What is the primary characteristic of a tangible asset?

The primary characteristic of a tangible asset is that it can be physically quantified. Tangible assets are those that have a physical presence, meaning they can be touched, seen, and valued based on their inherent characteristics. This includes items such as machinery, buildings, vehicles, and inventory. Because they have a distinct physical form, tangible assets allow for straightforward assessment of their value through measurement and observation.

In contrast, while it is true that tangible assets often provide long-term benefits, this is not their defining characteristic. Similarly, the notion that they typically involve intellectual property is incorrect, as tangible assets are primarily concerned with physical items rather than intangible rights or concepts. Additionally, the assertion that tangible assets cannot be touched directly contradicts their very nature, since being tangible means they have a material form that can be interacted with physically. Thus, the ability to quantify them physically solidifies option C as the accurate answer.