Dynamics refers to the process of creating animation by simulating physical properties of objects and how they interact. The interaction can be fully parametric, as in the case of solid objects falling on top of each other, or can comprise keyframe-animated objects (such as a thrown ball) and dynamics-animated objects (such as bowling pins).

In addition, a dynamics simulation can involve forces such as gravity, wind (with turbulence), drag, friction, bounce, and so on. More-advanced dynamics engines can also simulate soft bodies such as cloth and rope, fluids such as water and oil, and jointed bodies; the latter is sometimes referred to as “rag-doll” physics.