Final answer:
The crust is the layer of the Earth defined by its physical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Earth's layers can be distinguished by their chemical composition or by their physical characteristics. The layer that is defined by its physical properties is the crust. The crust is the outer surface of the Earth and is a cold, thin, brittle outer shell made of rock. There are two types of crust - continental and oceanic - which vary in thickness, composition, and density.