Content Focus

We will be exploring evidence from practical investigations for the origin of the elements, the structure of the atom, the quantum nature of the atom, nuclear processes and the standard model of matter, including quarks, leptons, hadrons and the four fundamental forces of the universe.

"Humans have always been fascinated with the finite or infinite state of the Universe and whether there ever was a beginning to time. Where does all the matter that makes up the Universe come from? Ideas and theories about the beginnings of the Universe, based on sound scientific evidence, have come and gone. Current theories such as the Big Bang theory and claims of an expanding Universe are based on scientific evidence available today through investigations that use modern technologies. Evidence gathered on the nucleosynthesis reactions in stars allows scientists to understand how elements are made in the nuclear furnace of stars. On scales as large as the Universe to those as small as an atom, humans look to the sky for answers through astronomical observations of stars and galaxies.

"Beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, experimental discoveries revolutionised the accepted understanding of the nature of matter on an atomic scale. Observations of the properties of matter and light inspired the development of better models of matter, which in turn have been modified or abandoned in the light of further experimental investigations.

"By studying the development of the atomic models through the work of Thomson and Rutherford, who established the nuclear model of the atom – a positive nucleus surrounded by electrons – students further their understanding of the limitations of theories and models. The work of Bohr, de Broglie and, later, Schrödinger demonstrated that the quantum mechanical nature of matter was a better way to understand the structure of the atom. Experimental investigations of the nucleus have led to an understanding of radioactive decay, the ability to extract energy from nuclear fission and fusion, and a deeper understanding of the atomic model.

"Particle accelerators have revealed that protons themselves are not fundamental, and have continued to provide evidence in support of the Standard Model of matter. In studying this module, students can appreciate that the fundamental particle model is forever being updated and that our understanding of the nature of matter remains incomplete."

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) (2017), Physics Stage 6 Syllabus, p. 61.

Biblical Perspective

To understand the universe, we must start where God started, namely with his assessment of creation. As we read in Genesis 1:31, "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good." We each can affirm that there is beauty in the universe, from the smallest atom to the largest galaxy. All of this is declared "very good" by God. Indeed, the universe gives God glory, just as we might be pleased with something we make. So the Bible states, "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). As nuclear physicists explore sub-atomic particles and astronomers explore huge stars with powerful nuclear reactions occurring many light years away, they can see more of God's creative beauty. In Genesis 2:1, we find out that "Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished." God's creation has been completed. This means that energy and matter can only be transformed in the universe (yes, using Einstein's famous equation E = mc^2), but neither created, nor destroyed. That's God's prerogative. Physicists call that the Law of Conservation of Energy, which has the caveat, "except by God."

Moreover, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which applies to the whole of creation, is contrasted to God's unchanging character, as stated in Psalm 102:25-26: "Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure." With constant change happening in the universe, God is absolutely constant. Again, we read in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Even our ideas about the universe are changing as we gain more evidence. We have finite minds, but the Lord is infinite. We don't know everything now, but the Lord is omniscient. Paul reminds us, "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). There is a future we look forward to. In the meantime, we stand on the fact that, "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29). For a thought-provoking article called "Death and the Origin of Our Species" by the late Rev. Warren Hicks (29 May 1947 - 30 Dec 2017) , previously pastor of Camden Presbyterian Church, now "at home with his Lord", click here (article is also in Guided Reading).

Paul gives us a fresh perspective about the change and decay we see around us (Romans 8:20-22): "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labours with birth pangs together until now." So while the universe is running down and decaying, as taught in the Bible and evidenced through scientific experiments, the Lord is still sovereign and in control. As the old hymn writer put it:

Change and decay in all around I see:

O Thou who changest not, abide with me!

Abide With Me, Henry Francis Lyte (1793–1847)

For a Biblical Perspective on of Physics and some deeper thoughts, click here.

Inquiry Questions

Origins of the Elements

What evidence is there for the origins of the elements?

Structure of the Atom

How is it known that atoms are made up of protons, neutrons and electrons?

Quantum Mechanical Nature of the Atom

How is it known that classical physics cannot explain the properties of the atom?

Properties of the Nucleus

How can the energy of the atomic nucleus be harnessed?

Deep inside the Atom

How is it known that human understanding of matter is still incomplete?