Step 1: Visualizing Motion Interpolation in 3D Space:
In computer animation, motion is represented mathematically as a function of value over time:
$$y = f(t)$$
These mathematical coordinates are plotted as curves on a Cartesian grid.
Step 2: The Purpose of the Graph Editor:
The Graph Editor is the primary workspace window that displays these interpolation curves. For a bouncing ball, it shows separate curves for each attribute, such as Translate Y (vertical height over time), Translate X (lateral movement), and Scale Y (squash and stretch). These curves allow animators to edit the acceleration, deceleration, and timing curves of each coordinate independently.
Step 3: Comparing Workspace Tools:
The Trax Editor (C) manages non-linear clips, while Clip Editor (A) deals with sound and video sequences. The specialized workspace that plots and adjusts coordinate curves is the Graph Editor (Option D).