The Anthropic Principle: Evidence from the Electromagnetic Force

Previous posts described the strong and weak nuclear forces that operate on the nucleus of an atom. But, in addition to the nucleus, an atom is comprised of tiny, negatively charged particles called electrons.

Electrons are very peculiar. In one sense, they behave like tiny particles with position and momentum, but at the same time, they have properties similar to an ocean wave. And, because they are so tiny and have virtually no mass, their exact location around the nucleus can not be precisely determined. The best we can do is calculate their probable locations.

So, it's more accurate to say that electrons surround the nucleus of an atom, much like a dense fog bank surrounds, say, a house.

Thus, an electron cloud, coined by one of my favorite physicists, Richard Feynman, represents the locations where electrons are most likely to be.

Now, here's an interesting question: what binds the electrons to the nucleus and prevents them from all flying off into space?

The answer is the electromagnetic force (EF). Not only does the EF bind the electrons to the nucleus to form atoms, but the EF also makes it possible for atoms to bond to other atoms to form molecules. In fact, the EF is responsible for all electrical and magnetic interactions in the Universe including light and color.

Now, here's the thing. If the EF were a little stronger, electrons would adhere to atoms so tightly that atoms would not share their electrons with each other preventing chemical bonding and the formation of live sustaining molecules (like water, hello!).

However, if the EF were a little weaker, electrons would not bind to the nucleus preventing the formation of atoms and life forming compounds like nucleic acids and proteins (yikes!).

Therefore, the EF must be finely and precisely tuned or the Cosmos as we know would not have formed, much less sustain life.

Together, with (1)gravity and the (2)strong and (3)weak forces, the EF make up the four fundamental forces from which all other forces in the Cosmos, ultimately, derive and provide powerful evidence for the existence of a Tuner. Their precise tuning is best explained not by randomness, but by an intentional Designer.