The best explanation for why every atom in the periodic table works the same way throughout the entire universe is based on the principles of fundamental physics and the laws of nature. Atoms are composed of subatomic particles, primarily protons, neutrons, and electrons, and their behavior is governed by fundamental forces and principles.
The first key principle is that all atoms are made up of the same basic building blocks. Protons and neutrons, which are found in the nucleus of an atom, are composed of even smaller particles called quarks. Electrons, on the other hand, are elementary particles and do not have any substructure. These particles are fundamental and are believed to be the same everywhere in the universe.
The behavior of atoms is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics, which describe the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic scales. Quantum mechanics provides a consistent framework for understanding the behavior of atoms and their constituents. It describes properties such as energy levels, electron orbitals, and the interactions between particles.
The interactions between atoms and their constituents are mediated by fundamental forces, such as electromagnetic forces and the strong and weak nuclear forces. These forces act universally, meaning they operate in the same way regardless of where the atoms are located in the universe. For example, the electromagnetic force, which governs the interactions between charged particles, works the same way whether the atoms are on Earth or in distant galaxies.
The laws of physics, as we currently understand them, are considered to be fundamental and invariant throughout the universe. This means that the behavior of atoms, including their electronic structure, chemical properties, and interactions, should be the same everywhere, assuming the physical conditions are comparable.
It is worth noting that our understanding of the universe is based on observations and experiments conducted on Earth and through astronomical observations. While we have not been able to explore the entire universe, the principles and laws of physics that have been tested and verified here on Earth have been found to hold true in all the observed regions of the universe so far.