Which type of motion refers to movement that oscillates back and forth about a pivot?

Oscillating motion describes a movement that repeatedly swings or fluctuates back and forth around a central point or pivot. This type of motion is characterized by the object moving away from its equilibrium position, then returning to that same position, and continuing the cycle. Common examples of oscillating motion include the swinging of a pendulum or the vibrations of a guitar string, where the path of movement creates a regular interval of distance in opposite directions.

In contrast, the other types of motion listed have distinct characteristics: rotational motion involves an object spinning around an axis, linear motion entails movement in a straight path, and circular motion describes movement along a circular path. Each of these does not incorporate the back-and-forth nature of oscillation, making oscillating motion the correct choice for the question posed.