Step 1: Understanding angular momentum.
The angular momentum \( L \) of a particle is given by the formula:
\[
L = r \times p = r \times mv
\]
where:
- \( r \) is the position vector of the particle,
- \( p = mv \) is the linear momentum, and
- \( v \) is the velocity of the particle.
Step 2: Analysis of the situation.
In this problem, the mass \( M \) is moving with a constant velocity on a line parallel to the \( x \)-axis. Since the motion is in a straight line and there are no external forces acting on the mass, the angular momentum will remain constant. The velocity is constant, and the position vector relative to the origin does not change in direction with time.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The angular momentum remains constant, which is option (2).