Content Focus

We will explore concepts of the electromagnetic spectrum, various models of the nature of light and the theory of special relativity, showing how these models and theories explain and predict real physical phenomena.

"Prior to the 20th century, physicists, including Newton and Maxwell, developed theories and models about mechanics, electricity and magnetism and the nature of matter. These theories and models had great explanatory power and produced useful predictions. However, the 20th century saw major developments in physics as existing theories and models were challenged by new observations that could not be explained. These observations led to the development of quantum theory and the theory of [special] relativity. Technologies arising from these theories have shaped the modern world. For example, the independence of the speed of light on the frame of observation or the motion of the source and observer had significant consequences for the measurement, and concepts about the nature, of time and space.

"Throughout this module, students explore the evidence supporting these physical theories, along with the power of scientific theories to make useful predictions."

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) (2017), Physics Stage 6 Syllabus, p. 58.

Biblical Perspective

The very first words of the Bible teach us a great deal about light: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:1-4).

Before creation there was darkness, an absence of light energy. The formless emptiness was filled with light. When God created light, by implication the whole of the electromagnetic spectrum was created out of nothing. This means that, not only visible light, but also radio waves, x-rays and gamma rays were formed. This theological understanding aligns well with an understanding of Physics. God separated light from darkness, as evident from shadows, since light rays go in straight paths unless reflected, refracted or diffracted.

What happens next is truly amazing: God speaks his word and light appears. From a scientific point of view, this is the beginning of the electromagnetic spectrum – microwaves, visible light, ultra-violet, gamma rays, etc. It must have been a BIG bang! Interestingly, the contrast between light and darkness is an important idea in the whole of Scripture. It becomes a recurring motif about believing, so in Psalm 97:11, “Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart” and Proverbs 13:9 “The light of the righteous shines brightly.” The prophets looked forward to a day when God would bring an end to suffering and sin, as Isaiah wrote: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you … for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory” (Isaiah 60:1, 19). When Jesus came, he came as the Light of the world (John 8:12), as John wrote about Jesus, “Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:4-5). Paul understood the centrality of Christ in the gospel, so he wrote: “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). The light motif reaches its ultimate crescendo in the Book of Revelation (21:23), talking about the heavenly city: “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb [Jesus Christ] is its lamp.”

Source: Macaulay, A. D. (2017) "The Light Motif in the Bible" (essay).

For a Biblical Perspective of the Universe to the Atom, click here.

Inquiry Questions

Electromagnetic Spectrum

What is light?

Light: Wave Model

What evidence supports the classical wave model of light and what predictions can be made using this model?

Light: Quantum Model

What evidence supports the particle model of light and what are the implications of this evidence for the development of the quantum model of light?

Light and special relativity

How does the behaviour of light affect concepts of time, space and matter?