In Unity, what component is essential for implementing physics interactions between GameObjects?

The Rigidbody component is essential for implementing physics interactions between GameObjects in Unity because it allows GameObjects to respond to the physics engine. When a GameObject has a Rigidbody attached, it becomes subject to forces such as gravity, friction, and collision reactions. This component enables the GameObject to be affected by physical laws and interact with other objects that also have Rigidbody components or Collider components. In this context, Rigidbody provides the necessary properties, such as mass and drag, influencing how a GameObject moves and interacts dynamically within the game environment.

While the Collider component is also important because it defines the shape of the GameObject for physical interactions, it does not inherently allow the object to be affected by physics unless coupled with a Rigidbody. The Mesh Filter is primarily involved in rendering the 3D model of the GameObject and does not contribute to any physical interaction or simulation. An Audio Source is related to sound and does not play a role in physics interactions at all, making it unrelated to the mechanics of Rigidbody and Collider. Thus, the Rigidbody is the critical component for enabling physics interactions in Unity.