What characterizes a vector graphic compared to a raster graphic?

A vector graphic is characterized by its ability to describe shapes and paths mathematically rather than storing images as pixel-based data. This means that vector graphics are made up of points, lines, curves, and shapes defined in relation to a coordinate system. Since they use mathematical equations to create these shapes, they can be scaled infinitely without losing quality, making them ideal for logos, illustrations, and designs that require resizing.

In contrast to raster graphics, which consist of a grid of pixels and therefore lose clarity when scaled up, vector graphics maintain their crispness and clarity at any size. Additionally, vector graphics are not tied to a specific resolution, allowing them to be flexible for different applications, which distinguishes them further from options mentioning resolution dependency or pixel data.

Raster graphics, on the other hand, rely on pixel-based data, making them resolution-dependent; increasing their size often results in pixelation. The mention of lossy compression techniques typically applies to raster images, where data compression affects image quality. Thus, the defining feature of vector graphics is their mathematical representation of shapes and paths, confirming the choice as the correct characterization.