Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires identifying the next step in a sequence of images. The sequence shows a 3D star-shaped object rotating in space. The task is to determine the axis and direction of rotation to predict the object's orientation in the next frame.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the rotation of the object through the given five frames.
Frame 1 to 2: The object rotates clockwise around its longest horizontal axis. The right-most point of the star, which is initially pointing upwards and slightly towards the viewer, rotates downwards.
Frame 2 to 3: The clockwise rotation continues. The object is now viewed almost edge-on.
Frame 3 to 4: The rotation continues. The right-most point is now pointing downwards and away from the viewer.
Frame 4 to 5: The object continues to rotate and is approaching a flat orientation again, almost 180 degrees from its starting position.
The pattern is a continuous clockwise rotation around the horizontal axis. To find the next image in the sequence, we must continue this rotation from Frame 5.
Step 3: Comparing with Options:
Option A: This shows the object having rotated back towards the position in Frame 4, which would be an anti-clockwise rotation from Frame 5. This is incorrect.
Option B: This image shows the object having continued its clockwise rotation from Frame 5. The points are now oriented further along the rotational path, consistent with the established sequence.
Option C: This shows the object in its original starting position (Frame 1). This would imply the sequence has reset, which is not the logical next step.
Option D: This orientation does not fit the smooth rotational sequence. It appears to have been flipped or rotated on a different axis.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The logical next step in the continuous clockwise rotation is depicted in option (B).