How does the Unity physics engine manage object interactions?

The Unity physics engine manages object interactions primarily through the use of colliders and rigidbodies. A collider is a component that defines the shape of an object for physical interactions, allowing it to detect collisions with other objects. When a collider is attached to a game object, it can interact with other colliders in the scene.

Rigidbodies are components that enable physics properties such as gravity, mass, and drag on a game object. When a game object has a rigidbody, Unity’s physics engine can calculate how it reacts to forces, collisions, and other physical phenomena. Together, colliders and rigidbodies allow for realistic simulations of physical behavior, making it possible for objects to move, collide, and respond to user interactions within a game environment.

The other choices do not directly pertain to the management of object interactions via physics. Visual scripts are used for programming behaviors without traditional coding, artificial intelligence relates to decision-making processes within game characters, and sound effects enhance the audio experience but do not influence physical interaction. Thus, the use of colliders and rigidbodies is the fundamental approach for managing object interactions in Unity’s physics engine.