Yes, light generally travels in a straight line (called rectilinear propagation) when it moves through a single, uniform substance like clean air or a vacuum. However, it can bend or curve when it interacts with heavy gravity, passes through changing materials, or encounters obstacles. Most users on Physics Stack Exchange agree that light fundamentally moves in a straight path as a wave, but that path itself can be altered by external forces. No, light is not always bent. In empty space, light travels in a straight line. It only bends when it hits certain things like water, glass, or heavy gravity When Light Does Not Bend In a vacuum: Light goes straight through empty space without changing direction. Hitting straight on: If a light beam hits a piece of glass or water straight head-on (at a 90-degree angle), it slows down but keeps going in a straight line without bending.
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