In what way does a camera utilize optics?

A camera utilizes optics primarily by using a lens to focus light onto a sensor. This is critical because the lens serves the function of bending and converging rays of light to form a clear image on the image sensor, which may be a digital sensor or film. The lens's curvature and materials determine its focal length and light-gathering ability, which are essential for producing sharp images.

When light enters the camera through the lens, it is refracted (bent) which allows the camera to focus on subjects at varying distances. This focus on the sensor is essential for capturing details accurately, whether it's for photography or videography. By adjusting the lens position or its aperture, a photographer can control the focus and depth of field, leading to artistic effects and clarity.

The other methods mentioned, while related to various optical devices, do not specifically describe how cameras function. Using mirrors is more relevant to devices like periscopes or some types of telescopes. Amplifying light is related to concepts like image intensification but is not a standard feature of how cameras operate. Scattering light does not accurately reflect the mechanism of image capture in cameras, as clarity and detail rely on focused light rather than dispersed.