Step 1: Understanding cycloid.
A cycloid is the curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle as the circle rolls along a straight line. This curve is commonly used in mechanical applications such as gear teeth.
Step 2: Analyzing the options. (A) Hypocycloid: A hypocycloid is the curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle rolling inside another circle, not along a straight line. (B) Epicycloid: An epicycloid is the curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle rolling outside another circle, not along a straight line. (C) Cycloid: Correct — A cycloid is the curve generated by a point on the circumference of a circle rolling along a straight line. (D) Trochoid: A trochoid is a broader class of curves that includes both cycloids and other types of curves traced by points on circles rolling along a straight line.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Cycloid, as it is the curve generated by a point on the circumference of a circle rolling along a straight line.