Final answer:
A physical model in an engineering design process is used to visualize the final product and provide a tangible representation for testing purposes, important for both conceptualization and functional assessments.
Step-by-step explanation:
During an engineering design process, a team of engineers would likely use a physical model for several important functions. Firstly, "The model helps visualize the final product," allowing both engineers and stakeholders to get a sense of scale, proportions, and the overall look of the project in a tangible form. For example, an architect planning an office building may use a physical model to show the impact on a city block. Secondly, "It provides a tangible representation for testing," which means engineers can conduct physical trials and assessments on the model to ensure that functions and operations work as intended and identify potential issues before full-scale production.