Certified Animation Professional (CAP) Practice Test

The term "squash" refers to which of the following?

1. The quickness in a movement

2. The slowness in a movement

3. The tendency of an object to flatten upon impact

4. The tendency of an object to stretch out

The correct answer is: The tendency of an object to flatten upon impact

The term "squash" is a fundamental principle in animation that describes the behavior of an object when it undergoes the action of compressing or flattening upon impact. This effect gives weight and realism to moving objects, making animations appear more dynamic and believable. When an object squashes upon impact, it conveys the idea that it is being affected by a force, indicating its mass and the energy of the movement. For instance, when a bouncing ball hits the ground, it squashes down due to the force of gravity and its own weight before bouncing back up. This visual cue enhances the viewer’s understanding of the physical properties of the object and contributes to the overall animation quality. By implementing squash into animations, animators can create more engaging and relatable characters and objects that react convincingly to their environment.