Abstract Based on the double-layer discrete spatial lattice framework of the real-virtual dual field theory, this paper uniformly elucidates the physical origins of intrinsic rest mass and relativistic kinetic mass from first principles, and simultaneously provides an underlying physical explanation for the principle of inertial equivalence and the mechanism of mass-energy conversion. The study shows that mass is not an innate substantial property of matter, but an equivalent quantitative result of the coupling interaction between real-field particles and virtual-field lattices at different levels: fundamental minimum pixels at the Planck scale generate constant intrinsic rest mass through internal closed-loop coupling of particles; the 1.944 mm macroscopic equivalent lattice generates relativistic kinetic mass that varies with velocity through external coupling of macroscopic motion of objects. The two types of mass effects are unified under the core logic of "coupling between real and virtual fields generates mass". The equivalence of inertial mass and gravitational mass stems from the fact that both belong to lattice coupling effects, and all mass increments generated by temporary coupling strictly follow the conjugate golden decay law. This study bridges the underlying connection between microscopic mass origin, macroscopic relativistic effects and the nature of inertia, and provides a brand-new theoretical framework for research on space quantization and unified field theory. Keywords: real-virtual dual field theory; double-layer virtual field lattice; rest mass; relativistic kinetic mass; equivalence principle; conjugate golden decay law; space quantization
Zhongqiang Liu (Thu,) studied this question.