Physical properties are linked to matter.
Physical properties are those qualities that are measurable in a physical system . These measurements are reflected through values , which can be compared with a certain standard. It can be said, therefore, that physical properties are magnitudes of volume, area, length, etc.
The etymological origin of the two words that form the concept come from Latin:
- Property derives from proprietas , which can be translated as “quality of being for oneself.” It is composed of the prefix pro- , which is synonymous with “forward” ; the adjective privus , which is equivalent to “of one” ; and the suffix -tas , which is used to indicate “quality” .
- Physics , on the other hand, comes from physica , which was formerly used to refer to what the natural sciences were. It was shaped based on the Greek term physikos , which is synonymous with “relating to nature.”
It should be noted that property is a concept with several uses. It can be used to name a quality , a characteristic or a faculty . The physical , for its part, is linked to matter and that of a corporeal nature .
Examples of physical properties
Take the case of a bridge . This infrastructure work has different physical properties. It may be a bridge that measures 220 meters : this means that its length has that extension. The bridge, on the other hand, can weigh 3,000 kilograms . In this case, the data refers to the physical property of its mass.
In the same way, we can proceed to determine that water has a series of important physical properties that characterize and identify it. Specifically, among them are the following:
- It is colorless.
- It's tasteless.
- Its freezing point is 0º C and its boiling point is 100º C.
- It has no smell.
- It can occur in three different physical states: liquid, solid or gaseous.
Regarding the soil , we can also say that it has its own physical properties. Specifically, these will vary depending on the type of soil and will revolve around aspects such as density, porosity, consistency, color, texture, depth and even structure.
Human beings have certain physical properties.
The concept applied to people
A human being also has various physical properties. If we know that a man is 1.85 meters tall and weighs 98 kilograms , we have this information regarding his physique. The same thing happens if we know that a woman is 1.65 meters tall and weighs 60 kilos .
Knowing the physical properties of something or someone can be essential in certain contexts. If we return to the example of the bridge, the physical properties allow us to know what types of materials should be used in its construction and in what quantities so that the structure is resistant. In the case of people, physical properties can serve as indicators to know some aspects of the state of health (a subject who measures 2 meters and weighs 50 kilos will present a certain degree of malnutrition).