Scaling laws refer to mathematical relationships that describe how certain properties or characteristics of systems change as the size of the system increases. This concept is commonly used in various fields of science and engineering to study complex systems, such as cities, biological organisms, and physical networks. By analyzing the scaling laws of a system, researchers can better understand and predict how the system will behave as it grows or changes in size. These laws often reveal underlying patterns or principles that govern the behavior of complex systems across different scales.