Physical facts for kids

The word physical is used in many ways to describe things that are real and can be touched or seen. It often refers to anything made of matter, or things connected to the human body. It can also describe actions that involve force or movement.

What Does 'Physical' Mean?

The term "physical" helps us talk about the world around us that we can experience with our senses. It's about what is tangible, meaning you can touch it, see it, hear it, smell it, or taste it. This is different from things that are not physical, like ideas, feelings, or dreams.

Physical Objects and Matter

When we say something is physical, we often mean it is made of matter. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Think about a table, a chair, a book, or even the air you breathe. All these are physical things because they are made of matter.

Examples of Physical Things

• Objects: A rock, a tree, a car, or a planet are all physical objects. They have a shape, size, and weight.
• Substances: Water, air, and metal are physical substances. They can be measured and exist in the real world.
• Living things: Animals, plants, and humans are also physical. They are made of matter and take up space.

The Human Body and Physical Health

The word "physical" is also used a lot when we talk about the human body. Your physical body is what you can see and touch. It includes your bones, muscles, skin, and organs.

Staying Physically Healthy

Being physically healthy means your body is working well. This often involves:

• Exercise: Doing activities like running, swimming, or playing sports helps keep your body strong.
• Nutrition: Eating healthy foods gives your body the energy and nutrients it needs to grow and stay well.
• Rest: Getting enough sleep allows your body to recover and repair itself.

Physical Education in School

Many schools have physical education (PE) classes. These classes teach you about staying active and healthy. You learn different sports and exercises that help improve your strength, speed, and coordination.

Understanding Physical Anthropology

Physical anthropology is a special area of science that studies humans. It looks at how humans have changed over a very long time, from our early ancestors to people today. It also studies the differences between human groups around the world.

What Physical Anthropologists Study

Physical anthropologists often study:

• Human evolution: They look at fossils and archaeological findings to understand how humans developed.
• Human biology: They study how our bodies work and how we adapt to different environments.
• Human variation: They examine the physical differences among people, like height, skin color, and blood types.

Physical Force and Energy

Sometimes, "physical" refers to actions or forces that involve movement and energy. When you push, pull, or lift something, you are using physical force. This is often related to physics, the study of how matter and energy interact.

Kinetic Energy and Physical Action

A key idea here is Kinetic energy. This is the energy that something has because it is moving. When you kick a ball, you are applying a physical force that gives the ball kinetic energy, making it move.

Everyday Examples of Physical Force

• Pushing a door: You use physical force to open it.
• Lifting a backpack: You apply physical effort to pick it up.
• Running: Your muscles create physical force to move your body forward.