Persistence of vision is a phenomenon where the human eye retains an image for a fraction of a second after the source has disappeared. This effect allows us to perceive a series of rapidly displayed images as a continuous motion, which is the basis for how movies and animations work. When images are shown in quick succession, such as in a film projector or animated cartoon, our brain fills in the gaps, creating the illusion of movement. This principle is crucial in various visual media, enabling us to enjoy everything from cinema to video games.