Focal Length (f)

Definition

The focal length is the distance between the center of a lens or mirror and its focal point. It determines how much a lens bends light and affects image formation.

Related terms

Magnification: The ratio of an object's image size to its actual size.

Real Image: An image formed by converging light rays that can be projected onto a screen.

Virtual Image: An image formed by diverging light rays that cannot be projected onto a screen but appears to come from behind a mirror or lens.