Final answer:
A universal physical law is applicable to all physical phenomena and applies consistently throughout the entire universe. It remains unchanged over time and space, reflecting the uniformity of law in our understanding of physics.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a physical law is described as universal, it means that the law is applicable to all physical phenomena, operates the same way everywhere, and at all times throughout the known universe. Unlike local laws, which can vary and change, scientific laws are consistent and cannot be altered. They describe the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time, and aim to explain the fundamental mechanisms underlying all phenomena. A universally accepted scientific law exemplifies the uniformity of law and the basic simplicity of nature, and it is often expressed through concise mathematical equations or simple statements, such as Newton's second law of motion: F=ma.
According to the options provided:
a) The law can explain everything in the universe.
b) The law is applicable to all physical phenomena.
c) The law applies everywhere in the universe.
d) The law is the most basic one and all laws are derived from it.
The correct choice that describes a universal physical law is choice b, "The law is applicable to all physical phenomena", and choice c, "The law applies everywhere in the universe".