Physical body
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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).
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[edit] In mechanics
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.
[edit] In biology
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.
[edit] In philosophy
It is philosophically distinguished from an abstract object, which is an idea or concept, such as "justice" or "hate"
