Trevo is bouncing back and forth. To create this animation, the animator used a reference sketch to mark each position of Trevo during the bouncing. Which option correctly represents the positions of Trevo in animator's reference sketch?
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In animation, the spacing of drawings controls the speed. Close spacing = slow motion. Far spacing = fast motion. Most natural movements accelerate and decelerate, a principle known as "slow-in and slow-out."
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question relates to a fundamental principle of animation called "timing" and "spacing". To create realistic motion, animators don't space their drawings evenly. The spacing of the drawings (or reference marks) determines the speed of the object on screen.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The principle is known as Slow-in and Slow-out (or easing).
Slow-out: When an object starts moving, it needs to accelerate. The drawings are spaced closer together at the start.
Slow-in: When an object stops or changes direction, it needs to decelerate. The drawings are spaced closer together at the end of the action.
Fast Motion: In the middle of an action, when the object is moving at its fastest, the drawings are spaced farther apart.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The motion described is "bouncing back and forth," which is similar to a pendulum swing.
Motion Analysis: Trevo will be moving fastest at the bottom (middle) of his bounce or arc. He will slow down as he approaches the highest point on either side (the extremes). At the very peak of his bounce, he will momentarily stop before changing direction.
Applying the Principle: To animate this realistically, the animator's reference sketch should show:
Marks that are close together at the extreme ends of the arc (where Trevo is slowing down to a stop, i.e., "slowing in").
Marks that are far apart at the bottom of the arc (where Trevo is moving at his fastest).
Evaluating the Options:
A and D show the marks far apart at the ends and close together in the middle. This would represent an object moving fastest at the extremes and slowest in the middle, which is incorrect for a bounce.
B shows the marks spaced evenly. This represents constant velocity, which is unnatural and robotic for this type of motion.
C correctly shows the marks clustered together at the ends of the arc and spread out in the middle. This depicts the "slow-in and slow-out" needed to show deceleration at the extremes and acceleration through the middle of the bounce.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Option (C) correctly represents the spacing of keyframes for a natural-looking bounce.
