What term describes the duration that the property may be operated effectively?

The term that best describes the duration during which a property can be operated effectively is economic life. Economic life refers to the period over which an asset is expected to yield benefits that justify its costs, taking into account factors like maintenance, operational efficiency, and depreciation. This is a critical concept in engineering economics, as it helps in evaluating the worth of an asset over its productive period, guiding decisions about investment and asset management.

While operating life may seem closely related, it typically focuses more specifically on the time an asset remains functional and usable, without re-evaluating the economic impact or benefits derived over that span. Physical life refers to the actual lifespan of the physical components of an asset, which can often exceed its economic life due to factors like technological advancements or changing industry standards. Pot life, on the other hand, is a term often used in specific contexts like materials science, referring to the time span in which a material can be effectively used before it changes properties or becomes unusable. Thus, economic life encompasses a wider range of considerations essential for effective investment and operational strategies.