In
physics, a 'physical body' (sometimes called simply a 'body' or even an 'object') is a collection of
masses, taken to be one. For example, a cricket ball can be considered an object but the ball also consists of many particles (pieces of
matter).
Specifically, a ''physical body'' is an object which can be described by the
theories of
classical mechanics, or
quantum mechanics, and
experimented upon with physical
instruments. This includes the determination of
position, and in some cases the
orientation in
space, as well as means to change these, by exerting
forces.
For instance, the force of
gravity will
accelerate a body if it is not supported, thus causing a change of its position (that is, it falls freely). However, it should be noted that it is not necessary for there to be forces present for an object position to change - only the rate of change of the object's position, that is, its velocity, will change under the influence of forces.
A
human's,
animal's or
vegetable's 'physical body' is made up of
organs and
tissues and is a part of the total
living being which in the
human being may also include a
psychological or
spiritual component. However, whether or not a
human being includes a
spiritual component is entirely up to
philosophical debate and
faith.
See also
★
Rigid body
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