Final answer:
A linear algorithm follows a sequential process where instructions are executed in a straight line from start to finish. It aligns with a system that follows the same path for every cycle, performing each step in order.
Step-by-step explanation:
A linear algorithm executes its instructions in a straight line from top to bottom and then stops. This refers to a type of algorithm that follows a straightforward process where it performs a sequence of steps in order until a task is completed.
This can be contrasted with non-linear algorithms, which can take multiple paths through their instructions based on different conditions, such as loops or conditional statements. A linear algorithm can be thought of as following option (c), a process in which the system follows the same path for every cycle.
In contrast, a non-linear algorithm would align with option (d), a process in which the system follows a different path for every cycle, as the direction of execution can change depending on various factors within the program's state.