On the “spectrum” of fascinating science topics, we offer the electromagnetic spectrum as our topic of inquiry. Humanity is immersed in a sea of electromagnetic waves every moment of our lives. It may be hard to believe our bodies receive electromagnetic radiation in the form of infrared energy even on the coldest winter nights. Of course, we receive more of this type of energy on the warmest days of summer. Electromagnetic radio waves course through our bodies every moment of our lives, but we are unaware of them without a radio receiver.
In inquisitive moments I have stated I would like to question the Creator about the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is a major component of the physical operating system of our planet. How does this scientific phenomenon work? Modern scientists have revealed plentiful facts about the topic, yet there are many details still to be discovered.
The electromagnetic spectrum is defined as the entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation extending from the shortest gamma rays (5.5 trillionths cm or less) to the longest radio waves (up to 10,000 km). There are seven types of electromagnetic waves—gamma, X-rays, ultra-violet, ordinary visible light, infra-red, microwaves, and radio waves. The broad spectrum of these waves is really a continuum of different wave-lengths.
What is electromagnetic radiation and how is it produced? Electromagnetic waves are generated by the acceleration—movement—of atoms or their component particles such as negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons. All atoms in matter throughout the universe are in continual motion, vibrating constantly with kinetic energy. Visible light with its spectral colors, sometimes indicated by the acronym ROYGBIV, is but a tiny “sub-spectrum” of a much broader spectrum of energy consisting of uncounted trillions of waves of different lengths.
When charged particles such as electrons or protons move (they move continually), electromagnetic waves are generated. These waves oscillate with electric and magnetic fields vibrating at right angles to each other. They zip off into outer space at the speed of light. These transverse waves require no medium. They move through air or empty space at 300,000 km/sec. They permeate the entire universe.
In our previous post (Works of God: Code Creator) we highlighted the Creator and Divine Intelligent Designer of the DNA code of life. The DNA code directs the production of thousands of proteins—coherent tissue structures in all forms of life, including humans. In this post we have focused on a different type of coding: transfer of information in order to achieve a specific outcome. The electromagnetic spectrum produces many useful outcomes: Humans use radio waves for communication; microwaves for heating and data transmission; infrared for heating and thermal imaging; spectral light for ordinary vision; ultraviolet for suntanning and controlling micro-organisms; X-rays for medical imaging; and gamma rays in medical radiotherapy to name only a few.
Why would we inquire of the Creator concerning the electromagnetic spectrum? He was its omnipotent Intelligent Designer! We wonder how God originated the design process. He created the electromagnetic spectrum to perfect our planet’s operating system. Its secrets of operation depend upon HIS creative care and wisdom.
There are many faith and Creator-affirming phenomena we observe in the world of nature. Intuitionally, we conclude these characteristics could not occur by accident or chance. The properties of our temporal home display profound evidence of divine creativity and love. They provide powerful reasons to believe in, trust, and worship the God of Creation.
You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told. (Psalm 40:5 ESV)