Certified Animation Professional (CAP) Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Exam Study Guide

The principle of squash and stretch is fundamental in animation for conveying weight and volume to characters and objects. When an object is animated using this principle, it shows the variations in shape as it moves. For example, when a heavy ball hits the ground, it squashes on impact and stretches as it moves back up. This visual distortion illustrates not just the physicality of the object but also its mass.

By applying squash and stretch, animators can create a more dynamic and believable movement, giving audiences a clearer perception of weight. An object that squashes down indicates a force acting upon it, which enhances the realism of its motion. This principle is critical in animation as it helps to depict how different materials behave; a rubber ball will squash and stretch differently than a metal ball, each offering different visual cues about weight and interaction with gravity.

In contrast, timing refers to the speed at which movements occur and helps convey the pace of actions, but it does not directly illustrate weight. Exaggeration enhances the appeal and drama in the animation but does not necessarily relate to weight perception. Anticipation involves preparing the viewer for an action and can set up a scene, but it is not primarily concerned with the illusion of weight during movement. Thus, squash and