Which motion is characterized by movement in a straight line?

Linear motion is characterized by movement in a straight line. This type of motion occurs when an object moves along a path where all points follow a common straight trajectory. It is defined by its displacement, velocity, and acceleration, which all remain constant if the motion is uniform.

In contrast, oscillating motion entails movement back and forth around a central point, such as a pendulum swinging; hence it does not follow a straight line. Rotational motion involves an object turning around an axis, moving in a circular manner rather than along a straight path. Circular motion also involves movement along a curved path, specifically a circle, and again does not adhere to the straight-line motion characteristic. Linear motion is fundamental in physics and engineering, as it forms the basis for understanding other types of movement.