A physical test is a qualitative or quantitative procedure that consists of determination of one or more characteristics of a given product, process or service according to a specified procedure.^[1] Often this is part of an experiment.

Physical testing is common in physics, engineering, and quality assurance.

Purposes

Physical testing might have a variety of purposes, such as:

if, or verify that, the requirements of a specification, regulation, or contract are met
Decide if a new product development program is on track: Demonstrate proof of concept
Demonstrate the utility of a proposed patent
Provide standard data for other scientific, engineering, and quality assurance functions
Validate suitability for end-use
Provide a basis for Technical communication
Provide a technical means of comparison of several options
Provide evidence in legal proceedings

Performance testing

Some physical testing is performance testing which covers a wide range of engineering or functional evaluations where a material, product, or system is not specified by detailed material or component specifications. Rather, emphasis is on the final measurable performance characteristics. Testing can be a qualitative or quantitative procedure. Many Acceptance testing protocols employ performance testing e.g. In the stress testing of a new design of chair.