What is the primary characteristic of rotation in physical movement?

The primary characteristic of rotation in physical movement is circular movement around an axis. This means that when an object or a body part rotates, it moves in a circular path around a central point or line, known as the axis of rotation. This can be observed in various activities, such as figure skating, where a skater rotates their body while spinning, or in gymnastics, where an athlete performs a flip around a specific axis in their body.

In contrast, straight movement along an axis describes linear movement rather than rotational dynamics. Similarly, movement in a linear direction and the transition between two fixed points also do not encompass the concept of rotation, as they involve direct paths and changes in position without the circular motion critical to rotation.