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.
Analogy
Think of your camera's zoom feature. When you adjust it to zoom in or out, you are essentially changing the focal length. The longer the zoom, the greater the magnification.
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.
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