Which of the following is a characteristic of physical evidence?

• A. Non-tangible
• B. Non-physical
• C. Visible or invisible
• D. Subjective

Answer: (C)

Physical evidence is material and can be observed or revealed through analysis. Some of it is obvious to see, like a weapon or a bloodstain, while other pieces are not visible without processing, such as latent fingerprints, trace fibers, or DNA that requires lab techniques. This combination—being something that can be seen or detected with methods—captures its essential nature: it can be visible or invisible depending on the context and technique used. Because it is tangible and measurable, physical evidence is objective rather than based on opinion or perception. Non-tangible or non-physical items describe ideas or testimonies, and subjective elements reflect personal interpretation, which is why those do not describe physical evidence.