What is the significance of the focal length, which is the distance between the lens and the image sensor in a camera, in determining the field of view and magnification of an image?

The focal length of a camera lens affects the field of view and magnification of an image. A shorter focal length provides a wider field of view and lower magnification, while a longer focal length results in a narrower field of view and higher magnification. This is important for determining how much of a scene can be captured and how close-up the details will appear in a photograph.