What characterizes curvilinear motion?

Curvilinear motion is characterized by movement along a curved path. This type of motion occurs when an object travels in a trajectory that is not linear but instead follows a curved route. It can involve various kinds of curves, such as circular paths or trajectories that change direction smoothly. The key aspect of curvilinear motion is the curvature of the path, which differentiates it from linear motion, where the path is straight.

In the context of this definition, other options do not accurately represent curvilinear motion. Movement along a straight path describes linear motion, which is entirely distinct from curvilinear motion. Constant speed refers to the rate of motion but does not specify the path taken; an object can move at a constant speed in either straight or curved motion. Additionally, while gravity can influence the motion of objects, it does not define curvilinear motion specifically, as curved paths can be produced by other forces or conditions. Thus, the defining characteristic of curvilinear motion is the fact that it involves a curved trajectory.