What type of chart is used to display trends over time?

A line chart is specifically designed to show trends over time by connecting individual data points with a continuous line. This format effectively represents how values change over a period, making it easier for viewers to identify patterns, fluctuations, and overall trends in the data.

In contrast, a bar chart presents discrete values across categorical data and is suitable for comparing quantities among different categories rather than illustrating time-related changes. A pie chart, on the other hand, represents parts of a whole at a single point in time and doesn’t convey trends. Similarly, a scatter plot is used to show relationships between two numerical variables, but it does not inherently imply a time-based trend, as it does not connect the points in a sequential manner typically required to visualize time series data. Therefore, the line chart stands out as the most effective option for depicting trends over time.