank you for thinking with me. Good night.
4 comments:
You are a strange bird.
To add to this, what we see is merely reflected light [electromagnetic waves] causing electrical impulses to stimulate our brains. So the 'solid' objects composed of 99% gravity, that we see, are really only constructs of our brains...
Thanks for making me push on all of my furniture. And people.
Good point, Dad. I also left out the part about the sensation of touch being merely the product of nerve impulses processed and regurgitated by our brains. Something that you, unfortunately, are all too aware of by this point.
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