Certified Animation Professional (CAP) Practice Test

The term 'illusion of motion' in animation refers to the perception of movement in static images. This concept is fundamental in animation as it explains how a series of still frames can be combined and presented in rapid succession to create the appearance of fluid movement. This phenomenon is based on the principle of persistence of vision, where the human brain is able to perceive individual images in quick succession as a continuous motion. The correct answer highlights the core concept of animation, which relies on the viewer's ability to interpret a sequence of static images as a cohesive motion. Movements and actions within animated sequences make use of this illusion to convey dynamics and storytelling. Other options, while relating to aspects of animation, do not specifically define the core idea of 'illusion of motion.' For instance, the speed of character actions pertains to how fast the characters move but does not directly address the perception created by static images. Transitional effects between scenes, such as fades or cuts, deal with the flow of the narrative rather than the core mechanism of motion perception. Synchronization with music enhances the overall experience but is not the fundamental principle governing the visual representation of motion.