Science - The quivering and swelling of the earth
“Brownian motion” refers to the random movement displayed by small particles that are suspended in fluids. It is commonly referred to as “Brownian movement”. This motion is a result of the collisions of the particles with other fast-moving particles in the fluid. Brownian motion is named after the Scottish Botanist Robert Brown, who first observed that pollen grains move in random directions when placed in water. A particle changes its path when another particle collides with it. Further collisions cause the particle to follow a random, zig-zag motion. It involves a transfer or exchange of momentum/energy between the particles. Albert Einstein’s paper on Brownian motion was vital evidence on the existence of atoms and molecules. The kinetic theory of gases which explains the pressure, temperature, and volume of gases is based on the Brownian motion model of particles.
The Vibrating Motion in the Soil - When sufficient water falls on the soil, it induces an electrostatic charge on the surface of the particles, resulting in their instability and quivering movements. This motion is only settled once this charge is balanced by an opposing force. Additionally, the soil particles' movement and quivering are attributed to their encounters with water particles. As the water particles move in various directions, the soil particles respond by moving in every conceivable direction as they are struck from all sides.
The Expansion of Soil - During rainfall, the impact of raindrops on the soil triggers a swelling effect, causing the particles to expand and grow in size. This is due to the ample presence of water, which widens the gaps between soil particles, allowing water molecules and dissolved ions to infiltrate. As water and beneficial nutrients diffuse through the layers, the soil particles experience an increase in size.
Germination - After the fusion of water and soil, the seed can access the essential nutrients and initiate the process of sprouting. Please refrain from altering the length of the text.
Qur'an - The quivering and swelling of the earth
The last part of Verse 22:5 explains a fascinating fact about the sequence events that occur when rain falls on the soil.
- Rain falls
- The soil quivers (stirred)
- The soil swells (expands)
- Seeds sprout
As mentioned earlier in the Science section, when rain comes into contact with the soil, it prompts the soil to tremble and shift. Furthermore, the rain causes the soil to enlarge or expand due to its absorption of water.
وَتَرَى ٱلْأَرْضَ هَامِدَةً فَإِذَآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْهَا ٱلْمَآءَ ٱهْتَزَّتْ وَرَبَتْ وَأَنۢبَتَتْ مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍۭ بَهِيجٍ……..
... And you see the earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and swells and grows [something] of every beautiful kind. 22:5